Monday, April 28, 2025
27 C
Singapore
Home Blog Page 1064

Mistaken demolition by Atlanta company leaves Susan Hodgson homeless

0

demolition

Susan Hodgson, a Southwest Atlanta homeowner is grappling with the aftermath of a mistaken demolition of her long-time family property.

The distraught homeowner, returned from a vacation last month to find her cherished residence reduced to a pile of rubble, the result of a grievous mistake made by a local company.

In an exclusive interview with The Associated Press on Saturday afternoon, Hodgson expressed her profound dismay, saying, “I am furious. I keep waking up thinking, ‘Is this all a joke or something?’ I’m just in shock.”

Mistaken demolition

The shocking ordeal unfolded when a concerned neighbor, while Hodgson was away, contacted her to inquire if she had hired a crew to demolish her vacant house. Hodgson responded in the negative, leaving her neighbor bewildered.

She recounts the neighbor’s unsettling message, “I said ‘no,’ and she said, ‘Well, there’s someone over here who just demolished the whole house and tore it all down.’”

According to Hodgson, when the neighbor confronted the workers responsible for the mistaken demolition, the encounter took a hostile turn. “He told her to shut up and mind her own business,” Hodgson said. The situation escalated to the point that a family member was dispatched to investigate the matter and demand a permit. It was during this confrontation that the person in charge at the site realized the catastrophic error.

Hodgson explained, “It’s been boarded up for about 15 years, and we keep it secured, with the grass regularly cut, and the yard well-maintained. The taxes are paid, and everything is in order.” Despite these visible indications of ownership, the company had mistakenly targeted her property.

In limbo

While she has reported the incident to the police and sought legal counsel, she remains in limbo, seeking justice for the mistaken demolition and the destruction of her family’s home.

The Atlanta-based company responsible for the blunder, ‘You Call It We Haul It,’ has yet to contact Hodgson or offer any form of compensation and has not responded to calls or messages. However, they did release a statement to WAGA-TV, assuring that they are actively investigating the incident and working to rectify this grievous mishap.

The community and the nation at large now await a resolution to this distressing tale, as Susan Hodgson’s battle for justice and restitution continues.

Read More News

Never his lawyer, says Trump of Sidney Powell

Cover Photo: Unsplash

The post Mistaken demolition by Atlanta company leaves Susan Hodgson homeless appeared first on The Independent News.

US presidential election: Who are the candidates and what you need to know

0

election

The United States presidential election is slated for November 2024. The current President Joe Biden, at 84 years old is the oldest American to hold the office when he secured a term for the second time. Joe Biden is a Democrat.

Republican candidates

Where Republicans are concerned Donald Trump continues to dominate the field despite facing federal and state criminal charges.

His rivals include Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former U.S Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley.

Other candidates include New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson who is a long shot candidate.

Then there is political newcomer, software engineer and entrepreneur Vivek Ramasamy.

In the beginning, DeSantis was thought to be Trump’s closest rival but his campaign has not done well somehow (a lot of it maybe due to his fiascos with Disney). In the meantime, Nikki Haley has gained momentum due to strong debates.

Other election candidates who are competing but lagging are US Senator Tim Scott and North Dakota governor Doug Burgum.

Democrat candidates

Democrat leaders are continuing to strongly back Joe Biden and his vice-president Kamala Harris.

A lesser known name who announced he would be challenging Biden is Dean Phillips who is a US congressman from Minnesota.

Another Democrat candidate is self-help author and speaker Marianne Williamson who is also running against Biden.

Joe Biden to his credit has managed to drop unemployment and grow gross domestic product (GDP) during his tenure and although inflation spiked last year it has come down in recent months. However, the biggest concern for Americans remains the high price of basic items such as food, fuel, transport and housing.

Independent candidates

Robert F. Kennedy Jr (whose name itself carries some weight) launched an independent bid against Biden. He has been known for his vocal stance against vaccination during the pandemic.

Activist Cornel West is also running for president. Both independent candidates will need substantial support to land the ballot in 50 states.

Election primaries

The primaries will start in January with the Iowa caucuses for Republicans. New Hampshire will hold a presidential primary election followed by Nevada, South Carolina and Michigan.

Democrats plan to hold their first primary in South Carolina in February. It will also kick off Super Tuesday where more than 12 states will award delegates to party conventions on March 5.

Each party will then nominate the candidate with the most delegates at the nominating conventions.

Read More News

The Comeback: How to get rehired by a former employer

Cover Photo: YouTube

The post US presidential election: Who are the candidates and what you need to know appeared first on The Independent News.

Trump makes another gaffe, insulting his own supporters, MAGA

0

jokes, judge, maga

Donald Trump has done it again. In a video which appeared on his Truth Social blog Trump asked his supporters to “take a stand” and “save our country” as he lashed out against the Colorado trial seeking to remove his name from the presidential ballot.

Unfortunately in the midst of trying to garner support, he accidentally labelled his MAGA supporters “tyrants”.

In the video he is captured saying, “Our country is being destroyed by people who have no idea what they’re doing or even worse, they may very well have an idea they may hate our country and they may want to see it destroyed.

This truly is our last chance to save America, and with the 2024 election now less than one year away, this is your chance to take a stand against tyrants that support the one and only movement that can save our country and make America great again. We must win in 2024.”

This latest slip comes after Trump made a bunch of gaffes while campaigning last week. He called the prime minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban, the leader of Turkey during an October 23 rally in Derry, New Hampshire.

A MAGA Gaffe

Last month he made a one-hour speech to 1,000 supporters in Las Vegas, Nevada where he said that his legal battles are political and called them ‘proterrortism.’

He also accidentally said Canya for Canada when speaking about trade deals. He said Hungary fronts both Ukraine and Russia when it actually shares a border with Ukraine not Russia.

People on X had a field day with his mistakes.

One user said, “He’s campaigning against himself?”.

“For once I agree with him,” he said.

The Lincoln Project, a centrist political action committee said on X that the former president is ‘falling apart’.

One other commenter also pointed out that although in the video Trump says that the election is less than a year away it’s actually just over a year away.

Well, it just goes to show it’s a case of the pot calling the kettle black in so far as Trump making fun of Biden for his gaffes, it appears he isn’t any better in that department either.

Read More News

Heartbreaking video of veteran suffering begs the question on illegal immigrants receiving more care 

Cover Photo: Wikipedia

The post Trump makes another gaffe, insulting his own supporters, MAGA appeared first on The Independent News.

Enduring Legacy of Matthew Perry: Gone but never forgotten

0

Perry

“How would you like to be remembered?” The question Tom Power posed to Matthew Perry in an intimate interview at the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema in Toronto. His response revealed his enduring legacy to millions of fans and friends who adored him before he passed away.

“I would like to be remembered as somebody who lived well, loved well, was a seeker, and his paramount thing is he wants to help people. That’s what I want.”

These echoing words take on a profound significance in the wake of the tragic news of Matthew Perry’s death, a life extinguished at the tender age of 54.

Enduring legacy

Perry’s journey with addiction was one marked by resilience. His struggles and his journey to recovery served as a beacon of hope for many who faced similar challenges.

One Twitter user, in a sentiment that encapsulated the collective grief, wrote, “That’s very, very, very sad. He struggled for years with alcoholism, he inspired me and countless thousands of others who struggled with alcohol.”

Another admirer said, “Matthew Perry’s words beautifully reflect his character and values. He lived well, brought joy to others, and inspired us to seek the same. His desire to help people left a lasting impact and he will be remembered with deep admiration and respect.”

“He brought joy into this world that alone says so much,” a third voice in the digital chorus aptly noted.

The courage of Matthew Perry in the face of adversity and the sincerity at which he battled against his personal struggles were his enduring legacy to millions who watched him even from a distance.

Leaving a void

Perry’s untimely passing leaves a void that is impossible to fill. He was more than just a character on a TV screen; he was a beacon of light in the lives of those who watched and admired him. His journey from a struggling artist to a beloved icon serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

In people’s minds, he will forever be the Chandler Bing who found a way to make us laugh and, more importantly, a man who inspired us to live, love, and help one another.

Read More News

Signs of highly perceptive people

Cover Photo: YouTube

The post Enduring Legacy of Matthew Perry: Gone but never forgotten appeared first on The Independent News.

Signs of highly perceptive people

0

Signs

Do you ever feel like you notice things that others miss and you think it could be a sign or something? If so, you might be a highly perceptive person.

Perceptiveness, often an underrated quality, is a remarkable trait that can benefit you in various aspects of life.

Highly perceptive people are:

Keen Observers – They notice the small details that often escape others’ attention. Whether it’s the graffiti on a nondescript wall, the tiny shift in someone’s facial expression, or the subtle change in a room’s ambiance, perceptive individuals pick up on these nuances effortlessly.

Empathy – Highly perceptive people can sense when someone is upset or happy, even when they haven’t spoken a word about it.

You Trust Your Gut – Intuition is a powerful tool for highly perceptive people. If you frequently follow your instincts and they prove to be correct, it’s a clear sign that you possess an acute sense of perception. You often trust your “gut feeling” because it rarely steers you wrong.

Problem-Solver – They can assess situations quickly, identify the root issues, and come up with creative solutions.

Great Listener – Perceptive people don’t just hear words; they listen to the unspoken messages and emotions behind them. When in conversation, they pick up on subtle cues like changes in tone, body language, or hesitation, making them exceptional listeners and communicators.

Detail-Oriented and Organized – You’re the type of person who excels at planning, doesn’t miss deadlines, and is meticulous in your work.

 Exceptional Memory – Your exceptional memory is not just about retaining facts and figures; it extends to remembering conversations, people’s preferences, and important details that others might forget.

CreativityPerceptive individuals often possess an unmatched level of creativity. They can draw inspiration from their observations, leading to unique ideas, innovative solutions, and imaginative endeavors.

 Sensitive to Your Environment – They may have a strong preference for certain lighting, textures, or sounds, as they’re more sensitive to sensory experiences.

Embrace your gift

In a world that often moves too quickly for us to pause and notice the subtle nuances, highly perceptive people stand out. Embrace your gift of perception, as it can lead to more enriching relationships, enhanced problem-solving abilities, and a deeper connection with the world around you.

Read More News

Education: A divisive issue for 2024 Presidential aspirants

Cover Photo: Pexels

The post Signs of highly perceptive people appeared first on The Independent News.

Michelle Obama’s has mixed feelings about her daughters Malia and Sasha’s new home

0

 

Michelle Obama is a reserved person but the ex First Lady opened up about how she was feeling about her daughters moving into their first home together in Los Angeles recently.

In fact when she first found out that they would both be moving out to a place in L.A she wasn’t quite sure how to react. In an interview with People magazine she had said that didn’t want to show too much of a reaction but at the same time she was happy for them but she also has this feeling like she didn’t want them to go.

“So I just said: ‘Okay, well that’s interesting that you guys are going to try living together. We’ll see how it goes.’ But yeah, it feels good to know that the two girls you raised find solace at a kitchen table with one another. It’s like the one thing you want for them.”

Her daughters Malia, 25 and Sasha, 22 have always been very close. Both Michelle and Barack Obama like visiting their daughter and previously joked about their daughters new habits at their home. She spoke about it in a podcast on Today with Hoda and Jenna saying that she was very surprised by her children’s house rules.

Jokingly she said, “I’m like, ‘You never used a coaster in my house.’ So now, when it’s your stuff, you want to take care of it?

“The thing I love the most is that those two girls are each other’s best friends. I mean, there was a period of time when they couldn’t stand each other.”

Michelle said that she helped build that bond by telling them that both of them share a unique experience and one day they are going to wake up knowing that they have something very special.

In her book she also writes about her two daughters growing up and going through puberty while being in the spotlight at the White House. She said that she believes it is what has made them super close and now they are living together and thriving together.

Read More News

Teacher placed on leave after saying “hail satan” to students 

Cover Photo: Wikipedia

The post Michelle Obama’s has mixed feelings about her daughters Malia and Sasha’s new home appeared first on The Independent News.

5th POFMA order issued to Reform Party head Kenneth Jeyaretnam

SINGAPORE: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong instructed the Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) Office to issue a correction order to Mr Kenneth Jeyaretnam, the leader of the Reform Party. This is the fifth time this year that Mr Jeyaretnam has been given such an order.

On Thursday (Nov 2), the government said that an article Mr Jeyaretnam posted on Oct 22 on his website, The Ricebowl Singapore, as well as on posts on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X (formerly known as Twitter), contained false statements of fact concerning the NIRC and the Ridout Road issue.

Read also: 4th POFMA order issued to Kenneth Jeyaretnam over ‘multiple untrue statements’ online

“First, the article states that most of the Net Investment Returns Contribution (NIRC) has been transferred into long-term funds and therefore does not contribute to actual spending. This is untrue,” a clarification reads on Factually, the official fact-checking website. Mr Jeyaretnam is now required to post the correction notice on all the platforms where he published his article, as well as a link to the government’s clarifications.

The Ministry of Finance has said that NIRC comprises the investment returns of Singapore’s reserves and supplements the annual Budget for public spending every year. “The NIRC has provided an annual revenue stream of about 3.5 per cent of GDP on average over the past 5 years. No proportion of the NIRC is earmarked for specific spending items, or for transfer into any specific fund(s). Instead, a portion of the annual Budget as a whole may be used to top up funds. Hence, it is incorrect to state that most of the NIRC has been transferred into long-term funds.”

Regarding the Ridout Road issue, the government said Mr Jeyaretnam’s article claimed that the Singapore Land Authority gave preferential treatment to Ministers K Shanmugam and Vivian Balakrishnan, who are renting 26 and 31 Ridout Road, giving them prices that are below the market value while charging the Housing and Development Board (HDB) inflated land prices.

“This is untrue,” the clarification reads. “As established in the review conducted by Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, the rentals for both 26 and 31 Ridout Road were based on fair market value and not below market valuation. There was no evidence that the Ministers were given favourable rental rates due to their position. Details on how the market value was arrived at have been given in Parliament.

The clarification also debunked another claim Mr Jeyaretnam made in his article that only S$8 billion of healthcare expenditures were used as subsidies for Singaporeans, saying there is no factual basis for this claim. /TISG

Related: 3rd POFMA order issued to Kenneth Jeyaretnam over comments he made on his social media posts

SG Grab driver asks foreign woman to “walk it” after missing her hotel

SINGAPORE: An incident on social media sparked a discussion about customer service and attitudes in Singapore as a Grab driver asks a foreign woman to “walk it” after missing her hotel. The woman who came to Singapore shared a video on social media saying that her first impression of SG was “very, very bad.”

In her video, she voiced her dissatisfaction, stating, “People are so rude!” She recounted an incident involving a Grab driver who missed her hotel, leaving her with a 5-minute walk with a heavy bag. She requested the driver to make a U-turn due to her heavy luggage, but he declined her request with, “No, walk it”.

Why SG people are Rude?
byu/lanjiolover insingaporehappenings

After hearing the Grab driver ask her to walk it, she insistently said no and said she would not because she had a heavy bag with her and told the driver that she paid to be taken to her hotel. The Grab driver, however, informed her that he had another customer waiting and instructed her to get off, adding, ” If you don’t get out right now, I’m going to drive with you to the next customer.”

Desperate to reach her intended destination, the woman pleaded with the driver, asking him to return to the original drop-off point. She said, “Can you please just take me back to the place you were supposed to drop me off?” Unfortunately, the situation escalated when the driver began driving recklessly, causing the woman to get emotional and ultimately agree with the driver, saying, “Fine, I will walk, whatever.”

The woman’s video on social media has prompted various responses from online users. Several commenters pointed out their concerns about customer service in Singapore. They noted a perceived lack of empathy among service providers, saying, “Singaporeans lack empathy, simple as. That’s one of the things that cannot be taught in school. We’ve only been taught to be competitors.” User New_Bad4087  described it as a “3rd world mentality but with a superb modern infrastructure.”

Others shared their own experiences, mentioning that Singaporean customer service might not be as accommodating as in neighbouring countries. For instance, Grab drivers in nearby nations are often willing to assist passengers with their luggage, while some Singaporean drivers may not consider it their responsibility.

Another user named jalepenos127 admitted that Singaporeans are rude, stating, “We are quite rude actually. Not gonna deny it. Don’t see it as an issue if people think we are a**holes either.” However, another user countered, saying that it might not be accurate to generalize the behaviour of all Singaporeans but conceded that a significant portion of the population might display rudeness.

As for practical solutions, one user suggested that the woman could file a complaint regarding her experience. Another user lamented that while there were certainly kind Singaporeans, they might not represent the majority.

How can Singapore address the varying perceptions of customer service and attitudes in light of incidents like this?/TISG

Most bank phishing scam victims are young people from Gen Z

SINGAPORE: A recent survey conducted by British market research and data analytics firm YouGov has unveiled striking generational differences in the prevalence and types of phishing scams experienced by Singaporeans. The study, which gathered responses from over 1,000 Singaporeans aged 18 and above, revealed that Generation Z is more susceptible to bank phishing scams, while Generation X bears the brunt of online shopping scams.

The online survey found that 13 per cent of the respondents reported falling victim to investment scams and bank or bank card scams, while an additional 9 per cent had experienced loan and social media phishing scams. These statistics indicate the pervasive threat of online scams in Singapore.

One of the standout findings of the survey is the generational divide in the types of scams encountered. Generation Z, encompassing individuals born between 1997 and 2009, is particularly vulnerable to bank or bank card phishing scams. This tech-savvy but less experienced demographic appears to be more susceptible to fraud in the financial sector.

Conversely, online shopping scams disproportionately affect Generation X, born between 1965 and 1980. It seems that the middle-aged demographic, often characterized by a greater online presence, falls victim to deceitful online shopping schemes.

Intriguingly, the survey data also revealed that job scams primarily target millennials born between 1981 and 1996. This demographic, sandwiched between the older and younger generations, appears to be the primary target for fraudulent employment opportunities.

Furthermore, respondents from the baby boomer generation, born between 1946 and 1964, were more likely to be ensnared by investment scams. Their historical context and perhaps lack of digital fluency make them susceptible to fraudulent investment offers.

The generational divide extends beyond the types of scams experienced to the protective measures taken. Older respondents, especially those from Generation X and the baby boomer generation, were found to be more proactive in adopting anti-fraud measures. This suggests that experience and awareness play a crucial role in protecting individuals from falling victim to scams.

The survey underscores the need for increased education and awareness campaigns, particularly targeting younger individuals, to protect them from the growing menace of phishing scams in the digital age. As scams continue to evolve, it is imperative for individuals of all generations to remain vigilant and adopt protective measures to safeguard their personal and financial information in the digital world.

70% Singaporeans would consider using used textbooks amid rising cost of living

SINGAPORE: A recent survey conducted by the NTUC FairPrice Co-operative has found that a significant majority of Singaporeans, faced with rising textbook prices and financial constraints, are willing to consider using old textbooks.

The survey involved 283 respondents; 67 per cent identified as parents and 33 per cent as students. The aim was to gain insights into how residents are coping with the escalating costs of education and to explore potential solutions.

According to the survey results, a striking 70 per cent of respondents expressed their willingness to use old textbooks as a means of alleviating the financial burden associated with education. Nearly 60 per cent of the participants hope that using old textbooks can help them save approximately $100 to $300 annually, significantly relieving their financial stress.

This cost-cutting measure is seen as a practical solution to reduce the overall expenses of education. In addition to old textbooks, respondents expressed the need for access to other educational materials, including exercise books, study guides, and old exam papers.

In response to these findings, NTUC FairPrice has announced plans to launch a textbook-sharing program. The co-operative will partner with the charity organization =DREAMS to collect used textbooks donated by the public. 177 collection points, including NTUC FairPrice supermarkets, will be established across the island for the donation drive.

The donation drive will run until Nov 30, 2023, providing a window of opportunity for the public to contribute old textbooks and other educational materials. The collected materials will be distributed to families in need, furthering the cause of accessible and affordable education in Singapore.

This initiative not only encourages the recycling of textbooks but also promotes a sense of community involvement in supporting education and addressing the challenges faced by those experiencing financial constraints.