My dad wants me to start wearing a bra around the house
I (18F) stopped wearing bras around the house around 2 years ago. I didn’t like coming home from school and feeling that thing around my back and chest.
Now my dad is saying that I need to wear a bra. My mom says that “He’s a man, it’s distracting, he doesn’t need to see his daughters like that.”
As if I’m walking around completely topless. I just want to be comfortable, is that wrong? I feel like my body is something that needs to be censored and covered up all the time even at home.
He says that if my chest were smaller I could get away with it but I can’t because I have a larger chest. It’s really frustrating.
To address some things
My dad isn’t the one who actually told me my chest is distracting, my mom was. Out of both of them, my mom is the more conservative of the two of them.
She has a lot of bigoted ideals, my not wearing a bra is just one of her many gripes with some things I do.
And another thing, please stop calling my dad a creep. I know how the post sounds, but I think it’s more of him being conditioned to be repulsed by his daughter’s body. but it is still very frustrating to be told to strap on a bra when I’m trying to relax.
The Police have observed a resurgence of a scam variant that involves the impersonation of property agents registered with the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA). Victims were pressured by the fake property agents into making payments to secure the viewing or rental of properties. Between July and November 2023, at least 287 victims have fallen prey with total losses amounting to at least $1.8 million.
In this variant, victims would typically respond to sponsored property rental listings on various online platforms or websites (e.g., Facebook, Carousell, rental advertisement sites, etc.) with the largest number of victims having responded to listings on Facebook. The victims would generally interact with the scammers through WhatsApp using contact numbers in the rental listing. During their exchange, the scammers would impersonate a legitimate property agent and convince the victims of their credentials by sending pictures of their CEA registration number, business cards and pictures/videos or virtual tours of the rental property. However, the contact numbers provided would differ from the actual contact numbers registered with CEA. When victims asked if they could view the property, the scammers would claim that there was high demand to rent the property and pressurise the victims into making deposits to secure the property. Victims would discover that they had been scammed when scammers ceased contact with them or when they reached out to the legitimate property agents who have been impersonated through other means.
In some cases, victims were asked to meet up with the “personal assistants” of the fake property agents who would help facilitate their viewing of the property.
After the viewing, victims would be told to provide their personal particulars for the tenancy agreement and to make payments for the rentals through bank transfers or PayNow. However after paying, the scammer or “personal assistants” would cease contact with the victims. Between July and November 2023, at least 77 victims have fallen prey to this method of scamming, with total losses amounting to at least $473,000.
The Police would like to advise members of the public to adopt the following precautionary measures:
ADD – Add ScamShield App to protect yourself from scam calls and SMSes. Set security features (e.g., enable two-factor (2FA) or multi-factor/two-step authentication/verification for banks, social media, messaging and Singpass accounts; set transaction limits on internet banking transactions, including PayNow).
CHECK – Check for the scam signs with official sources (e.g. ScamShield WhatsApp bot @ https://go.gov.sg/scamshield-bot, call the Anti-Scam Helpline on 1800-722-6688, or visit www.scamalert.sg). Verify the legitimacy of a property listing via the following means:
i. Do not rely on Facebook or Carousell listings or the assurances of the scammer over WhatsApp. Check whether the phone number in the property listing belongs to a property agent registered with CEA. To do so, members of the public should key in the advertised phone number on the CEA Public Register @ https://www.cea.gov.sg/aceas/public-register/sales/1 to perform a search. If the search does not lead to a CEA-registered property agent’s profile page, it means that the phone number is not registered with CEA and is likely a scam, even if the property agent’s name and registration number can be found in the CEA Public Register. ii.Contact the property agent’s agency from trusted sources (not the number given by the Facebook or Carousell advertisement) to verify the authenticity of the listing.
iii.Property agents are not permitted to demand payments to view the premises. Rental deposits must be paid to the landlord’s bank accounts, not the “personal assistants” bank account or PayNow number.
TELL – Tell the authorities, family and friends about scams. Report the fraudulent pages to the online platforms (e.g. Facebook, Carousell) on which you found the listing.
If you have any information relating to such crimes or if you are in doubt, please call the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit it online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. All information will be kept strictly confidential. If you require urgent Police assistance, please dial ‘999’.
Andre Braugher, who most famously played Captain Holt in the hugely popular television series Brooklyn Nine-Nine, has died at the age of 61.
His representative Jennifer Allen revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that Braugher died on Monday following a brief illness.
Early Life and Education
Born on July 1, 1962, in Chicago, André Keith Braugher’s journey began in a modest setting. Raised in a family where hard work was ingrained, he pursued education at the prestigious St. Ignatius College Prep. His academic journey continued with a B.A. from Stanford University and a master’s degree from Juilliard, showcasing his intellectual prowess.
The Crossroads: Medicine to Theater
Initially considering a career in medicine, Braugher’s pivot towards theater occurred during his time at Stanford. He once quipped, “doing a play was more exciting than doing math in the library.” This shift marked the inception of a remarkable acting career that would captivate audiences for decades.
Braugher’s early forays into acting included prominent roles in Public Theater Shakespeare in the Park productions in New York City. From Richard II to Hamlet, his portrayals showcased a deep connection with the complexity and richness of Shakespearean works.
Television Triumphs
The actor’s big-screen journey was illustrious, with standout performances in films like “Glory,” “Primal Fear,” and “Get on the Bus.” His diverse roles, from dramas to thrillers, cemented his reputation as a versatile actor with an undeniable on-screen presence.
Beyond the silver screen, Braugher made a significant impact on television. His role in the 1990 TNT telefilm “The Court-Martial of Jackie Robinson” and the 2002 Showtime telefilm “10,000 Black Men Named George” demonstrated his ability to transcend mediums.
Personal Life and Legacy
Survived by his wife, actress Ami Brabson, and their children, Braugher’s personal life mirrored his professional success. The enduring love story between Ami and André began on the set of “Homicide” and continued for over three decades.
In lieu of flowers, Braugher’s family suggests donations to the Classical Theatre of Harlem, underscoring his commitment to the arts. The impact he left on the entertainment industry and those who had the privilege of knowing him is immeasurable.
The Police are investigating 10 men and 11 women, aged between 25 and 77, for their suspected involvement in illegal gambling activities.
On 10 December 2023, officers from Bedok Police Division and the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority conducted an enforcement operation against illegal gambling activities in a unit in the vicinity of Lorong 30 Geylang. During the operation, more than $40,200 in cash and other gambling-related paraphernalia were seized.
Under Section 20(2) of the Gambling Control Act 2022, any individual who gambles with another person in or from any place or premises in Singapore and knows, or ought reasonably to have known, that the place or premises is an unlawful gambling place shall be guilty of an offence and be liable on conviction to a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment of up to six months or both. Under Section 18(3)(a) of the same Act, any individual who conducts betting operations, gaming or lotteries unlawfully, shall be guilty of an offence and be liable on conviction to a fine of up to $200,000 and imprisonment of up to five years.
Investigations against the 21 persons are ongoing.
The Police take a serious view against all forms of illegal gambling activities and will continue to take tough enforcement action, including prosecuting those involved, to the fullest extent of the law. Members of the public are advised to steer clear of all forms of illegal gambling activities.
A recent altercation at Aeon Tebrau City Mall has become the center of a social media storm, with conflicting narratives emerging after a woman shared details of the incident on Facebook.
The incident involved a Singaporean man allegedly attacking a woman’s family, leading to death threats, online disputes, and a police investigation.
Facebook Plea for Help Turns into Online Dispute
The conflict began when a woman took to Facebook to seek assistance from netizens in identifying a Singaporean man who allegedly attacked her family at Aeon Tebrau City Mall, according to Oriental Daily.
According to her post, the man bumped into her younger sister, leading to a physical altercation where the sister, mother, and even the baby were allegedly threatened.
The woman posted a photograph of the alleged aggressor, urging people to message her privately and contact the police if they had any information about him.
Conflicting Narratives Emerge
However, the plot thickened when a man claiming to be a friend of the Singaporean man disputed the allegations, asserting that the incident was an accident. He explained that after the accidental bump, the friend was met with expletives from the other party and was physically attacked first, according to 8World News.
A video posted on Facebook showed a woman, purportedly the mother, swinging a bag at the man. The woman claimed the video was edited maliciously, and their mother was retaliating to protect them.
Family Members Speak Out
The Singaporean man’s twin brother spoke to China Press and emphasized that the incident was a misunderstanding. He wasn’t certain who initiated the fight but highlighted that his brother was injured during the scuffle.
The brother questioned the authenticity of the alleged assault on the woman’s baby, stating that both parties were at fault. He also expressed concerns over online threats his brother received, including threats to expose their address and harm them with a “30cm-long knife.”
Police Investigation Underway
In response to the incident, the South Johor Bahru District Police reported that they have received a complaint, and an investigation is currently underway. The details of the investigation, including whether both parties have lodged reports, remain unclear.
The online dispute serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding social media narratives, where conflicting perspectives can escalate a localized incident into a widespread and heated online debate.
I installed a camera in the living room and caught my husband making out with the babysitter.
I have been having suspicions for almost 4 months since I hired this part-timer young babysitter for my 3-year-old daughter. I’m a nurse working full time while he works three nights a week and comes home to sleep during the day.
I felt I was going crazy because something was off and he refused to ease my mind and answer questions I had – so I put a camera in the living room and saw nothing till day 4 when he and the babysitter were making out on the couch behind my daughter’s back while she was watching tv. I felt like my entire world came crashing to the ground. I felt all kinds of negative feelings including guilt even though I just wanted to keep my job when he complained about me pushing him to the side.
He started crying when confronted, tried to get me to listen but I took my daughter and went to stay with mom. It’s been a whole month now. The babysitter is gone and he’s still crying about his slip up, even went as far as say the babysitter was the one initiating.
I feel like I’m done with him after this. He managed to make me feel guilty for not dressing up or giving him enough attention now I do strongly believe I bear part of the blame in what happened.
I feel disgusted and my mind and heart keep racing not knowing how to deal with all of this. he’s begging for a second chance and his family are defending him against me.
Here are what netizens think:
He’s blaming the wife too. And he’s got her believing both. I hope she turns him in via video and kicks him out. He’s just a drain on her life anyway. In all shapes and forms.
It is not your fault. Shifting the blame is the cheater’s way to muddy the water and make you doubt what you know to be the truth. That goes hand-in-hand with blaming the babysitter – she initiated it – riiight. Read your own words: I feel like I’m done with him after this. I think that is your gut. Trust your gut.
In a harrowing incident, a 58-year-old man diagnosed with schizophrenia, Mohamed Khalid Mohamed Yacob, pleaded guilty to voluntarily causing grievous hurt to his 78-year-old mother.
The attack, which left the elderly woman with a broken nose, sheds light on the challenges individuals with mental health conditions may face and the potential dangers when treatment is neglected.
Background of the Offender
According to The Straits Times, Mohamed Khalid Mohamed Yacob, diagnosed with schizophrenia, had a history with the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) dating back to 1979.
Initially, he attended outpatient appointments regularly until 2016. However, a concerning shift occurred when he started defaulting on his IMH appointments after June 2016 and ceased taking his medication in 2017.
Assault on Elderly Mother
The incident unfolded on August 23, when Khalid’s mother retired to bed in their Woodlands flat around 10 pm, while he rested on the sofa. Approximately 10 minutes later, Khalid inexplicably decided to assault his mother. He approached her bed, woke her, and forcefully pulled her to sit upright.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Kelly Ng described the horrifying scene: “The accused then used his fist to punch the victim in the face multiple times… The victim cried in pain, but the accused continued to punch her.” The elderly woman, in distress, managed to escape the flat and seek help from a neighbor, who promptly alerted the police.
Contributory Link to Mental Condition
An assessment by an IMH psychiatrist revealed that Khalid’s schizophrenia had relapsed at the time of the attack. The psychiatrist noted a contributory link between Khalid’s mental condition and the assault. Auditory hallucinations and persecutory delusions were cited as contributing factors to his violent actions.
Legal Consequences and Sentencing
On December 12, Mohamed Khalid Mohamed Yacob pleaded guilty to voluntarily causing grievous hurt to his mother. He was subsequently sentenced to seven months’ jail, reflecting the severity of the assault and the potential dangers posed when mental health treatment is neglected.
In a deeply distressing incident in Singapore, an educational and behavioural therapist, Nur Amira Muhamad Razali, has been sentenced to three weeks’ jail for assaulting a severely autistic nine-year-old boy.
The incident, captured by a hidden closed-circuit television camera, revealed shocking acts of aggression, leading to injuries, including bruises on the boy’s neck and left elbow, according to The Straits Times.
Background of the Offender
Nur Amira Muhamad Razali, a 33-year-old educational and behavioural therapist, faced legal consequences on December 12 after pleading guilty to assaulting the nine-year-old autistic boy.
The offender, who is currently pregnant and has a one-year-old son, was also involved in a separate case where she used criminal force on another six-year-old autistic child.
Details of the Assault
The older victim, diagnosed with severe autism at the age of four, had been undergoing educational and behavioural therapy sessions with Nur for five years. The therapy sessions, lasting around 90 minutes each, were conducted in the privacy of the victim’s home behind closed doors.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Tan Shi Yun provided details of the assault, stating that the victim’s parents had a positive relationship with the accused, even attending her wedding. However, in June 2020, the boy’s mother began noticing scratches on his back and a red lump on his hand, attributing them to his carelessness.
The gravity of the situation escalated on July 28, 2020, when the mother discovered red marks on the boy’s left arm, resembling nail marks. Suspecting foul play, she decided to take matters into her own hands.
Discovery Through Hidden Camera
Concerned about her son’s well-being, the mother installed a hidden camera in the bedroom where the therapy sessions took place. The decision to do so proved crucial when, on July 29, 2020, the camera captured Nur engaging in disturbing acts during a session with the boy.
The footage revealed Nur hitting the boy’s left arm and mouth, as well as grabbing his neck and hitting his forehead with her right hand. This damning evidence prompted the mother to swiftly lodge a police report on the same day.
Legal Consequences and Sentencing
Nur Amira Muhamad Razali faced the legal repercussions of her actions as she pleaded guilty to assaulting the nine-year-old boy. She was subsequently sentenced to three weeks’ jail on December 12. Notably, two other charges related to a younger victim were also considered during the sentencing.
I (17m) got my first paycheck and took my mom out to eat
We decided to go to one of those nice seafood restaurants by the beach where appetizers are like almost $20, but I wanted to treat my mom!!
I was so excited because it’s my first job so first paycheck, my mom always does stuff for me so wanted to do something nice for her.
We tried calamari for the first time ever (it was da bomb). It even felt good to tip the waiter a lot.
I kno eating out is normal but when you’re the one paying for someone and they have a good time, it just made me feel really good. My mom was happy so it was worth it
Netizen’s comments
This is the mark of a good young man. Actions like this are things your mother will never, ever, forget.
That is really sweet of you! Make sure to save as much as you can, I wish I would’ve done that when I was younger!
Truly a great feeling. I went through the same feelings and once I could afford more was able to redo my parents bathroom at no cost to them. Also nice going back “home” and seeing the joy my hard work brought my parents even years later.
Google, the ubiquitous search engine, has once again provided a snapshot of the world’s curiosity with its release of the most searched news and trends for 2023. Among the myriad of global searches, Singapore stands out with its unique interests and curiosities.
Singapore News Highlights
In the realm of Singaporean searches, a few topics have managed to capture the attention of the populace. Among the top 10 searches in Singapore for the year 2023, sees former Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan Jin and former Workers’ Party senior member Nicole Seah in the top 3 most searched terms for the year, following their respective extra-marital affairs.
And sitting in 6th place on the most searched terms in Singapore for 2023 is Minister for Transport, S. Iswaran, who was investigated by the Corrupt Practices and Invetigation Bureau (CPIB).
Tan Chuan Jin
It was earlier reported on 17 July that (former) Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan Jin and his fellow People’s Action Party (PAP) Member of Parliament (MP) Cheng Li Hui had resigned from their posts and from he party.
It was later revealed that both Tan and Cheng had been engaging in an extra-marital affair, with the “inappropriate relationship” being one of the reasons for Tan’s resignation, on top of his now-infamous hot mic gaffe in Parliament where he muttered the phrase “f- populist” after Jamus Lim’s speech on a defined poverty line.
A statement was then issued by the Prime Minister’s Office before a press conference was called by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to address the situation.
Timeline of events
General Elections (GE) 2020
PM Lee said that he was made aware of Tan and Cheng’s illicit relationship after the GE2020, and although he doesn’t know when their “inappropriate relationship” had begun, both of them were spoken to and counselled about the matter.
February 2023
PM Lee had a conversation with Tan about the relationship that he had with Cheng, to which the former admitted to his wrongdoing and offered his resignation from his posts, which PM Lee duly accepted.
However, PM Lee said that he needed to ensure the residents under Tan’s constituency (the Kembangan-Chai Chee ward in Marine Parade GRC) were taken care of first, as well as settling the succession matters with the other MPs that included the Minister of Culture, Community and Youth, Edwin Tong and Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng.
In the meantime, he had to stop his relationship with Cheng; PM Lee also spoke to Cheng about the relationship as well.
The period after February 2023
PM Lee revealed that he “came across information that strongly suggested that the relationship had continued,” despite his instructions to Tan to stop the inappropriate relationship with Cheng.
PM Lee then decided that regardless of whether the arrangements were ready, Tan “had to go”.
April 2023 Parliament Sitting
During a parliamentary sitting in April, Tan uttered a profanity under his breath, which was overheard on the microphone that was still on at the time, and subsequently circulated online.
Tan was heard muttering the phrase “f-g populist” at the 1:25:28 minute mark of MCI’s livestream after calling for MP Vikram Nair (PAP-Sembawang) to speak following a speech by Workers’ Party MP Jamus Lim on the absence of an “official poverty line” in Singapore.
However, the remark went unnoticed at the time during the parliament sitting and in the live-streamed video.
10 July 2023
Tan’s “f-g populist” remark was discovered by a netizen who posted the clip online and subsequently went viral across social media platforms.
11 July 2023
Tan then took to his Facebook profile to issue a public apology, where he said:
“There is a recording of a Parliament sitting in April this year that has been circulating. I had to listen to the recording as I did not recall the occasion.”
“Based on the clip it appears that I had a reaction to a speech made in the chamber.”
“When I listen to speeches made, like everyone, I do form views on them. What was said were my private thoughts which I had muttered to myself and not to anyone.”
“However I should not have expressed them aloud or in unparliamentary language, and I apologise for that.”
“I have also spoken to the Member, A/P Jamus Lim, to make that apology as well; which he has kindly accepted.”
Jamus Lim then commented on Tan’s Facebook post and confirmed that “Speaker did indeed call, and I have accepted his apology.”
17 July 2023
Tan returned after going away for a while, submitting his resignation to PM Lee.
PM Lee said in his first public comments addressing the situation that he had “very recently” came across new information that Tan had continued his relationship with Cheng despite telling him to stop.
During their discussion, Tan agreed to leave immediately, because of his inappropriate relationship with Cheng, as well as the hot mic saga in Parliament.
At the same time, Cheng also resigned from her post.
A statement was then issued by the Prime Minister’s Office and a press conference was later held by PM Lee addressing the situation.
Nicole Seah
A video emerged online by Facebook user Victoria Wang, showing an alleged “inappropriate exchange” between Workers’ Party senior members Leon Perera and Nicole Seah.
The two were seen in the video having dinner with what appeared to be glasses of red wine, with the person alleged to be Perera appearing to be holding on to Seah’s right hand and stroking it gently before Seah leaned in closer to say something inaudible to him.
The Worker’s Party subsequently held a press conference, helmed by WP chief Pritam Singh and Sylvia Lim, addressing the extra-marital affair between WP member Nicole Seah and MP for Aljunied Leon Perera following the emergence of a video on 17 July suggesting an “inappropriate exchange” between the latter two.
Both Seah and Perera are married to other people and have two children of their own.
Singh said that he was made aware of the allegations sometime between late 2020 and early 2021 by Perera’s driver via Whatsapp, that both Seah and Perera had been meeting each other at restaurants and hotels very often, holding hands and hugging each other.
Singh said that at the time, there was no evidence or corroborating information to support the driver’s allegations and that he didn’t know Perera’s driver personally.
Initially denied the allegations
He then questioned Perera about the allegations and asked him if there was anything going on between him and Seah, Perera then denied the allegations, telling Singh that he was in the midst of an ongoing dispute with his driver and was about to terminate his services, and was seeking legal advice against his driver for the allegations.
The driver also shared the same information with other Central Executive Committee (CEC) members of the party over the next few months, with the party members seeking to verify the allegations with Perera, who once again denied the allegations.
The CEC then approached Seah about the allegations by the driver and she also denied the allegations of anything going on with Perera.
Eventually confessed to the affair
When the now-viral video of both Seah and Perera first emerged on 17 July, Singh said that it was the first time they saw it and he immediately got in touch with Perera and arranged a meeting with him in the afternoon, where he admitted to having an affair with Seah after the General Elections 2020.
Singh also arranged a separate meeting on the same afternoon with Seah where she also admitted to having an affair with Perera, but claimed that it had “stopped some time ago”.
Singh added that Perera told him that he should have been more “forthcoming” when approached by the WP members about the allegations.
Resignations
Both Seah and Perera have since resigned from the Workers’ Party, with Perera also resigning from his position as MP of Aljunied GRC.
Singh added that on 18 July, he received a letter of resignation from Seah; as well as Perera’s letter of resignation from the WP and informing the acting speaker of parliament that he was also resigning from his seat in Parliament.
He also added that Perera’s conduct and not being truthful when the party leadership asked him about the allegations were “unacceptable”, and that had he not offered his resignation, Singh would have recommended for Perera to be expelled from the party.
Singh added that from the moment the WP was made aware of the video, they moved as quickly as they could to get to the bottom of the matter and put things right.
S. Iswaran
Snippet of PM Lee’s Ministerial Statement
On the CPIB investigation involving Minister Iswaran.
Briefly, the facts of the case are these: While investigating a separate matter, CPIB came across some information concerning Minister Iswaran that merited investigation. CPIB alerted me on 29 May, and pursued this lead further on their own volition. On 5 July, Director CPIB briefed me on the findings he had at that point. He told me that CPIB would need to interview Minister Iswaran to take the investigation further, and he sought my concurrence to open a formal investigation. I gave my concurrence the next day, 6 July. On 11 July, Minister Iswaran was brought in by CPIB and subsequently released on bail. I instructed him to take leave of absence until the investigations were completed.
Subsequently, I interdicted Minister Iswaran from duty with a reduced pay of $8,500 per month, until further notice. Such incidents involving ministers are rare, and there is no rule or precedent on how to effect an interdiction on a Political Office Holder. Hence, I used the current civil service practice as a reference point. The specific details in Minister Iswaran’s case follow generally how the civil service would deal with a senior officer in a similar situation. But this was my decision as Prime Minister, because the political contexts for a minister and a civil servant being investigated and interdicted are different.
I should point out that CPIB investigations are still ongoing. I am unable to provide more details on the case, so as not to prejudice the investigations in any way. I ask Members of this House and the public to refrain from speculation and conjecture. We must allow CPIB to do its work, to investigate the matter fully, thoroughly and independently. When the investigation is completed, CPIB will submit its findings to the Attorney General’s Chambers, which will decide what to do with them. Whichever way the facts come out, the case will be taken to its logical conclusion. That has always been our way.
