The relationship had been going on for over two years. We had met in University and there was an instant connection. We talked for hours, went on late night walks, and had the most intense conversations. We were so in love.
Chose ‘beating aeroplane’ over sleeping with me
But, recently I had been feeling like something wasn’t quite right. He seemed distant, almost like he was avoiding me.
We used to ‘piak; all the time but now it seemed like he rather ‘beat aeroplane’ than be with me.
At first, I just thought I was being paranoid, but then I started to notice more and more. He was spending less and less time with me and when we did spend time together, he seemed distracted.
I could tell he wasn’t present in the relationship anymore.
Confronted him about it
I finally confronted him about it and he admitted that he was ‘beating aeroplane’ more than sleeping with me.
He said he just wasn’t “in the mood” for it and that it was easier to do it alone.
I was heartbroken. I felt so hurt. How could he do this to me? I loved him so much and I thought he loved me too, but here he was, choosing to ‘beat aeroplane’ rather than be intimate with me.
I knew right then and there that the relationship was over. I couldn’t be with someone who didn’t love me enough to even make an effort to be intimate with me.
Decided to move on
I didn’t know if I was ever going to be able to love someone again, but I knew I had to try. I had to find the strength to move on and find someone who would love me the way I deserved to be loved.
So, that’s what I did. I moved on and eventually found someone who loved me more than anything.
My new boyfriend was so into me, wanting to be intimate with me at anytime possible and he was a far cry better than my ex.
A preschool in Singapore is being exposed to allegedly being neglectful to a pet hamster and not providing proper care to it, resulting in the hamster being severely injured.
The hamster was kept in poor conditions after a fight with another hamster and was rescued from the school, which allegedly refused to surrender the second hamster.
AVS investigating
The NParks group director for AVS, Jessica Kwok, said that they are currently investigating the case and will take “necessary and appropriate enforcement action against anyone who does not provide adequate care for their pet”.
Hamster Society’s statement
Meet Pamkin the hamster. She is unable to open her right eye and has suffered extensive injuries – an eye abscess, severe facial infection and swelling, multiple open wound and scabs, signs of skin infection and what looks to be a necrotic tail. According to the informant, she was weak, malnourished and dehydrated when found, and her hideout was caked with poop, pee, and fur.
How did all these happen?
Pamkin was owned by a local preschool as a classroom pet. She was also housed together with another male hamster (whom she eventually fought with and was injured by) and was brought home by one of the preschool students over the Chinese New Year long weekend, during which a visiting family member noted her appalling condition and took her under their care. They then brought her to the vet, leading to the surrender of Pamkin as the school was unable to afford the costs of veterinary care – a basic necessity of proper pet care.
At HSS, we have long advocated against having hamsters, or any living animal, as a classroom pet for various reasons (more on this in a future post) – one of it being that more often than not, when the animal becomes unwell, there is little to no responsibility taken to provide the animal with the necessary medical attention. This seems hypocritical as most would claim that classroom pets are used to instill a sense of responsibility in the children, or to encourage the children to care and love for nature.
We hope that @beanstalksingapore and @nparks_avs can enforce bans on schools owning live animals as classroom pets as we have encountered numerous cases of poor care of classroom pets and we strongly believe that there are more effective and ethical ways to teach children without the use of live animals.
To donate for Pamkin’s care and incurred veterinary bills, you may make a PayNow transfer to *payment details redacted* or refer to our donation page (https://www.hamstersociety.sg/donatenow).
In this case, while we are thankful that Pamkin was surrendered instead of being left alone (which she would have very likely succumbed to her injuries), it felt evident that there was inadequate research done on proper hamster care nor was the need of vet funds considered.
We are concerned about the other hamster, which fought with Pamkin, who is still under their care.
The school has also yet to contact us, or provide a contact, regarding Pamkin as all the arrangements up till now has been made with the parent and family.
Pamkin was surrendered to us on 1 February 2023 and we have been taking the necessary steps to provide the care and medical attention she requires and deserves.
We are aware that there is a second hamster under the care of the preschool, amongst other animals. As the two hamsters were housed together, there is a likelihood that they may be in similar condition.
The school has declined our offer to take over the second hamster’s care. As we cannot force such surrenders, we can only hope that they will set a good example and provide proper husbandry and care.
We will be following up with the relevant authorities on the case of Pamkin
I had a craving for a scoop of my favorite ice cream. It was a hot day, and I had been out in the sun all day. I decided that I deserved a treat, so I asked my boyfriend if he wanted to come with me to the ice cream store.
Told me to lick his ‘ice cream’ instead
Little did I know, my boyfriend had a different kind of treat in mind. Instead of getting ice cream, he asked me to lick his ‘ice cream’ instead.
I was taken aback by his suggestion and immediately felt uncomfortable. I told him that I didn’t want to do that, and he kept insisting that it would be more fun than having the real ice cream.
I tried to reason with him, but he wouldn’t take no for an answer.
I was scared and confused. I had never been in a situation like this before. I didn’t know what to do, and my boyfriend kept pressuring me.
I was so embarrassed, and I felt like I had no choice but to do what he asked.
So, I reluctantly licked his ‘ice cream’.
It tasted horrible, full of ‘cheese’ flavour
It was a horrible experience that I wish I could forget.
There was full of cheese on his ‘ice cream’, as he did not wash it for a very long time.
Afterward, my boyfriend acted like nothing had happened. That’s when I realized that he had planned this all along.
He wanted me to do something I was uncomfortable with, and he didn’t care about my feelings or my wellbeing.
I was so angry and disgusted. I felt betrayed by the person I trusted the most. I wanted to get away from him and never see him again but I chose to forgive him and move on.
To this day, I still can’t eat ice cream without feeling disgusted.
I guess I’ll never be able to enjoy it as it is again.
The trip was supposed to be one of the most exciting trips of my life. After months of planning, I was about to go overseas with my mistress.
Lied to my wife that it was for a business trip
I had lied to my wife about the purpose of the trip, telling her it was a ‘business trip’ which required me to travel overseas.
I was sure that she would never find out, and I was looking forward to this romantic getaway with my mistress.
Little did I know that it was all about to come crashing down.
Found my mistress bra inside my luggage
After returning from the trip, I was exhausted but happy. I had been able to spend some quality time with my mistress, and I was feeling content.
But my joy was short-lived. When I opened my suitcase, my wife was standing right behind me.
She had found a bra belonging to my mistress, and she knew the truth.
Tried to ‘smoke’ my wife with an excuse
I tried to explain myself, but it was too late. My wife was devastated and furious. She had trusted me, and I had betrayed her.
I begged for her forgiveness, but all she could do was cry. I felt so guilty, so ashamed. All of my lies had come undone, and I had no one to blame but myself.
Got separated after
My wife moved out of our home shortly after that. She was both too hurt and angry to stay together with me.
I had ruined our marriage and broken my wife’s heart. I had lied, cheated and betrayed her trust, and I knew I had to pay the price.
I still think about my wife and the life we had together before that fateful ‘business trip’. I often wonder if things would have been different if I had not taken the trip.
But it’s too late now. The damage has been done, and I have to live with the consequences of my actions.
The Ministry of Health announced a number of updates to the Covid situation in Singapore, including the lifting of mask requirements on public transport as Singapore adjusts it’s DORSCON status to Green.
With effect from 1 April, all patients receiving treatment for Covid will no longer receive a 100% subsidy, but vaccinations will continue to be free.
Snippets of MOH’s press release
Regularising COVID-19 Financing Schemes
As we treat COVID-19 as an endemic disease, we will further scale back pandemic subsidies and re-align the provision of financing support for COVID-19 testing and treatment to that of other acute illnesses. The following changes will thus be implemented with effect from 1 April 2023[1]:
a) Hospitals and COVID-19 Treatment Facilities (CTFs). All patients, including Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and Long-Term Pass Holders (SCs/PRs/LTPHs) regardless of vaccination status, who visit a hospital or CTF for COVID-19 treatment will no longer be accorded 100% subsidy. Instead, our regular healthcare safety nets, namely, Government subsidies, MediShield Life and MediSave will apply to SCs and PRs and defray their healthcare expenses. We wish to assure lower income Singaporeans that financial assistance will be available to ensure that healthcare cost remains affordable.
b) Community Isolation Facilities (CIFs).CIFs will no longer be required for COVID-19, just as they are not required for other endemic diseases like influenza or chicken pox. Nevertheless, we will maintain some CIFs for COVID-19 patients who want to self-isolate for valid reasons. However, all occupants, including SCs/PRs/LTPHs, will be charged for their stay. As CIFs are not medical facilities, SCs and PRs will not be able to tap on Government subsidies, MediShield Life or MediSave to pay for their bills.
c) Primary care settings (Polyclinics and GP clinics). All patients will be required to pay for any COVID-19 testing, subject to prevailing subsidies.
COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics. COVID-19 vaccinations and COVID-19 oral antivirals will remain fully subsidised for clinically eligible patients in outpatient (including primary care), ambulatory settings of public hospitals and nursing homes, until further notice. This is because these are important preventive steps and treatments to avoid severe disease and hospitalisations, and will remain an important part of living with COVID-19. Additionally, patients with a higher risk of severe COVID-19, such as the immunocompromised and individuals with some comorbidities, may be referred by their doctors for free telemedicine support.
Vaccination as our Primary Defence in Living With COVID-19
Vaccination remains our first line of defence against COVID-19. Our high vaccination rates have been pivotal to enable us to weather successive waves of COVID-19 infections, build up our societal resilience, protect our healthcare system, and arrive at the endemic COVID-19 norm today. Given our high level of resilience and with the transition to an endemic COVID-19 new normal, the Expert Committee on COVID-19 Vaccination (EC19V) has reviewed our vaccination guidelines, and MOH agrees with the updated recommendations, as follows:
a. Everyone aged 5 years and above should achieve at least Minimum Protection – that is, three doses of mRNA or Novavax vaccine, or four doses of Sinovac vaccine.
b. Persons at higher risk of severe disease from COVID-19, that is, persons aged 60 years and above, medically vulnerable persons, and residents of aged care facilities, are recommended to take the booster around one year after the last booster dose. We urge them to receive their booster dose this year when they become eligible for it.
c. Persons aged 12 to 59 years who are healthy have a lower risk of severe disease. Nevertheless, a booster around one year after their last booster dose will be offered to enhance their protection.
d. Persons aged 5 to 11 years continue to be recommended to achieve Minimum Protection. They are neither recommended nor eligible for additional doses at this time.
e. Children aged 6 months to 4 years continue to be recommended to complete two doses of Moderna/SpikeVax or three doses of Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty. They are not recommended nor eligible for additional doses at this time.
As mentioned earlier, COVID-19 vaccinations under the National Vaccination Programme will continue to be offered free to all Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, Long Term Pass Holders and certain Short Term Pass Holders. All persons eligible for COVID-19 vaccination may book an appointment at the Joint Testing and Vaccination Centres, participating Public Health Preparedness Clinics, polyclinics and Vaccination Centres.
As part of ongoing efforts to ensure vaccination remains convenient for our seniors, we will continue deploying mobile vaccination teams (MVTs) to heartland locations. Between 15 February and 2 April 2023, MVTs will be deployed to multiple heartland locations for three days each. The full list of MVT sites and schedules will be continually updated at https://gowhere.gov.sg/.
MOH, with the advice of EC19V, will update our vaccination recommendations in future and when needed.
Vaccination Requirements for Permanent Residence, Long Term Passes and Work Passes Remain in Place
The COVID-19 vaccination requirements for new Permanent Residence, Long-Term Pass and Work Pass applications, as well as the renewal of selected Work Permit Holders and S Pass Holders in the construction, marine shipyard and process sectors or residing in dormitories, will remain in place to maintain the high level of vaccination coverage nationally. From 1 April 2023, persons who recently recovered from COVID-19 will no longer be given temporary exemption from COVID-19 vaccination requirements. Applicants are advised to check the ICA and MOM websites for the latest requirements before applying.
Following the looming adjustment of Singapore’s Disease Outbreak Response System Condition (DORSCON) to Green from Orange, the Multi-Ministry Taskforce will also be standing down.
However, MOH added that if the situation takes a turn for the worst, they will reactivate an “appropriate multi-agency crisis management structure.”
Snippet of MOH’s press release
Standing Down of the Multi-Ministry Taskforce
The Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) was convened in January 2020 to mount a swift and coordinated whole-of-Government response against COVID-19.
With the transition to DORSCON Green, the MTF will be stood down and the Ministry of Health will assume the management of the COVID-19 situation.
However, if the situation worsens significantly, we will reactivate an appropriate multi-agency crisis management structure.
MOH will continue to keep a close watch on the evolving COVID-19 situation. Ongoing surveillance of local and imported cases and through international partnerships, such as GISAID, will help to provide early warning signals of new variants with greater transmissibility or severity.
We will also continue to monitor our healthcare capacity. If there are signs that our healthcare capacity is becoming strained or a new and more dangerous variant has emerged, we may have to revise the DORSCON level, and reactivate some of our community and border measures again at short notice.
There may be a need for the population to urgently receive boosters to ensure that we remain protected.
Should this happen, we seek the support of everyone in Singapore to rally together again as we have over the past three years to overcome any new threat.
I have always thought insurance agents carry a certain level of prestige and respect.
After all, they provide an essential service to people who have to protect their assets or their lives. But lately, I have been feeling a bit differently about insurance agents.
Seems like anyone also can be one
When I was discussing the topic with a friend, he made a very valid point.
He said, “Any ah beng or ah lian can also become an insurance agent.” At first, I thought he was joking, but then I started to think about it. The more I thought about it, the more it started to make sense to me.
In my opinion, insurance agents should be highly educated and trained professionals. They should have a deep understanding of the insurance industry and its complexities.
But, in reality, that doesn’t seem to be the case. It seems like anyone can become an insurance agent, regardless of their qualifications or experience as long as they pass the papers.
I’ve seen a lot of young agents who just came out of school and most of them are just like the typical ‘ah beng or ah lian’ that you see chiong-ing all the siam dius.
There are some good ones but most are useless
Of course, there are some insurance agents who have worked hard to get where they are.
But, for the most part, I think it’s too easy for people to become an insurance agent. It doesn’t require any kind of special training or education.
All you have to do is pass the exam and you’re good to go.
You just need to study hard and it doesn’t matter how your character is.
This situation has made me look down on insurance agents. I simply don’t believe that such a crucial profession should be so easy to enter. I think it should require more of an effort.
It should require more than just passing an exam. It should require a certain level of expertise and knowledge.
I know that there are many insurance agents out there who are doing a great job. But, I still can’t shake the feeling that anyone can become an insurance agent.
It just doesn’t seem right to me. It doesn’t seem like it should be so easy.
I am not sure what the solution is. I just know that I will continue to look down on insurance agents until I see some kind of change in the industry.
Until then, I will continue to believe that anyone can become an insurance agent, including any ‘ah beng or ah lian’.
Following the tragic earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria earlier this week, the Turkish embassy in Singapore is appealing for donations for the earthquake victims.
The embassy said in a Facebook post that they are seeking kind donations from the public for canned supplies, mattresses, clothes, baby supplies and etcetera.
Turkish Embassy’s appeal for donations
Announcement regarding in-kind donations for people affected by earthquakes in Turkey.
Volunteers who are willing to send in -kind assistance to people in need in Turkey affected by the devastating earthquakes are kindly asked to send the attached items to Turkish Embassy in Singapore, 2 Shenton Way, SGX Centre 1 #01-03 Singapore 068804 by mail or through in-person drop off:
Please kindly send new/or well used products for hygiene purposes.
WINTER CLOTHES (Adult and Child)
Coats, rain coats
Pocket warmers
Boots
Sweater-Pullover
Pants
Winter scarf, headgear, gloves
Socks
OTHER SUPPLIES
Tent
Mattress (For tents)
Blanket
Sleeping bag
Thermos Bottle
Food parcels (durable food items – canned food)
Baby & toddler food
Diapers
Women hygiene products
A netizen commented that they emailed the embassy for more information and the embassy said that they are accepting the donations during this week and next week between 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 4.30pm, except the weekends.
I am a firm believer in fate. I always felt that some things in life are predetermined by the gods, and so I often visited a local temple for divination lots.
Divination lots tell me about my future
They are a kind of paper with a random number on it, and depending on what the lot says, it can tell me my fate in certain aspects of my life.
One day, I visited the temple and asked the fortune teller to give me a divination lot for love. I was single and eager to find true love, so I was hoping that the lot would tell me when I could expect to meet the right person.
To my surprise, the fortune teller said the lot was a good one and that I should expect to meet the right person within a month.
I was so excited that I ran home to tell my friends. They were all very happy for me and they said they could not wait to meet my future partner.
I was filled with hope and eagerly awaited the day when I could finally find true love.
However I am still single
A month passed and I started to worry. I had not met anyone and I was starting to think that maybe the divination lot was wrong.
I returned to the temple and asked the fortune tller what had gone wrong. He told me that sometimes the gods do not always give us the answers we want, and that I should not be so disappointed.
I was heartbroken and I could not believe that my dream of finding true love had been shattered. I felt like I was cursed and that I was doomed to be alone.
I returned home and tried to forget about it, but it was too late. I was still single and my dreams of love had been crushed.
I eventually gave up and resigned myself to a life of loneliness. I had lost all hope of finding love and all faith in divination lots.
I had trusted the temple and the gods, but they had failed me.
Now I understand that sometimes fate is not as kind as we would like it to be.
A woman in Malaysia posted on Twitter, warning others about a man who had been allegedly adopting kittens to feed his pet snake.
The woman, @vvnloll, posted screenshots of the man, @syazuanism, responding to a tweet of another netizen who said she wanted to meet other people from the reptile community in Malaysia.
The man said that he and his friends “always go for free kitten adoption (or rabbit) for our snakes.’
@vvnlol said in her Tweet: “Yall, there’s a man in his late 20’s going around “adopting” kittens to feed his pet snake. Be careful! this is happening in Malaysia.”
The man then tweeted and asked netizens if there are any kittens or rabbits being “let go,” and that he would like to adopt them, to use as food for his snake.
He then posted an update saying he had already found a kitten for his pet snake “Helga”, who is happy with its new meal.
Netizens’ comments
There people selling dead/live rats for feeding purposes. Not that it’s any less cruel but at least it’s no traumatising people who put in so much work to rescue and nurse kittens back to health for adoption. That’s just cruel to the rescuer and their rescue.
This tweet is about the guy that’s going around LYING about “adopting” kittens (that people worked hard to rescue and nurse back to health) and then feeding it to his pet snake. Basically a scammer.
I hope his pet will definitely take him as a meal soon.
Gosh, imagine how many kittens he had fed his snake
Yall, there’s a man in his late 20’s going around “adopting” kittens to feed his pet snake. Be careful! ☹️ this is happening in Malaysia. pic.twitter.com/5itQN5KMcB
