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Lawyer M Ravi sentenced to 21 days in jail for contempt of court

Jewel Stolarchuk
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Lawyer M Ravi sentenced to 21 days in jail for contempt of court

SINGAPORE: Suspended lawyer M Ravi was sentenced yesterday (8 Nov) to 21 days’ jail for contempt of court. The 54-year-old lawyer was found guilty of nine instances of contempt, with four committed in the State Courts before District Judge Chay Yuen Fatt and five in the High Court before Justice Audrey Lim, all occurring in November 2021.

Mr Ravi’s actions that led to his contempt of court conviction included accusing Judge Chay of bias without a basis, intentionally interrupting him, and insulting him by suggesting he could be removed at will by the State. Similar allegations were made against Justice Lim in a separate case involving Chua Qwong Meng versus SBS Transit. Mr Ravi also applied for Justice Lim to disqualify herself on the grounds of bias without instructions from his client, Mr Chua.

Mr Ravi was suffering from a hypomanic episode arising from his bipolar disorder during the time of the offences. However, the prosecution argued that the disorder did not significantly limit his ability to exercise self-control and restraint.

The prosecution sought a five-week jail term, with costs of S$12,000 and disbursements.

Mr Ravi, representing himself, argued that jail should only be imposed as a last resort, citing the substantial impact of his bipolar disorder on his behaviour at the time and requested fines instead.

Justice Hoo Sheau Peng acknowledged the contributory link between Mr Ravi’s bipolar disorder and his conduct but determined that it did not substantially impair his capacity to exercise self-control. She emphasized the seriousness of Mr Ravi’s offences, noting his related antecedents of misconduct in the courtroom and lack of remorse in previous disciplinary proceedings.

Justice Hoo ultimately awarded the Attorney-General costs of S$10,000.

After the hearing, Mr Ravi announced on Facebook that he considered the sentence “very harsh” but said he had decided not to appeal and would serve the sentence immediately.

Mr Ravi had previously been suspended for a maximum of five years in March for making accusations against the Attorney-General, Attorney-General’s Chambers officers, and the Law Society.

He also faces criminal charges for separate incidents, including slapping a woman outside a temple, slapping a man near a train station, and behaving in a disorderly manner, with upcoming court appearances for those charges.

Woman asks if her maid’s address can be changed without notifying her agent

Obbana Rajah
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Woman asks if her maid’s address can be changed without notifying her agent

SINGAPORE: An employer took to social media asking if her helper’s address could be changed without her agent being notified. In a post to a social media support group for domestic helpers and employers alike, the woman wrote: “I would like to transfer my helper to under my father’s address. How do I go about without agent and I do not wish for my helper to notify agent”.

Netizens who commented on the post said to ensure her helper agreed to the change. Others also asked if changing the helper’s address also meant that her employer would change. “Change address to your father and it means she will work to that address . Do you move to your father’s place?,if not ..then it is not allowed to do that. The helper only works at the place where she’s employed(her employer’s residence)”, one netizen commented. Another netizen said it would be better to have the process done by an agency, but if the employer was sure, she needed to register the change with the Manpower Ministry (MOM).

According to the MOM:

“To transfer an MDW directly, both the new and current employers must carry out certain steps.

If you are the current employer, you need to:

  1. Send the helper for her 6-monthly medical examination if you have not done so.
  2. Log in to our FDW eService to approve the transfer request from the new employer. Please wait for the request which will be emailed to you before you log in to approve it.
  3. Pay levy up till the date the new employer issues the Work Permit.Once the new Work Permit is issued, the current one will be automatically cancelled and your levy billing will stop.
  4. Cut the cancelled Work Permit card in half and discard it to prevent misuse.

We will discharge the security bond 1 week after the helper starts working for the new employer. We will inform you of the discharge by post.

If you are the new employer, you need to carry out these steps in sequence. Note: The first 2 steps must be completed 30 days before the helper’s Work Permit expires.

Check with the current employer that the helper has met all these conditions:

At least 30 days before the helper’s Work Permit expires, ensure the helper

  • Has completed her 6-monthly medical examination.
  • Is fully vaccinated.
  • Has a Work Permit that is valid for more than 30 days. If her pass is expiring, the current employer can submit a request to extend her Work Permit.

Submit an application. If the application is approved, we will email you the in-principle approval (IPA). Employers can also log in to our FDW eService to download the IPA and declaration form.

Prepare for helper’s transfer and get the permit issued”.

LIBRE Initiative blasts Bidenomics

Gemma Iso
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LIBRE Initiative blasts Bidenomics

LIBRE

The LIBRE Initiative, an influential Hispanic grassroots organization supported by Koch Industries, is set to make a significant splash ahead of the third Republican debate in Miami.

The group will air two brand-new ads on the Salem Radio Network, marking a pivotal moment in their mission to engage Latino communities in the Republican fold.

The LIBRE Initiative ads

The first ad is designed to serve as an introduction, bridging the gap between the LIBRE Initiative, which has diligently labored for over a decade to bring Latinos into the Republican sphere, and the Salem Radio Network.

The second ad takes a bold stance, declaring that Hispanics believe the nation is headed down the wrong path and express disapproval of what they refer to as “Bidenomics.” This forceful message highlights the LIBRE Initiative’s commitment to driving conversations around conservative policies.

Daniel Garza, the president of the LIBRE Initiative, explains that these ads are all about expanding the group’s influence and promoting ideas that “transcend race.”

Wadi Gaitan, the communications director of the group, elaborates on their intentions. “There is a significant portion of Hispanic conservatives out there who get their news from outlets like Salem, so we can continue to draw them in as activists and volunteers,” Gaitan added.

The group is using data from a poll they have conducted. The poll revealed that a staggering 70% of Latinos disapprove of the current direction of the country. The group is leveraging this data to assert that “Hispanics are not optimistic about the trajectory of the country under Bidenomics.”

The group’s ads on the Salem Radio Network are set to spark lively discussions within the Hispanic community. With the Republican debate just around the corner, all eyes are on how this initiative will continue to shape the narrative surrounding Latino engagement in conservative politics.

Read More News

Rise of men avoiding to date woke women, would you date one? 

Cover photo: Unsplash

The post LIBRE Initiative blasts Bidenomics appeared first on The Independent News.

The US economy and skyrocketing national debt

Gemma Iso
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0
The US economy and skyrocketing national debt

economy

In the book titled “Building a More Resilient US Economy,” released by the Aspen Economic Strategy Group, a stark reality comes to light – the US economy is far more fragile than most lawmakers are willing to admit.

Fragile US economy

In Harvard economist Karen Dynan’s analysis, it would require $2,400 per year/American through spending cuts or tax increases to stabilize the national debt.

Dynan’s extensive research sheds light on the reasons behind the looming fiscal crisis. The bulk of the structural deficit increase can be attributed to higher spending on Social Security and Medicare benefits, a consequence of the retiring Baby Boomer generation.

To stabilize public debt as a percentage of the economy, Congress would need to adopt a combination of spending cuts and tax increases equivalent to 2.8% of GDP or nearly $800 billion annually.

Inadequate political momentum

Despite the fiscal red flags, political momentum is inadequate to address the deficit at the required scale. The Republicans are keen on extending the Trump-era tax cuts set and have rebuffed President Biden’s claims regarding potential cuts to retirement programs.

Their commitment to reducing the IRS budget caused concern among experts who believe that it will exacerbate the deficit by reducing tax collections.

On the other hand, the Biden administration has ruled out tax increases for households earning less than $400,000, with their budget proposing an average annual deficit reduction of $250 billion.

The problem – Politics

In the words of Karen Dynan, “The challenge posed by high and rising federal debt is significant but manageable as a matter of economics. The big problem is political.” She emphasized the dire need for elected leaders to communicate the facts while acknowledging that this task has not been fulfilled to date.

The big question is — can the nation’s leaders rise to the challenge and address this mounting fiscal crisis?

Read More News

Millennials and Gen Z: Changing the 2024 US election landscape

Cover Photo: Unsplash

The post The US economy and skyrocketing national debt appeared first on The Independent News.

X users mocking unaware plus size woman mocking “incel” me

Asir F
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X users mocking unaware plus size woman mocking “incel” me

Plus Size

The plus sized movement has garnered significant attention in recent years. However, to conservatives on X, they feel that this movement has started to allow larger women to be arrogant and mean. Furthermore, a woman was recently seen describing “incels” typically known as men who aren’t able to attract women. She made severe derogatory comments about these men.

Currently, there aren’t that many stories on the mainstream media discussing this problem. For the most part, they are always woke and appear to be “forward” thinking, when in reality, they’re just bringing down others to satisfy their desires. According to the BBC, The incel movement, short for “involuntarily celibate,” comprises young men who express their frustrations, anger, and hate related to their romantic failures.

Furthermore, some incels describe their misogynistic views and extreme opinions. They often view themselves as genetic failures, referring to sexually successful men as “Chads.” Incel communities on platforms like Reddit, Facebook, and 4chan have come under scrutiny, as these online groups perpetuate harmful beliefs and ideologies about women. A counter-incel community exists as well, drawing attention to the dark world of incels.

X users weirded out by plus size woman mocking incels

The plus size woman was seen on a podcast discussing this issue. She states that incels are men who are involuntarily celebate and that they are losers who smell bad. However, X users disagree with her statement, namely stating that she isn’t aware of herself. A user comments that her self-awareness is at a -1000 level.

In addition to this, users are questioning two main things from the video. They are asking how she is able to gain that level of self-confidence. The other question is how is the chair she is sitting on able to hold her entire weight without collapsing. Some who are against shaming others state that they laughed at this comment a little too loud.

Following that, users are mocking the woman’s physical appearance by stating that she is a land “whale.” Users are obviously unhappy seeing an individual who would make a huge scene when told she isn’t the societal standards, mocking others who are also not in the societal standards. Regardless, it would not hurt for people to be polite to each other.

Read More News

Conservatives upset that diversity does not include White people 

The post X users mocking unaware plus size woman mocking “incel” me appeared first on The Independent News.

Kevin Costner and Reese Witherspoon rumoured to be dating

The Independent
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Kevin Costner and Reese Witherspoon rumoured to be dating

Costner

Kevin Costner and Reese Witherspoon are rumoured to be dating and the duo seem to have a lot in common. From recent divorces to acting careers it appears, that common threads have brought them together.

According to one source, Costner has had his eye on her ever since she won an Oscar but didn’t figure she was going to be as “charming as hell” too.

“They’ve been calling and texting on the pretence of finding the perfect script, but it’s becoming almost a daily occurrence,” said one source.

Costner, 68 and Reese, 47 are two decades apart and yet their connection is not surprising looking at the things they have in common.

“No-one is surprised that Kevin and Reese have hit it off. They’re extremely compatible,” said another source.

According to New Idea magazine the duo have been making an effort to meet up every time they are in the same city and Costner has invited Reese to his 65-acre home in Aspen, Colorado.

Costner and Reese low key dating

The couple are expected to be very low key about their relationship though as they have both been in the limelight for their divorces.

“Kevin wants more Oscars for this, not tabloid headlines. He and Reese are always careful to not be seen together as soon as his Horizon commitments are done, they may be more relaxed about being seen together in public. It’s still very early days,” said the source.

Costner is currently working on a new film Horizon. It is a two-part American epic which he produced, directed and wrote. Also starring Sienna Miller, it is set in the pre-and post American Civil War period depicting the expansion of the American west.

The Yellowstone actor just got through his divorce from Christine Baumgartner with an agreement to pay $63,000 a month in child support for his three children as opposed to the original amount she was seeking which was $248,000. Costner also has three grown-up children from a previous marriage.

Read More News

Conservatives upset that diversity does not include White people 

Cover Photo:  Wikipedia

The post Kevin Costner and Reese Witherspoon rumoured to be dating appeared first on The Independent News.

MrBeast helping Africans access clean water is now called a “White saviour” by the woke community 

Asir F
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0
MrBeast helping Africans access clean water is now called a “White saviour” by the woke community 

 

The rhetoric that when a White person does something positive for the world seen as a White saviour complex is at an all time high. For the most part, social media commenters are stating that this is a form of racism. Recently, popular YouTuber MrBeast decided to help those in Africa who lack access to clean water and was called a White saviour.

According to CNN, MrBeast, the American YouTuber, recently claimed to have built 100 wells across Africa in his latest video, sparking a mixed reaction. Some Kenyan activists saw this as highlighting the failures of the Kenyan government. The wells aim to provide clean drinking water for up to 500,000 people across several African countries.

Furthermore, the accompanying fundraiser raised over $300,000 to support local water aid organizations. While praised for his actions, some criticize that such charitable efforts should have been completed by the government. Others also raised concerns about the sustainability of the wells in the long term, emphasizing the need for ongoing maintenance and repair efforts.

X users fed up with woke people unappreciative of MrBeast’s efforts 

Conservative pages on X state that if a White man like MrBeast helps those who aren’t privileged, is now labelled as a “racist.” Many are calling this ironic as he is literally doing the opposite. In addition to this, commenters state that the African governments should be ashamed of themselves for this.

Following that, X users state that if you don’t help these African countries, they would say that you are a problematic person. However, in an ironic twist, they would give you the same label even if you help them. Despite this, most conservatives agree that it is best to leave the entire continent alone as no matter what is done, they will be labelled as something negative.

Others are questioning if MrBeast literally has more cash than a country’s government. X users respond that a number of African governments are rather corrupt and would spend millions on lavish items for themselves and their family members. This is seen as the reality in most of their countries, unfortunately.

Read More News 

Rise of men avoiding to date woke women, would you date one? 

The post MrBeast helping Africans access clean water is now called a “White saviour” by the woke community  appeared first on The Independent News.

Female athlete, April Hutchinson now banned two years for speaking up agaInst transgender athletes 

Asir F
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0
Female athlete, April Hutchinson now banned two years for speaking up agaInst transgender athletes 

April Hutchinson

The controversial topic of transgenders joining female sports is one that is heavily debated. Riley Gaines, a popular conservative sportswoman rose to fame after Lia Thomas joined a competition and competed against her. She is heavily against this movement as her beliefs are that women’s sports should remain as such. 

The Daily Mail states, Canadian powerlifter April Hutchinson is facing a two-year suspension from her sport after she publicly criticized transgender competitor Anne Andres. Hutchinson denounced Andres, a transgender woman, after she broke the Canadian women’s national powerlifting record, claiming it demonstrated the physical advantages of males over females. 

In response, the Canadian Powerlifting Union recommended a two-year suspension for Hutchinson for her remarks, which it deemed as publicizing unfairness against biological female competitors. The controversy has sparked discussions about transgender athletes’ inclusion in women’s sports and highlights the lack of clear policies on this issue. Hutchinson maintains her stance despite the suspension.

X users supportive of Riley Gaines and April Hutchinson 

To most conservatives and centrist, they agree that transgender individuals should either have their own league or not join women’s sports. Many believe that the biological difference is rather significant for it to be a fair fight. To most woke individuals, they feel that sports is not about bodies and exercise, but rather about confidence. 

Riley Gaines states that a man disguising himself as a woman caused a biological female to lose her position in the sport she trained so hard for. Furthermore, conservatives state that female athletes would need to fight hard and boycott sports that allow trans athletes to join in. Unfortunately, the fight would have to start somewhere. 

Furthermore, Americans are blaming this entire trend on President Joe Biden. They state that this will be the legacy left behind by the oldest President of the United States, transgender athletes competing alongside biologically female athletes. Regardless, most X users feel that this whole issue is just ridiculous and was parodied decades ago. 

Eerily enough, the parodies done in the 2000s are now rapidly turning into reality. For the most part, it is not as funny as it seemed to be back in those days. 

Read More News

Conservatives upset that diversity does not include White people 

The post Female athlete, April Hutchinson now banned two years for speaking up agaInst transgender athletes  appeared first on The Independent News.

Children with Disabilities and assistive technology

Gemma Iso
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Children with Disabilities and assistive technology

Disabilities

Technology is about convenience and about breaking down barriers and leveling the playing field. Let’s explore the incredible ways in which assistive technology enhances the lives of children with disabilities, granting them independence, fostering their potential, and transforming their everyday experiences.

An ‘assistive technology’ device is any object, piece of machinery, or product system that is utilized to maintain, enhance, or increase a child with a disability’s functional abilities.

Technology for Children with Disabilities

 Speech/Communication Disability

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, such as speech-generating apps and communication boards, empower these children to express themselves effectively.

Educational Empowerment

Screen readers, text-to-speech software, and adaptive keyboards make it possible for these children to engage with the curriculum, participate in class discussions, and excel academically.

Mobility and Independence

Wheelchairs with advanced navigation systems, robotic exoskeletons, and innovative prosthetic limbs enable them to explore the world, perform daily tasks, and engage in physical activities.

Individualized Learning

Individualized education programs (IEPs) incorporate tools and devices that cater to the specific learning requirements of each child with disabilities, fostering success and self-confidence.

Unleashing Creativity

Adaptive art tools, 3D printing technology, and other assistive devices allow children with disabilities to explore their artistic talents. Whether it’s painting, sculpting, or creating digital art, young artists can express themselves and share their unique perspectives with the world.

Social Inclusion

Communication apps, social media platforms, and online communities connect children with disabilities to their peers, transcending physical limitations and fostering meaningful friendships.

 A Lifeline

With technological breakthroughs, they can now transcend their restrictions and interact with the world in ways that suit them.

Assistive technology isn’t just a collection of gadgets; it’s a lifeline, a source of hope, a catalyst for change. The potential of assistive technology reminds us that a more inclusive and compassionate world is just within our grasp.

Read More News

Disinformation campaign aimed to ‘censor Americans’?

Cover Photo: Unsplash

The post Children with Disabilities and assistive technology appeared first on The Independent News.

Singapore PR joins SAF as volunteer soldier

Anna Maria Romero
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Singapore PR joins SAF as volunteer soldier

SINGAPORE: YouTuber Ms KK is a former beauty queen, model, businesswoman, and writer. She’s travelled to 181 countries, and while she spent many years in the United States and finished her studies there, she’s also been a Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) for some time now.

In the latest—and major—life update she posted on YouTube and Instagram, she wrote, “I joined Singapore army as a soldier: Singapore armed forces volunteer corp.”

Ms KK said in her video, which she posted on her The Krazy Koala YouTube channel, she’s never disclosed to the public what she’s been up to, “but I think it’s time to update you guys on this. I’ve joined Singapore Armed Forces volunteer corps, so I’m officially a soldier in the army.”

Ms KK explained that the whole process has taken a couple of years from the time she applied to the actual training, and then added, “I’m very happy that I’ve graduated from it.”

To those who wonder why she would join the Singapore army as a volunteer soldier, she reminded viewers that she’s talked a lot about how much she loves Singapore and how it’s the best place to live.

“I can use my actions to show that I do love Singapore,” she added.

Ms KK went on to list the advantages she’s received from being in Singapore, from the safe environment to the efficiency of the country’s facilities. She added that she believes that being a soldier and part of the army, she can contribute back to the safety of the country she’s been living in.

Not that this part of her life journey has been easy. She talked about how hard it was to carry 20 to 30 kg weights during training, have such an early schedule and long days, and have very simple living conditions.

However, “You’ve got to have a mission or a purpose in your mind while you’re doing what you’re doing,” Ms KK said. Despite all the difficulties that she went through, she added that she’s very proud and that she never regretted what she was doing.

Read also: OPINION | National Service: The force that makes us

Ms KK added that she also believes that understanding a country is impossible without understanding its government and military. Therefore, having undergone her SAF training, she feels that her understanding of Singapore’s social economics, culture, and mechanics has deepened.

“I feel really honoured to be able to contribute a small part,” she said, adding that she now understands what every single Singaporean man has gone through in their life when they went through National Service.

Ms KK then took viewers on a bit of a food tour around Singapore, saying that while she had lost a couple of kilos during her SAF training, she gained it all back because of all the delicious food she’s surrounded with in the country. /TISG

Read also: 93% of Singaporeans support mandatory national service: IPS study

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