Dear ASS Editors,

If you drive down Chinatown, you will see a beautiful sight as you past Masjid Chulia. Outside the mosque, there is a huge banner wishing our S'porean Chinese a Happy Chinese New Year!

Where else in the world can you see such a kind gesture from different race and communities? Who dare say our Singaporean Muslims are growing distant? This is perfect example why there is harmony in Singapore between Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian!

I feel so proud to be Singaporean, hope all our races and religions will continue stay together in good harmony and happy new year to all. Have a good public holiday rest for those who do not celebrate CNY.

Chang Yi
A.S.S. Contributor

Dear A.S.S,

I like to share this uplifting story with you.

I left house early for tuition in hopes to reach my tutee's house earlier. However, the feeder service at my area was delayed 20 minutes due to the oil spill at Woodlands. So I decided to cab to CCK once I reached Woodlands interchange.

In the cab, halfway through the journey to the entrance of BKE, the traffic congestion was really bad and the vehicles were barely moving. I think he could see that I was panicking and then he decided to drop me off at some random bus stop and asked me to take the train instead because the jam definitely wouldn't clear anytime soon and also to save me from the meter fare. The meter fare would probably jump to $20 or even more if he hadn't dropped me. He had to cut across 2 lanes to drop me off even when the rest of the vehicles aren't even moving.

When I took out my wallet to pay, he rejected my money immediately and said it's okay and even told me to hurry to my tutee's house. I quickly thanked the uncle but it felt like a single thank you wasn't enough because it was only when I was on the train, I realized that the jam was extremely bad and he had to go through the jam without any customers since it was impossible for him to make a u-turn. Faith in humanity definitely restored.

Thank you so much uncle! Only managed to get his car plate (SHD 4957 Y) but not his name.
Be good be inspired...

Elizabeth Chua

FOOD ALERT - BAK-KWA IMPORTS IN SINGAPORE

We are aware of email messages which claim that most bak-kwa (barbecued pork) sold in Singapore is from China and may contain rat, fox and mink flesh.

We would like to assure the public that the majority of bak-kwa sold in Singapore is produced locally from raw pork sourced from countries such as Australia, Brazil and Spain. A small percentage (<5%) is sourced from two establishments in China that are approved to export semi-processed frozen sliced pork (heat-treated) to Singapore.

We conduct regular authenticity tests on all imported meat products. So far, imported meat products, including those from China, have passed our authenticity tests.

All imported meat consignments are required to be accompanied with health certificates duly endorsed by the overseas competent authority. There are also no establishments in Malaysia approved to export barbecued pork to Singapore.

<Facebook post by Nur>

I have a 'solat buddy'. A prayer buddy. She's not muslim, we are not of the same race and we don't even speak the same language! World's apart, this elderly aunty and I share this set of newspapers. Her to rest, me to perform my maghrib prayers. Hehe.

Every friday i need a corner to perform my maghrib prayers in a shopping mall between my lessons. My usual spot is taken away due to construction so one friday, this lady saw me pacing back n forth for a place to pray and so willingly did she get up from her newspapers, spread it out to me and gestured for me to do my prayers beside her. Ever since then, every Friday she does the same for me. She works as a cleaner at that shopping mall and takes her rest at that spot routinely. I am truly amazed and touched by this blessed act.

Islamophic? Definitely not her. We may not speak the same language, we may not be of the same religion but we are still an integral part of our society. The solution to islamophobia cannot be for us to modernise or limit the practices of islam to what seems 'acceptable' in the eyes of non-muslims. But it should be having a greater understanding of one another's religion.

May Allah guide this aunty and all of us, to be better ambassadors of our faith and simply be better people.

<Facebook post by Rayden Sim>

Chinese New Year is coming, just to share a bit on what u can do at home for the new year. Please go to my website www.tianlufengshui.com for some articles on Chinese New Year preparation.

This one is not in my website. Please find 8 pieces of $1 SGD gold coins, wash it clean and use blue tag to paste at the flower side of the gold coin as shown in the photo. Then stick it at or on top of the door frame as shown. As long the door doesn't hit the coins when closed.

The gold coins of Singapore has a Eight Diagram on its sides. It can be used to enhance the Qi of the main door. Now is the Period 8 of the fengshui cycle. Thus, 2008 coins will be used. While searching for the coins, also keep 2009 coins so that u can use them when the Period 9 of the fengshui cycle kicks in in the year 2023.

Wishing everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year!!

<Facebook post by Betty Tan>

I am writing this post for the benefit of all parents who have children below 6 years old. Our son was hospitalized today for febrile fever. He was having cough and fever yesterday and had seen the doctor. Doctor prescribed normal cough and running nose medication. His fever went up to 38.6 last night and I gave him suppositories. Fever was ok throughout the night but came back this morning though wasn't high. Our helper called when we were at work to say Cyrus wasn't breathing and rushed him to hospital. According to our helper, He had a seizure and was foaming at his mouth, stopped breathing and turned blue. He regained consciousness at the hospital. We are thankful that we stay not too far from the hospital.

The doctor explained he had "febrile fits". Apparently it was quite normal for children below 6 years old and is not life threatening.

Usually occurs during high temperatures or when there is a sudden spike in the temperature. This is the 2nd time it happened in our family. Our youngest daughter, Ciara also had it when she was 18 months old. Her temperature then was 38.3 degrees Celcius and Cyrus was at 38.5 degrees Celcius. We are really really thankful that he is okay.

In case this happened to anyone, these are the things that may happen and what you should do:

In a fit, the child's arms and legs will jerk involuntarily; up-rolling of the eyes and teeth clenching are common signs. The child may also pass motion and/or urine during a fit.

Fits usually last a few minutes, with some as long as 15 minutes.

A child will commonly feel sleepy after a fit.

There is a 30% chance that the child will have another fit, especially if the body temperature maintains at 38.5ºC and above.

The actual cause of febrile fits has not been clearly established but there may be a background family history associated with it.

Simple febrile fits do not cause brain damage, nor do they cause delay in child's development.

What you should do:

Stay calm, DO NOT PANIC!

Do NOT attempt to put objects such as a spoon or even your finger into the child's mouth. This will only cause unnecessary injury to the child and yourself. Nor should you try to feed the child medication during a fit.

Place the child on his side to prevent choking of secretions. Try to keep him comfortable by allowing him to lie on a flat surface. Make sure that hard or sharp objects are not in the way as they may hurt the child during the fit.

Try to bring the fever down after the fit has ceased with either medication prescribed by your doctor, or sponging. However, do not feed any medication orally while your child is still drowsy.

Always bring your child to the doctor if in doubt.

Bring the child to a doctor if :

This is the first time the child has a febrile fit.

The fit lasts more than 15 minutes.

The child is unable to move one side of his body, such as the arms or legs, after the fit.

The child is unusually irritable or drowsy after the fit.

The child has injured himself during the fit, such as a head injury as result of falling off a couch.

Taking Care Of A Child With A History Of Febrile Fits

Monitor the child's body temperature closely every 2 - 4 hours.

Feed the child medication and sponge him regularly to keep his body temperature below 38.5ºC

Rectal valium may also be used when fits occur. Check with your doctor on the usage. (Extracted fm http://www.Kkh.com.sg)

I hope this post helps some parents out there. Don't be like us! We were ignorant when it first happened and were scared the wits out of us! Even when it happened the 2nd time, we still lose it when helper called to say Cyrus wasn't breathing! Apparently it happens in 1 out of 4 children or 25% of the children get it. For us it was 50%. Since it is so common, I believe all parents with young children should be educated on this. Take care!

Dear ASS Editors,

Juz wanted to share this food review with all Singapore when going to 海底捞 (Hai Di Lao)I have taken chilli sauce and my wife also taken the sauce and our 2 kids and process for our food...

But what surprise us is the bill... We are bill $7 per person for the chilli sauce we have taken..... I'm surprise that this practice in Singapore... $7 for the sauce might as well go and robbed..

Juz sharing with anyone that never been to this place please be careful and don't take the sauce...$7 per person for the sauce is too much

Dave Tan
A.S.S. Contributor

Dear A.S.S,

I want to feedback and complain abt the sandwich from breadline!

I bought the sandwich at 710am today at hg central interchange and I open up and eat at 8am the sandwich has turned sour!

I feel that the shop shouldn't sell overnight bread or sandwich esp with ham and egg in it and waste my $2.50 too!

Please look into it and give me favourable reply

Lynn L

Dear ASS Editors,

I had been living in the flat for 20 years, my unit was at 2nd level. I did respects all Religious as in our believe, we are not allowed to DISRESPECT others religious. What I want to bring up these matter to public are: The air pollution which came from the in-cent's paper burning smokes that every day seeps into my door every morning when I opened my main door.

I did send an email to the HDB Town Council few years ago but nothing been done. I only requested the town council to do something about it. My request that the in-cents burning bins are to be move further away from the flats, may be 20 to 30 meters away. I am not talking to remove it totally, there are few believers did burn the in-cent's paper every morning, not to say when it comes on Seventh's Moon Festival my unit will having smokey almost occupied the whole of my living hall and we have difficulty to breath.

There was only one bin for years and before the Seventh Moon Festival last year, there was another new one was brought and placed right in front of my my unit at ground floor. Just imagine, if one bin was already makes my living hall smokey and difficult to breath, now there was added one more bin.

If you were living in my kind of flat, what will you do? I am seeking for the consideration from HDB Town Council and Department that Involved to consider the occurrence of these problems. We are humans, If smoking is not allowed on corridors and what about this everyday's smokes come right into your door.

MD
A.S.S. Contributor

Dear editors,

A friend received a call from a 'credit company' asking if she is the cousin of so and so....The name was not one of her cousins. Even her name was not correct. Thereafter, she has been receiving calls from different numbers, claiming that person had used her name and phone number as a guarantor for her loans! She even received threats on whatsapp.

I accompanied her to make a police report but she continues to receive such calls daily. The Police had advised her to just ignore the calls and messages!

Is that the new operation standard of Ah Longs nowadays? They simply accept a telephone number with a name as guarantor for loans? I find this ridiculous! Anyone who has access to a register, eg. reservation queues at restaurants & etc can simply use any of the names/numbers to borrow money

I hope the authority can do something about this issue.

Does anyone has any similar experience to share? She is really at a loss what to do except not picking up calls with unfamiliar numbers. This is disrupting her peace of mind.

Fairy Tan

<Facebook complaint by Cindy Yong>

I felt cheated, my air con break down at the wee hour and I search google to find is there any 24 hours air con services. Finally we've found this company Evertech builders & services (68818662) so eventually they send their technician to our house to check what exactly happen to our air con.

We were told that it's the wiring problem so we need to change a new one that costs a bomb to us!!! ($700) We were so desperate that we agreed to pay.

Unfortunately 3 hours later, my air con break down again. Same situation !!!! I was so furious and I called the company so many times, no answer at all.

So I went in to see their reviews I was so shocked! Know what? All looking for a compensation!! Gosh!!! And same goes to me I'm looking for a compensation now if they didn't get back to me by tomorrow I'm gonna file a report with CASE.*dishonest company* as for what the reviews that makes me feel this way.

So guys pls beware and don't be the next victim. This person have been conning money since 2009 ! Watch out for this 3 companies!!!!!

<Facebook post by Wendy Kwek>

BEWARE OF CROC!

Dear friends, pls b aware that Croc shoes n similar type of shoes can get trapped in the escalators. My son's shoe got devoured yesterday n fortunately we pulled n snapped him out of the shoe before it was too late.

He was unharmed but could u imagine what if we did not pull him out! Do warn ur friends n loved ones about this. Take care n be safe..

<Facebook post by Woodlands East NPC>

At Woodlands Mart, we came across Mr Poon, a visually challenged 72 years old resident was having a hard time finding his way home.

We got him home safe and Mr Poon made us happier that day :) ‪#‎singaporepoliceforce‬

For a male Singaporean, the PAP government will only allow you to renounce citizenship either when you are below 12 years old OR above 21 years old. Thus, most males are trapped in order to be conscripted. This rule has been in place since 1970s but most still don’t know about it.

Frankly, Brandon only lived in Singapore when he was a baby and during pre-school years. He is now more Kiwi than Singaporean given that he has lived his entire school years and teenage years in New Zealand. He doesn’t have any emotional or physical connection with Singapore nor does he give a care about Singapore or Singaporeans.

Why waste taxpayer monies to train and house him in Singapore? As an unmotivated NSF, do you think he will put in effort to carry out his duties in SAF, SPF or SCDF? He would probably just skive and put in only the bare minimum. Even if on duty & in uniform, he may just ‘act blur’ unless a superior orders him to do something.

So why insist on Brandon coming to Singapore to serve NS? I doubt if PAP will make exception — purely because it will set precedent for other Singaporeans. PAP is most scared of losing cheap & compliant Singaporeans for the suck machine that is otherwise known as NS.

Bluntly, he will just have to tell PAP to f-off and don’t ever set foot in Singapore. If Brandon really wants to serve, he will rather enlist in NZ Army. At least their recruits get $3000/month.

Ladies, be it young or old! Beware of this molester at Chinatown! Going around touching ladies' vagina from the back. Initially tot someone accidentally brush until but it seems weird because it's at the vaginal area.

Not sure who did it, so just continue to walk until this guy appear in front and did the same to an old auntie. Confronted him, Still insist that he didn't. He manage to run off but didn't know he is so dumb to appear again at the mrt.

He realized that he is being snap, he immediately alighted at the next station. Ladies, just beware of such people. Btw, at the point Chinatown wasn't crowded at all.

Hi ASS,

I wish to bring to your attention that on 6 Feb, Saturday, there is going to be a pro-rape meet-up at Fort Canning Park organized in the support of a pick-up artist. He is an advocate of rape and extremely misogynistic, and has recently been rallying groups worldwide to reinforce his beliefs.

Here is the list of targeted locations worldwide, with the abovementioned Fort Canning Park included:
http://www.rooshv.com/full-city-listing-and-meeting-points-for-internati...

I am deeply concerned. What if unsuspecting young girls who are not privy to this gathering decide to innocently visit Fort Canning when this is being carried out?

Additionally, if this meeting is condoned, there could be long-term negative implications. Singapore that has always been internationally renowned for its security cannot allow such violent ideas to be propagated and imbued into the minds of our men, which could lead to acts compromising the rights and safety of our female citizens.

This is highly urgent and unsettling.

Beanie
A.S.S. Contributor

<Facebook sharing by Mohamed Shahreza>

Today we had to rush our boy to KK due to high fever, and came this kind soul from Grab whom patiently brought us to our destination safely. We were so touched by his care and concern about our son throughout the journey. Were really grateful for his high sense of morality.

Reached KK and he quickly opened the door for my son and wife, and what really surprised us that he don't want to accept the fare. We then insist so much as he is making a living and we can afford it, but he just declined even more. He left with saying "Treat this as an angbao for your baby, and may he get well soon with great health."

At this point, We were speechless and couldn't thank him more. (Okay we felt like crying... seriously). In todays world we do still see good people around us and we are blessed to have him in this small part of our life. The amount may not be much but His little action is far greater in our hearts.

This is something which we ourselves are lacking and we should learn from in the act of giving.

‪#‎grab‬
‪#‎grabcar‬
‪#‎actofgiving‬

PLEASE HELP TO SHARE AND BEWARE OF THIS GUY NAMED XAVIER LIM JIN SHENG.

On Monday 01/02/16, approximately 6pm in the evening, my brother and his friends went to the nearby basketball court to have a few matches. While in a match of basketball, came a guy named XAVIER and he called them out and expressed his interest in joining the game. After a game of 10 minutes or less, he decided to "rest" on the grandstand.

After completing their game of basketball, a friend of my brother's found out that his phone and wallet were missing. He urged everyone to check on their belongings and that was when my brother realized his phone and $17 worth of cash went missing too.

Yesterday, 02/02/16, we managed to get hold of the video tape that was captured by the security camera installed outside a near by recreational centre facing the basketball court.

One of my brother's friend called and informed us that he is at home. We decided to approach him at his home to show him the video and get the facts straight out of him but he denied on every account that he stole any items neither from my brother nor his friends. Upon hearing that, I decided to asked him why did he touch my brother's bag then and he could not give me an answer and his hands was shaking badly (Most probably from guilt and fear of us reporting to the police).

Initially, all we wanted was to give him a chance to repent and return us the stolen items but since he decided to deny even after having prove that he was the ONE, we decided to report him and hand over the security tape to the police.

We believed that this is not the first time that such incident has occurred with him being the main suspect. We have all seen his face on facebook being the guy that stole his family members valuable. I have also attached the screenshot that was posted by his brother in law.

Shame on you, Xavier Lim. A 13 years old boy's phone you also want to steal, if you are so poor go and look for a job!!! Stop being a scum in our society!!!

Dear A.S.S,

After reading ur posts about f*ed up neighbours, I decided to share about the a**holes who live above my unit.

I've been staying at my place for about 5 years. 2 years ago, a family shifted into the unit above mine. Since then, my family and I have been putting up with incessant noises such as hammering and drilling. In the wee hours of the morning, we can hear water gushing down our toilet pipes. Imagine that at 1 am when u are trying to get sleep after a long day at work and u hear this in ur masterbed room...

We have spoken to them about the noises. They just say sorry and after that, the noises will resume in 2-3 days. Once at 12 midnight, my wife and I went up to tell them to stop pouring water down the pipes because we can hear it very clearly in the master bedroom. Guess what was their reaction?

The couple just shouted into the bedroom, "Oi stop it. People complain liao", and they carried on watching the TV with their poker face. Complain? It is common sense. Don't do such things in the middle of the night. I was so angry but my wife dragged me back to our flat.

When I am sick and have to take MC, it's impossible to rest at home because the unit upstairs seem to have endless things to drill and hammer.

Recently, the paint in our kitchen ceiling and toilet ceiling has been flaking. We think it is due to the continuous drilling and hammering done by the neighbour upstairs. It's very unhealthy because we cook in the kitchen and it is very unhygenic if the paint falls off into the food when we are cooking.

What can we do? We have confronted them many times already. My friends say most probably, I would have to split the cost with the neighbour to fix the peeling ceiling. Is that true? Why shd I have to pay for what they do?

Ryan
A.S.S Contributor

In the latest COE bidding exercise, all premiums went down with Cateory B COE crashing by $11,479 to $38,610. This was much lower than Category A vehicles which closed at $46,651.

Open category COE which can be used for any vehicle type fell by $7,000 to $44,001. Motorcycle premiums stayed high with a minute drop of $9 to close at a crazy $6,503.

COE for commercial vehicles held firm and closed maginally down at $45,036.