Oh yes. I love this "Whose Line is it Anyway" game which featured the classic tale of Romeo (Ryan, 3 words) and Juliet (Josie, 4 words) as well as Juliet's disapproving mother (Colin, 2 words) and father (Stephen Fry, 6 words). Especially this part by Stephen Fry: "Once. A. Capulet. Always. A. Capulet". Heh. Brilliant! Check out the clip here.
Sri Trang Agro-Industry IPO closed yesterday. The pricing, however, is delayed to Tuesday from Monday due to unfavourable market conditions. Wait that means today, and we still have not known the final price of this IPO? Unfavourable market conditions for this particular stock? Not good. For sure I'll give it a miss. SRI Trang Agro-Industry has launched its offering of new shares for a dual listing on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) to raise up to $448 million - higher than the $360 million that the market was expecting.
The world's largest processor of natural rubber is offering 280 million shares at a maximum price of $1.60 apiece. Net proceeds are expected to total up to about $427 million. The issue comprises 266 million international placement shares and 14 million public offer shares.
Sri Trang said the final price will be determined on Jan 24 after the completion of a book building process. The total Singapore offering represents 22 per cent of Sri Trang's enlarged share capital.
Sri Trang will continue to trade on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), where it has been listed since August 1991. Its shares sank 0.75 baht to close at 37.5 baht yesterday. Sri Trang's market capitalisation stood at 36 billion baht (S$1.51 million) on Dec 31, 2010.
The company plans to channel $277.6 million of the expected net proceeds to expanding its rubber processing facilities to take production capacity up to 1.5 million tonnes annually by 2012. It now has 21 facilities in Thailand and Indonesia that produce 860,259 tonnes a year.
About $85.4 million will be used to purchase up to 8,000 hectares of additional land or rubber plantations over the next four years. The remaining $64 million will go towards Sri Trang's general working capital.
Joint issue managers, bookrunners and underwriters for the IPO are JPMorgan (SEA), CIMB Bank Singapore, and Standard Chartered Securities (Singapore). JPMorgan (SEA) is the sole global coordinator for the offering.
The public offer in Singapore closes on Jan 24 and share trading is expected to start on Jan 28.
From Business Times, "Sri Trang IPO seeks $448m in SGX dual listing". (21/01/11)The Thai stock exchange suspended trading in rubber producer Sri Trang Agro-Industry yesterday ahead of the pricing of a Singapore initial pubic offering (IPO), which has depressed its share price in Bangkok.
The world's largest processor of natural rubber is expected to raise up to S$360 million through its listing on the Singapore exchange. Singapore is a big centre for rubber trading and the company already has a subsidiary there.
Thailand's largest publicly traded rubber maker initially announced plans for a dual listing last May and it was scheduled for September but global market uncertainties caused a delay.
Since the latest Singapore listing plan was announced on Jan 13, Sri Trang shares have dropped 10 per cent from around 41 baht to 36.75 baht on Friday as some investors expected the IPO price to undercut the Bangkok price.
The company, currently valued at US$1.2 billion on the Thai bourse, has said that it would offer 280 million shares at a maximum offer price of S$1.60. Its closing price in Bangkok on Friday is equivalent to about S$1.53.
The company said that it planned to use the proceeds from its new share offer to acquire and build processing facilities, pursue acquisitions and for working capital.
Sri Trang will continue to trade on the Thai bourse, where it has been listed since August 1991. It primarily makes blocked rubber for tyres and counts Bridgestone Corp, Michelin and Goodyear Tire & Rubber among its big buyers.
From Business Times, "Sri Trang suspended in Thailand ahead of S'pore IPO". (25/01/11)
Update: Sri Trang dips below offer price in debut trading. Not a good start.UNABLE to hold on to the gains it made, shares of the world's largest rubber producer and exporter, Sri Trang Agro-Industry, finished the first trading day on the Singapore Exchange one cent below its offer price of $1.20.
The 0.8 per cent fall yesterday came after investors pushed the secondary-listing stock to a high of $1.25 following its $1.15 opening. But Sri Trang, whose primary listing is in Thailand, surrendered those gains before dipping below its listing price. About 33.7 million shares changed hands.
Over on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), Sri Trang's shares continued to dive to close 5.7 per cent lower at 33 baht (about S$1.36) for a price-earnings ratio of 10.85. The company's shares have been falling since it announced plans for the secondary listing on SGX, with investors expecting the offer price to undercut its trading price in Bangkok and amid poor market conditions in Thailand. It was the best performer last year among the 479 members of the SET gauge, soaring 696 per cent as rubber futures rallied, according to Bloomberg data.
Its lacklustre performance on the SET following the secondary listing announcement led the firm to delay the pricing of its Singapore offer by two days, before setting one that was significantly below its stated maximum of $1.60 - which would have helped the firm raise $448 million, based on 280 million new share issues. The company ultimately netted $336 million in gross proceeds, and its share sale was 0.81 times subscribed.
Sri Trang currently has 21 facilities in Thailand and Indonesia that produce 860,259 tonnes of rubber a year. It is also looking to acquire additional land or rubber plantations over the next few years.
Last Wednesday, the company confused investors when it suddenly said in an announcement on the SET that it was abandoning plans to list in Singapore amid poor market conditions in Thailand. It then revoked its statement, saying that it was an error.
From Business Times, "Sri Trang dips below offer price in debut trading".
The above map of the Woodlands Waterfront is from URA website. With the latest news that today marks the completion of the Woodlands Waterfront, it is however a pity that it's not that easy to find out how to go there. The above map, notwithstanding.
From this blog entry, "Woodlands Waterfront", though, it mentions one can take a bus (SMRT bus no. 856) from Woodlands Bus Interchange & after 11 bus stops, one will get to the destination ("less than 50 meters from that bust stop").
Stay tuned for exclusive photos of this Woodlands Waterfront. Coming soon! (Well, maybe...) - Photos Part 1Residents in northern Singapore can now enjoy a spanking new recreational destination with the completion of the Woodlands Waterfront.
The Woodlands Waterfront boasts a scenic nine-hectare coastal park and a 1.5km-long waterfront promenade.
Visitors can also enjoy a scenic view of the entire coastal park and the Straits of Johor from high vantage points along the newly opened trail.
The park is furnished with rest shelters and dedicated jogging and cycling tracks.
A 700m-long cantilevered waterfront promenade, which was open to the public last November, also brings visitors closer to the coastline.
Once a warehouse site, the Woodlands Waterfront was officially opened on Sunday by MP for Sembawang GRC and Minister for Health, Khaw Boon Wan.
The S$19m project took about two years to build. About three hectares were opened to the public when the first phase of the waterfront was completed last May.
Sembawang GRC resident, Hamidah Salleh, said: "We came here a few times during the night. It's very alive and vibrant at night itself. You don't expect that at 11 and 12 o'clock (at night), there's still a lot of people here....barbecuing, fishing and playing around. It's quite fun, I like the atmosphere."
Madam Hamidah said another feature of the park she likes is the multi-generational playground.
"The playground is suitable for all ages, even for the elderly. There's a lot of exercise equipment they can use to do a bit of movement. So I think you can bring grandma, grandpa, little children (here). Everybody can enjoy here. I think that's what I like about this place."
Woodlands Waterfront also features a spacious carpark, with more than 100 parking lots.
From Channel NewsAsia, "Scenic Woodlands Waterfront unveiled".The newly completed Woodlands Waterfront will be yet another recreational choice for residents, said Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan.
He was speaking at the Sembawang GRC Residents' Day and completion ceremony for the Woodlands Waterfront.
Woodlands Waterfront will be one of the latest recreational and leisure choices for residents in the Northern region, which also includes Admiralty Park and the Northern Explorer Park Connector Network.
The park includes the "Scenic Trail" that lets visitors have a bird's eye view of the park and also look across the Straits of Johor.
A 700-metre stretch of cantilevered promenade with fitness areas and look-out points is also included in the 9-hectare park. There is also a 1.5km long waterfront promenade and jetty for visitors to take in the sea view, as well as a multi-generational playground and fitness corner for families and people of all ages.
The idea for a coastal park and promenade at Woodlands was first suggested by the Urban Redevelopment Authority in 2002 and later incorporated into the URA's Park and Waterbodies Plan.
Ng Lang, Chief Executive Officer of URA, said the park was part of URA's aim to enhance the quality of Singapore's living environment and make it a good city to work and play in.
"At the back of our minds, we have always planned with the aim to offer unique leisure options to all Singaporeans when carrying out environmental improvement projects like the Woodlands Waterfront," he said.
The location was chosen for its popularity with residents, who use it for their jogging, walking and cycling routes.
From Asiaone, "Woodlands Waterfront another recreational choice for residents". The Woodlands Waterfront project is part of the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s Parks and Waterbodies Plan, which seeks to enhance Singapore's green spaces and waterbodies on an island-wide basis. The project is under URA’s ALivE, or Active, Liveable and Endearing Communities programme, which upgrades waterfront areas, enhance community areas and improve amenities in these places. The proposal for this project was first featured during the Woodlands Improvement Plan exhibition in 2002 and again under the Leisure Plan of the draft Master Plan exhibition in 2008.
Seeking to create new recreational destinations for the residents of Woodlands and other nearby residential estates, a new 1.5 km long waterfront promenade will be created along this little known stretch of serene and tranquil coastline. In addition, a 9ha site, which is not needed for development in the next 10 to 15 years, will be fully developed into a coastal park by the end of 2010.
The project is developed in two Phases. Phase 1 consists of a 200m long waterfront promenade connected to a 400m long refurbished jetty, waterfront picnic areas, event plaza, and an amenity building with a roof top look-out point. Phase 2 will offer an additional 1.3km long waterfront promenade with fitness stations and lookout points, and a park scheduled to be ready by end 2010.
The Woodlands Waterfront will also form part of the comprehensive network of parks and park connectors in the area and is intended to provide connectivity for the residents to the waterfront for recreational purposes. With its completion, more of the northern waterfront will be accessible for public enjoyment. It will also be linked to the recently completed Admiralty Park and the park connector along Woodlands Centre Road and Admiralty Road West in the future.
From URA, "Woodlands Waterfront".
Just watched Shaolin (or also known as "The New Shaolin Temple"). Nice show & nice theme song. Titled "Enlightenment", the song does sound somewhat like a Buddhist chant.
Check out the official trailer of the movie here.Titled, "get in touch with mr. bryan for your bank draft $950,000.00", this another-obviously-a-scam email from one Mr. Sunil Puiri (admin@ecomm.com) is quite a lengthy one. What interests me is that this scam reveals an address in Malaysia. Heh. Of course the email has been forwarded to Royal Malaysia Police.Dear Friend,
How are you today, Hope all is well with you and your family?
I hope this mail meets you in a perfect condition. You may not understand why this mail came to you. But if you do not remember me, you might have received an email from me in the past regarding a multi-million-dollar business proposal which we never concluded. I am using this opportunity to inform you that this multi-million-dollar business has been concluded with another person who financed it to a logical conclusion.
I thank you for your great effort to our unfinished fund transfer due to one reason or the other best known to you. But I want to inform you that I have successfully transferred the fund out of the security company to my new partner's account in Malaysia that was capable of assisting me in this great venture.
Due to your effort, sincerity, courage and trustworthiness you showed during the course of the transaction I want to compensate you and show my gratitude to you with the sum of us$950,000.00. I have left an international certified bank draft for you worth about us$950.000.00 cashable anywhere in the world.
My dear friend I will like you to contact Mr. Bryan for the collection of this international certified bank draft have authorized to release the international certified bank draft to you as soon as you contact him regarding this issue. At the moment, I'm very busy here because of the investment projects which myself and my new partner are having at hand.
Please I will like you to accept comply with Mr. Bryan so that he will send the draft to you without any delay.
CONTACT: Mr. Bryan
ADDRESS: Block D-15-11 Vista, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
EMAIL: mrb836@gmail.com
Therefore, you should send him your full information as listed bellow, where you want him to send the draft to you or instruct him to get you fund wire to you by bank to bank wire transfer via Foreign Telegraphic Transfer Bank over there in Malaysia.
Your Full Name:
Your personal telephone number:
Your address:
Thanks, God bless you and your family.
Best Regards
Mr. Sunil Puiri.
From one Mohammed Ahmed (mohammedhmed@hotmail.com) who claims to be a dying man. (Well, a dying man who is able to write an email. Not much dying, huh?)Assalam Allekum,
My name is Mohammed Ahmed. I am a dying man who have decided to donate the sum of $18m million dollars.) to you for the good work of the humanity. Please contact me via. Email: mohammedahmed777@yahoo.cn for details information on this noble project of mine Please note that I have WILLED $18m to you by quoting my personal reference number Ms/Jds/577/0018/HtrI/33ln/eg so that i can confirm that you actually received my email notice to you.
Wassalam and regards,
Mohammed Ahmed
Email: mohammedahmed777@yahoo.cn
Title of the email is MY LAST WILL. Apparently there're many wills of him. Not so dying after all, is he? Heh.
From one Molahi Ahmed (info@hsbc.com) who outrageously claimed to be my Friend. Hur hur. Titled, Top Secret, the content of the email is hardly a secret to a scam!!Dear Friend,
I need your urgent assistance in transferring the sum of ($15.5) MILLION to your account within 10 banking days.
Email:molahi_ahmed@live.fr
Mr Molahi Ahmed.(Credit Officer HSBC BANK UK.)
Whose Line is it Anyway - If you know what I mean. Hilarious clip. You know what I mean! Heh.
Remember the tragic end to Marmaduke? Now a similar fate happens to the otherwise cool poster of Centurion. Heh. Don't you just love Cathay?!
Hutchison Whampoa's listing of its unit could raise US$6 billion, making it largest-ever IPO here. Impressive, isn't it?
Then again there's a rather negative remark from the Wall Street Journal, "Hutchison Eyes $6 Billion IPO for Ports Unit", which you may want to take note: "The port assets being listed are mature businesses that don't necessarily offer the growth potential of other ports operations, which could limit interest." HONG KONG conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa is lining up a initial public offering (IPO) that could raise up to US$6 billion and become Singapore's biggest-ever listing.
The firm headed by Asia's richest man Li Ka-Shing - he is worth an estimated US$24 billion - wants to spin off its ports in Hong Kong and southern China into a business trust.
The huge listing will be a coup for the Singapore Exchange (SGX), which, unlike Hong Kong, has developed the regulatory regime to accommodate such trusts.
Hutchison did not disclose the amount it hopes to raise but Dow Jones Newswires cited unnamed sources as saying the IPO could generate between US$3 billion and US$6 billion.
That means it could beat SingTel's record $4 billion IPO in 1993.
The listing, which was heralded in a statement lodged with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Tuesday, will be completed by March, said Reuters, quoting financial publication IFR.
From Straits Times, "Hutchison Whampoa plans massive S'pore offering".
Update on 28/02: take note of the offering price between US$0.91 and US$1.08. Still thinking & looking forward to reading more in its prospectus.Hutchison Port Holdings Trust said on Monday that it plans to raise as much as US$6.4 billion in an initial public offering (IPO) in Singapore.
The IPO by Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing's ports unit will be the biggest in Singapore's history.
In a prospectus filed in Singapore, Hutchison Port Holdings said it will offer a total of 3.9 billion shares to institutional investors and the public at an offer price ranging between US$0.91 and US$1.08 per unit.
The US$6.4 billion proceeds from the IPO assume the company is pricing its units at the top end of the range, investment by cornerstone investors and Hutchison exercising the over-allotment option.
If the overallotment option is not exercised, Hutchison would raise US$5.8 billion at the top end of the range, which includes proceeds from cornerstone investors.
The deal has attracted eight cornerstone investors including big names like Temasek Holdings, US hedge fund manager Paulson & Co and Cathay Life Insurance who will put in US$1.6 billion.
According to the prospectus, it will be the first publicly traded business trust backed by port assets.
The assets of Hutchison Port Holdings Trust are located in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, two of the world's busiest container ports in 2009 with a total throughput of 39.2 million twenty-foot equivalent units.
The listing comes at a time when sea-borne trade in Asia is experiencing a boom with many shipping firms diverting more container vessels to serve their Asian customers.
From Channel NewsAsia, "Hutchison Port Holdings Trust plans to raise US$6.4b in Singapore IPO".
For the first time ever (?!) there would be goodies offered to blood donors for this event by SPH. I will beg the donors to continue do the good deed and politely refuse the goodies! C'mon there should not be any kind of incentives, should there? And now is not the time to start giving out goodies for those who donate blood. Let it stay an act of giving--for the sake of giving, and nothing more.
PS. For the clueless, google for "sph red apple day" and you'll chance upon some interesting articles about this event.
Some points to list:
- SPH launched the Red Apple Day blood drive in 2001 as one of the company´s ways of contributing to society as a good corporate citizen. (Source: SPH, "SPH Red Apple Day".)
- The Singapore Red Cross requires at least 350 units of blood daily to meet the transfusion needs of patients in Singapore. Currently, the average collection rate is 250 units daily. (This is from a 2008 article, "SPH's Red Apple Day inspires new blood donors"--so perhaps now the no of blood units needed is more...or less. Likewise the average collection rate. Update: the required figure of 350 units of blood daily stays the same for that of this year.)
- Traditionally, the event was held in the middle of the year. For the first time this year, SPH has decided to hold an additional blood donation drive during the festive period to help the Bloodbank tide over the dry spell. (Source: SPH, "SPH Red Apple Day 2011".)If you are an AsiaOne reader, come down to SPH and be a blood donor to get yourself an exclusive AsiaOne gift on 25 Jan, 2011 and 7 Jul, 2011.
Simply print out this page and show it to us at the AsiaOne booth on the above days during the blood donation drive and we will give you a choice of an AsiaOne jacket, T-shirt, notebook or iPhone 4 cover (while stocks last and subject to availability) after you have done your good deed.
Or, if you prefer to save on paper and own a smartphone, just bookmark our mobile web page on your phone and show it to us on the day of the blood donation drive to get yourself a goodie too!
Remember, all gifts are while stocks last!
Facts on blood donation
- Donating blood should not hurt. A local painkiller is injected before the insertion of the donation needle to minimize any pain during blood donation.
- How much blood will be collected? If you weigh between 45 and 50 kg, 350ml of blood will be taken. If you weigh above 50kg, 450 ml of blood will be taken. 8 to 12 per cent of your circulating blood volume is taken during each blood donation. The volume of blood donated will be replenished in 72 hours if you have sufficient fluid intake.
- All blood collection instruments are disposed permanently after each use.
- All blood collections are conducted by qualified & trained staff.
- Blood donations do not cause weight gain.
- It takes only 45 minutes to donate one unit (450ml) of blood. This can save the lives of 3 people.
- Currently, only 30% of donors are women. So ladies, stand up and be counted!
SPH Red Apple Day
Dates: 25 Jan 2011 and 7 Jul 2011
Time: 12pm - 5pm
Venue: SPH News Centre, Auditorium (1000 Toa Payoh North, Level 1, Singapore 318994).
From Asiaone, "Help save lives. Be a blood donor".
Another IPO that I'll give a miss: Harry's Holdings IPO. Stated that in 2009 its revenues were $37.3 million with a profit of $2 million. Profit margin of then less than 10%? No thanks!Homegrown pubs and restaurants operator Harry's Holdings plans to raise S$5.28 million through an initial public offering (IPO) for a listing on Singapore Exchange's Catalist board.
Harry's is offering 24 million shares at 22 cents each, with all shares to be placed out to investors.
The company said the 24 million new shares represents about 25.3 per cent of the group's post-placement share capital of 95 million shares.
And at 22 cents a share, the shares offering is priced at a historical price earnings ratio of 7.8 times, based on the group's net earnings per share of 2.82 cents for the financial year ended Dec 31, 2009.
From a single bar opened in Boat Quay in 1992, Harry's currently owns and operates a chain of more than 30 lifestyle bars.
The company said it plans to use about S$1.5 million of the IPO proceeds to expand its brand presence in Singapore and overseas by opening new establishments by direct investments or joint ventures.
It also plans to use another S$250,000 to establish distribution channels for Harry's beer by appointing distributors and offering it for sale in select local supermarkets.
The remaining proceeds will be used for the group's working capital requirements.
Listing and trading of the company's shares is expected to start on January 26.
From Channel NewsAsia, "Harry's to launch IPO".HOMEGROWN bar chain Harry's yesterday announced its listing on the SGX Catalist with an all-placement IPO.
It will offer 24 million new shares at 22 cents each, and trading is expected to commence on Jan 26.
The 24 million new shares represent approximately 25.3 per cent of the group's post-placement share capital of 95 million shares.
At 22 cents per share, the placement is priced at a historical price/earnings ratio of 7.8 times.
This is based on the group's net earnings per share of 2.82 cents for the financial year ended Dec 31, 2009, and pre-placement share capital of 71 million shares.
Collins Stewart is the sponsor and placement agent for the IPO.
Of the $5.28 million in IPO proceeds, $1.5 million will be used to expand its brand presence in Singapore and fund expansion to overseas markets, said Harry's.
Some $250,000 will be used to establish distribution channels for Harry's beer in local supermarkets.
The rest of the proceeds will fund working capital requirements.
Harry's chief executive Mohan Mulani said the Catalist listing was the 'right move to make' as the company already has a pool of public shareholders.
Harry's has been listed on Phillip Securities OTC (over-the-counter) market since 2007.
Starting from a single bar in 1992, Harry's has grown to a chain of 32 bars and has diversified into other F&B businesses such as its 'Mirchi' line of Indian restaurants, catering and a boutique hotel.
It also owns Gymboree Play Programs, which provides play and music programmes to children, but Mr Mulani said there are no plans to further diversify into non-F&B businesses.
The Harry's bar chain contributes over 80 per cent of the group's revenue and will continue to be the main revenue driver, he added.
Harry's intends to adopt a franchise model for the overseas expansion of its bar chain. Mr Mulani said the franchise model was chosen because it is the 'best model' given Harry's resources and size.
'Some SMEs try to stretch themselves too soon,' he said. 'This is painful on their resources and P&L if they get it wrong.'
Mr Mulani revealed that he is in talks with interested parties in China and Vietnam and hopes to have the 'first overseas Harry's outlet in 2012'.
When BT asked if the overseas foray had anything to do with over-saturation in the local F&B industry, Mr Mulani admitted he faced limits to growth in the small Singapore market but with over 30 bars, 'the growth in the business is more than the cannibalisation'.
Harry's raked in revenues of $37.3 million in 2009, with a profit of $2 million.
From Business Times, "Harry's to list on SGX Catalist".
Closing date for this IPO of XMS Holdings will be on 24 Jan. Hardly appealing this stock is. Singapore-based XMH Holdings plans to raise S$25.2 million from its initial public offering on the Mainboard of the Singapore Exchange.
It is offering 100.95 million shares at 25 cents each.
Only 1.5 million shares have been set aside for the public, while the rest will be placed out.
XMH Holdings said it plans to use the net proceeds to fund the development of new premises or buy new premises for general warehousing and work areas.
It said the proceeds may also be used for the establishment of an assembly line for its in-house brand of power generating sets.
The offer will open at 9am on January 15 and will close at noon on January 24.
Trading is expected to start at 9am on January 26.
From Channel NewsAsia, "XMH to offer over 100m shares in IPO".
DIESEL engine distributor XMH Holdings is seeking to raise $18.85 million after expenses from its mainboard IPO, the first one registered with the Monetary Authority of Singapore this year.
XMH's offering comprises of 100.95 million invitation shares priced at 25 cents per share, of which 1.5 million shares are public shares.
About 7.5 million of the 99.45 million placement shares are reserved shares for independent directors, managers and employees. UOB is the manager, underwriter and placement agent for the IPO.
In FY2010 ended April 30, 2010, XMH's revenue was $74.5 million, up from $65.5 million the previous year.
About 90 per cent of XMH's 2010 turnover came from its distribution of diesel engines and power-generating sets, while 9.6 per cent came from after-sales services and trading.
While a majority of XMH's clients are shipyards and vessel owners buying marine diesel engines, XMH also sells power generators to hotel and building owners.
The company's order books as of Dec 15, 2010 stands at $72.4 million. Although the prospectus details a declining order book for XMH from $118.6 million in 2008, financial controller for XMH Johnson Yap told BT this has since 'normalised' and rebounded. 'Year 2008 was a boom time, where lead-time was short and there was tight demand and tight supply, so the order books were much fatter then. But the order book achieved in the first half of FY2011 is equivalent to the full year of 2010,' said Mr Yap.
XMH foresees diesel engine sales being buoyed further by its major market, Indonesia, in the coming year.
For one, there is increasing demand for vessels ferrying natural resources from the resource-rich nation. Also, the new Cabotage Principle kicks in from May 2011 prohibiting non-Indonesian flagged vessels from transporting cargo in Indonesian waters, which might prompt a wave of newbuild vessels.
The company wants to expand beyond its traditional Indonesian, Malaysian and Singapore markets. About $7 million of its net proceeds has been earmarked for expansion opportunities, which comprises Vietnam, Brazil and India.
An XMH Vietnamese representative office is in the pipeline.
Another $10 million of capital raised will be channelled towards acquiring new premises, which the company believes will cost about $22 million to acquire and develop. The new facility will help manage costs and efficiency for its bespoke propulsion and power-generating systems, said XMH's chief executive officer and chairman Elvin Tan.
These systems take about over a year from assembly to delivery, down from the initial two years. 'We want to ensure quality control for our value-added products with added oversight,' explained Mr Tan. 'We use a number of subcontractors currently, and want to bring our projects totally in-house.'
The public offer period will open at 9am today and close at noon, Jan 24. XMH shares will commence trading on Jan 26.
From Business Times, "XMH seeks to raise $18.85m from IPO".
Introducing Ophiuchus or also known as Serpentarius, the Serpent Holder or the Serpent Bearer.
The symbol (left - source: Wikipedia, "Ophiuchus (astrology)" ) is as suggested by Walter Berg in his The 13 Signs of the Zodiac (1995).
Come to think about it, the seemingly simple symbol is really apt to the zodiac's description. The right image (Source Gelageo's Opchiuchus) shows nicely a man holding a snake. So in the simplistic symbol's component, the letter U ought to refer to the man's two hands & the sine-like wave diagram to the snake. Nice. 
LIST OF KEY WORDS DESCRIBING THE SIGN OF OPHIUCHUS (Source: Ophiuchus - 13th Astrological Sign by Betmatrho): interpreter of dreams, vivid premonitions,
attracts good luck and fruitful blessings,
serpent holder, lofty ideals,
a seeker of peace and harmony,
doctor of medicine or science, natural-pathic,
adds, increases, joins, or gathers together
poetical, inventive nature, expanding qualities,
seeks higher education and wisdom,
overseer, supervisor of work,
fame - either grand, or completely misunderstood,
longevity, aspirations of healing the ills of man,
architect, builder, reaches for the stars, figuratively and literally,
tax assessor, or levys taxes,
astrological talents, intuitive,
large family indicated, but apt to be separated from them when young,
the number twelve holds great significance,
foresight and good fortune to benefit from hard times,
has secret enemies in family or close associations,
many jealous of this subject,
notable father, apple of father's eye when young,
high position in life expected [depending on aspects] highest fame and legend comes after death
feelings of granular, wise, genius mentality,
likes to wear clothing of vibrant colors, and plaids in particular,
receives the favor of those in authority.
What the hell? 'Tax assessor'? Heh.
This new zodiac has obtained acknowledgement even from a reputable magazine like TIME. In its article, "The New 2011 Zodiac: Has Your Sign Changed?", Ophiuchus is featured with the range of birth dates from 29 Nov to 17 Dec.
Partially quoted from TIME article on Ophiuchus:The brand-new Ophiuchis are known to take charge of any situation with wisdom and knowledge. They command the admiration of their peers and have big dreams for themselves.
So how does it affect the previously 12 zodiacs? Well just take a look at the new zodiac sign dates:
Capricorn: Jan. 20 – Feb. 16; Old dates: Dec. 22-Jan. 19
Aquarius: Feb. 16 – March 11; Old dates: Jan. 20-Feb. 18
Pisces: March 11– April 18; Old dates: Feb. 19-March 20
Aries: April 18 – May 13; Old dates: March 21-April 19
Taurus: May 13 – June 21; Old dates: April 20-May 20
Gemini: June 21 – July 20; Old dates: May 21-June 20
Cancer: July 20 – Aug. 10; Old dates: June 21-July 22
Leo: Aug. 10 – Sept. 16; Old dates: July 23-Aug 22
Virgo: Sept. 16 – Oct. 30; Old dates: Aug. 23-Sept. 22
Libra: Oct. 30 – Nov. 23; Old dates: Sept. 23-Oct. 22
Scorpio: Nov. 23 – Nov. 29; Old dates: Oct. 23-Nov. 21
Ophiuchus: Nov. 29 – Dec. 17; Old dates: N/A
Sagittarius: Dec. 17 – Jan. 20; Old dates: Nov. 22-Dec. 21
Inference:
- None of the existing Capricorn stays as Capricorn with the new zodiac dates
- Only Aquarius who were born on Feb 16 – Feb 18 will still be Aquarius
- Only Pisces who were born on March 11 – March 20 will still be Pisces
- Only Aries who were born on April 18 – April 19 will still be Aries
- Only Taurus who were born on May 13 – May 20 will still be Taurus
- None of the existing Gemini stays as Gemini with the new zodiac dates
- Only Cancer who were born on July 20 – July 22 will still be Cancer
- Only Leo who were born on Aug 10 – Aug 22 will still be Leo
- Only Virgo who were born on Sept 16 – Sept 22 will still be Virgo
- Only Libra who were born on Oct 22 – Oct 30 will still be Libra
- None of the existing Scorpio stays as Scorpio with the new zodiac dates
- Only Sagittarius who were born on Dec 17 – Dec 21 will still be Sagittarius
Bleah, I'm no longer a Scorpio! THOUSANDS of people woke up to the realisation this week that they aren't who they thought they were.
Worse still, neither was that partner they always thought they were so compatible with based on their astrological signs, because this week it was announced that many of us were reading the wrong horoscope.
'Over the 2,500 years or so since the zodiac was established, your sign has moved about a month relative to the sun and stars,' wrote Robert Roy Britt in a posting on LiveScience that was republished by a newspaper in Minnesota, triggering the zodiac panic. 'You're no longer what you think you are, and so if you're an astrology buff, perhaps poised to make a New Year's resolution based on the stars and a reading of your supposed personality, know that you're actually following observations, predictions and advice aimed at another person entirely.'
The shift, which has come about because the Earth has been wobbling on its axis for millennia, means most people go back a sign. Warm-hearted, patient Taurus becomes selfish, quick-tempered Aries. Eminently practical and prudent Capricorns are now blindly optimistic and careless Sagittarians. And many Sagittarians are now Ophiucus.
Oh what? Ophiucus. It's the hitherto little-heard-of 13th astrological sign. Apparently the Babylonians had an Ophiucus column in their daily horoscopes but it got dropped somewhere between their civilisation and ours. In any case, news of the shift and of Ophiucus's resurrection sent astrology buffs reeling.
If they weren't wondering how to get rid of the Scorpio tattoo that they just had done when it turns out they're really Libra, as Michele Zipp did in a blog posting on The Stir, they were pondering some of the other existential questions raised by the change. According to a survey conducted in 2009 by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, a quarter of Americans believe in astrology. That's 75 million people who could be wondering about Ophiucus.
From Straits Times, "The abrupt dawning of the age of Ophiucus".
The Game Station presents an epic gangland tale of betrayal and violence in this mock trailer for THE BROTHERS MARIO. Check it out, "New Mario Bros. Movie Trailer | The Game Station Exclusive!".
C'mon, what other way can they use to show how defiant they can be against the government? The 14-day deadline by MDA to register will come & go and TOC will still not register as a political association.
No, they will chose to shut down their website & return with a stupid new name like "The (New) Online Citizen" or "The Online Citizen...is back!"
Yeah. Not really looking forward to it. SOCIO-POLITICAL blog The Online Citizen may become the first website here to be gazetted as a political association, which will bar it from receiving foreign donations.
The Registry of Political Donations said that it had sent a letter to the editors of the website on Monday, informing them of the Government's intention to gazette the site as a political association.
Earlier on Tuesday, The Online Citizen (TOC) had put up a posting informing its readers of the move.
Separately, the Media Development Authority (MDA) has also sent an e-mail to the site's editors asking them to register under the Broadcasting (Class Licence) Notification.
The two moves require the website to submit particulars of the people behind it.
The Registry of Political Donations, for instance, has asked it to identify its owners, editorial team and administrators. It also has to name a president, treasurer and secretary.
From Straits Times, "The Online Citizen to be listed as political association".The Registry of Political Donations under the Prime Minister's Office has confirmed it sent a letter to The Online Citizen (TOC) portal of its intention to gazette it as a political association.
On Tuesday morning, TOC had posted on its website that it received an email from the Prime Minister's Office on this.
Responding to media queries, the Registry said the Political Donations Act (PDA) prohibits political parties, political associations and candidates in parliamentary or presidential elections from accepting donations from impermissible or foreign sources. In addition, it requires these entities to report large donations received.
The Registry added that as a website that provides coverage and analysis of political issues, TOC has the potential to influence opinions and shape political outcomes in Singapore.
The Registry said that as such, the portal has to be gazetted to ensure it is not funded by foreign elements or sources.
Apart from this, the Registry added that TOC is "entirely free to continue with its normal, lawful operations and to receive financial support from Singaporeans and Singapore-controlled companies".
The Media Development Authority (MDA) has also written to TOC, asking it to register its website in 14 days.
It said the registration is to "emphasise to Internet Content Providers to be responsible and accountable for what they say online ...which is important given that Singapore is a multi-racial, multi-religious society".
MDA qualified that registration "does not mean that the discussion of political topics is disallowed" and "does not entail more stringent conditions".
The move to gazette and register requires the portal's owners, employees and staff to be identified.
Commenting on the issue, Singapore Management University's Assistant Professor of Law, Eugene Tan, said: "With the general elections round the corner, this development can be seen as administrative house-keeping by the authorities in the lead-up to the hustings."
He noted that the Registry's requirement to gazette and the MDA's requirement to register were two different things.
But he added: "The concern in both cases is to inject responsibility and accountability in parties engaging in local politics. After all, the content of TOC is as political as those of the political parties in Singapore and is likely to be active in stories relating to the elections."
The move to call for registration is not unprecedented.
In July 2001, the Singapore Broadcasting Authority (MDA's predecessor) required Singapore Internet Community's (Sintercom) founder Dr Tan Chong Kee to register Sintercom - an Internet forum that provided for discussion on various national issues.
The explanation then was that such content providers had to be responsible and transparent when engaging in Singapore's political issues.
The last group to be gazetted is human rights advocacy NGO Maruah in November last year.
From Channel NewsAsia, "The Online Citizen portal to be gazetted as political association".
Update on 19/01: The appeal is rejected. As expected, though I'm sure TOC is quite surprised that the 14-day deadline still stays the same. Six more days counting down for this intriguing site to shut in oblivion... THE Prime Minister has reaffirmed his decision to gazette The Online Citizen (TOC) blog as a political association, turning down an appeal from the site.
The Registrar of Political Donations, who comes under the Prime Minister's Office, on Tuesday wrote to TOC acting chief editor Joshua Chiang, 35, and co-founders Choo Zheng Xi, 25, and Andrew Loh, 43, to inform them of the decision.
From Straits Times, "The Online Citizen's appeal rejected".The government has rejected a request from The Online Citizen (TOC) not to be gazetted as a political association.
This was in response to a written request from the TOC addressed to the Prime Minister last Friday, asking for a reversal of the decision and an explanation.
In a reply on Tuesday, the Registry of Political Donations which comes under the Prime Minister's Office said the decision was made after careful consideration.
The letter emailed to TOC said: "The Prime Minister re-affirmed the decision" to gazette.
That gives the political blog six more days to provide the identities of its owners, editorial team and administrators.
It will also need to designate a President, Treasurer and Secretary, who will be responsible for the preparation and accuracy of TOC's donation reports.
According to the Political Donations Act, the definition of "political association" includes "an organisation whose objects or activities relate wholly or mainly to politics in Singapore, and which is declared by the Minister to be a political association."
The Registry said this definition clearly applies to TOC, whether or not it considers itself non-partisan.
Once gazetted, TOC will also be barred from accepting foreign donations.
According to the Act, this is to protect Singapore's political process from being manipulated by foreign interests.
Explaining the decision in the letter to TOC's Acting Chief Editor, Joshua Chiang, and co-founders Choo Zeng Xi and Andrew Loh, the Registry said the blog is "not a passive website that simply hosts social or political commentary by individuals which have nothing to do with it".
It said TOC "provides coverage, commentary and analysis of political issues, and is a platform for discussing such issues."
It added that TOC has organised online and offline campaigns to change legislation and government policies.
It has also organised a forum for local politicians, and run polls on public support for local politicians as well as political issues concerning Singapore.
TOC will no longer be allowed to receive anonymous donations beyond S$5,000 a year and must file annual reports on significant donations received.
Responding to TOC's claims that it is largely staffed by volunteers and has never accepted foreign donations, the Registry said the website should then have no difficulty in complying with the Act's regulations.
The Registry also reiterated that being declared a political association will not hinder TOC's existing activities.
From Channel NewsAsia, "Online Citizen's appeal not to be declared a political association rejected".
Photos taken at NTUC Fairprice. They have a nice, small hut with a white rabbit looking kind of stunned on the kind of merchandises shoppers grab. Can't resist grabbing the first shot with the guy shooting the rabbit. Heh.
Don't you just love how confident the Google Spokesman, Chip Dunn delivers the threat? Heh. Oh and the google teleport is really a great idea! Grin.
This article, "Shop owner calls police when I complain about loosened shoe eyelet" truly confounds me. Police were called just to address a menial dispute between a shoe shop lady and a disgruntled customer.
The article is a one-sided story by the customer aka stomper Kevin. He had photos and all the time in the world to post his grievance against LSL Management (Blk 410 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10 #01-847 Singapore 560410, phone no. 64574618--yes, the company does exist!) and none of the common sense to heed the police' advice to file a complaint to CASE.
Bad publicity is one thing. Stomper Kevin might have achieved his goal, but I do hope LSL Management not to take it lightly & to post sooner (at STOMP-where else?) their version of the story.
The above screenshot is from www.timeislove.com.my. It's basically about a couple of lovebirds gazing at each other eyes & saying the cheesiest things like, (by the male) "I love you. I will give you anything." To which the female replies, "All I want is just to be with you."
None of them is wearing a Solvil et Titus watch, but a gift box in between might have just consisted that watch.
It just proves guys don't listen, huh? The girl has obviously stated what she wants & still the guy fails to give what she wants & instead gives her a miserable materialistic piece of a watch.
Pathetic.
Remember this documentary-style movie called "District 9"? I just found out the original District 9 short film (produced by Neill Blomkamp) which the movie is based off.
Check it out here. The short film is real short--only 6 minutes 23 seconds.
This is my favorite quote from the movie (not from the short film): "When dealing with aliens, try to be polite, but firm. And always remember that a smile is cheaper than a bullet."
