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Creativity is about an intelligent search among a limited list of possibilities.
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Thursday, July 7, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
S’poreans have ‘unhealthy level of self-centredness’: SKM survey
[ By Fann Sim | SingaporeScene – Mon, Jul 4, 2011 ]Survey shows that Singaporeans are harsher on fellow Singaporeans. (Yahoo file photo)
Singaporeans display an "unhealthy level" of self-centeredness and self-absorption in their perception of their graciousness, a survey by the Singapore Kindness Movement (SKM) revealed.
In the third "State of Graciousness in Singapore" survey conducted in January this year, 43 percent of Singapore citizens and PRs rated themselves well in terms of how gracious they are, but when asked to rate the graciousness of other Singaporeans and PRs, only 15 percent gave good ratings.
When respondents were asked if they have done a random act of kindness in the last six months, 88 percent or 876 Singaporeans said they had, but only 55 percent or 553 Singaporeans said they had been on the receiving end of any such act.
The survey covered 1,404 people in Singapore, including 1,001 citizens and permanent residents (PR), 201 work permit and employment pass holders and 201 tourists.
"Singaporeans consistently give harsher assessments of fellow Singaporeans and are more forgiving towards themselves," Dr William Wan, general manager of SKM, said.
"The findings showed an unhealthy level of self-centeredness and self-absorption, and not being aware of and not appreciating the efforts of others. This is the attitude that we want to change," he added.
Most Singaporeans agreed with the statement that they did more kind and gracious acts than unkind and ungracious acts. They also prided themselves on being gracious person and would encourage others to do so.
However, 62 percent or 621 respondents agreed that it was not possible for Singapore to become a more gracious place due to the hectic and stressed lifestyle in Singapore.
What sort of behaviours would tick Singaporeans off?
445 Singaporeans felt that fellow Singaporeans did not display considerate dining etiquette. Singaporeans also listed inconsideration towards others on public transport and failing to display safe lane etiquette while driving as the least gracious behaviour.
Singaporeans also pointed to public transport, public spaces and public eating places as the top three areas that needed the most improvement in the survey.
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Widescreen: Longest bridges in world
The world's longest cross-sea bridge, spanning 36.48 kilometers across the mouth of the Jiaozhou Bay in China's eastern Shandong province, opened to traffic four years after construction started. Here's a peek into some of the world's longest bridges.
Lake Pontchartrain Causeway
Located in Louisiana, United States, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, consists of two parallel bridges that run parallel to each other. The bridges are supported by 9,500 concrete pilings and spans over 38.35 kilometres. The southern terminus of the Causeway is in Metairie, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans. The northern terminus is at Mandeville, Louisiana.
Donghai BridgeCompleted on December 10, 2005, the Donghai Bridge has a total length of 32.5 kilometres and connects Shanghai to the Yangshan port in China. The 'Donghai Bridge' is popularly known as 'The stone'.
Chesapeake Bay BridgeThe Chesapeake Bay Bridge is a four lane bridge that connects the Delmarva Peninsula's Eastern Shore of Virginia with Virginia Beach and the metropolitan area of Hampton Roads, Virginia. The bridge has a total length of 37 kilometres.
Vasco da Gama BridgeThe Vasco da Gama Bridge is a cable bridge with a total length of 17.2 kilometres. The bridge was opened to traffic on 29 March, 1998. The bridge spans across the Tagus River near Lisbon, Portugal.
Penang BridgeThe Penang Bridge opened to traffic on September 14, 1985 and connects Gelugor in Penang island and Seberang Prai to mainland Malaysia. The total length of the bridge is 13.5 kilometres.
Rio-Niteroi BridgeThe Rio-Niteroi Bridge is a box girder bridge that connects the cities of Rio de Janeiro and Niteroi. The bridge opened on March 4, 1974 and the total length of the bridge is 13 kilometres.
Confederation BridgeThe 12.9 kilometre long bridge opened on 31 May 1997, connecting the Prince Edward Island with New Brunswick, Canada. The Confederation bridge is a two-lane highway toll bridge.
San Mateo-Hayward BridgeCommonly known as the San Mateo Bridge, the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge connects San Francisco Peninsula with the East Bay. The total length of the bridge is 11.265408 kilometres.
The Seven Mile Bridge is is located between the Gulf of Mexico and the Florida Strait. Finished in 1982 at a cost of $45 million, the Seven Mile Bridge connects city of Marathon in the Middle Keys of Florida to Little Duck Key in the Lower Keys of Florida.
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Netizens applaud move to suspend DBSS land sales
[ By Fann Sim | SingaporeScene – Mon, Jul 4, 2011 ]UPDATE
Netizens have applauded National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan's recent move to suspend future land sales for the Design, Build and Sell Scheme.
Many welcomed his pro-active approach and also suggested a "back to basics" approach for the Housing Development Board (HDB), while others even called for the scrapping of the DBSS and Executive Condominium scheme.
The comments follow Minister Khaw's decision to suspend future DBSS land sales, an announcement he recently made on his Facebook page.
However, he pointed out that a few DBSS land sites sold last year -- which includes the Centrale 8 site -- will continue with the launch of their sales in the next few months, adding that the old tenders are beyond his control.
It's understood the HDB will also not proceed with the sale of the Bendemeer Road land parcel, which is slated for sale later this month.
The national debate over the DBSS scheme was triggered when property developer Sim Lian Group launched its Centrale 8 development at Tampines last month for a whopping S$880,000 for a five-room flat.
When contacted by Yahoo! Singapore, the Ministry for National Development (MND) confirmed that it is reviewing the scheme as part of an overall review of housing policies and not as a result of Minister Khaw's blog post over the weekend, where he responded to the errors and inaccurate figures used in a recent Business Times (BT) article.
However, he pointed out that a few DBSS land sites sold last year -- which includes the Centrale 8 site -- will continue with the launch of their sales in the next few months, adding that the old tenders are beyond his control.
It's understood the HDB will also not proceed with the sale of the Bendemeer Road land parcel, which is slated for sale later this month.
The national debate over the DBSS scheme was triggered when property developer Sim Lian Group launched its Centrale 8 development at Tampines last month for a whopping S$880,000 for a five-room flat.
When contacted by Yahoo! Singapore, the Ministry for National Development (MND) confirmed that it is reviewing the scheme as part of an overall review of housing policies and not as a result of Minister Khaw's blog post over the weekend, where he responded to the errors and inaccurate figures used in a recent Business Times (BT) article.
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Monday, July 4, 2011
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