Electric bicycles seem to be gaining popularity in cities across the United States. The craze does not seem to be short-term as young and old take to the convenient and relatively cheap method of transportation.
Interestingly, the number of teenagers seeking driver’s licenses has also dropped. Cars are more expensive than ever, and wages aren’t what they used to be post-pandemic. Young people have also become more aware of the environment and keeping pollution at bay.
The electric bicycle has the same features as a pedal bike, but it is a lot easier to use as it has a motor-assisted pedal, giving people ease of travel, especially for uphill or steep climbs. The bicycles can go at 20 mph (32km/h) comfortably, safer than motorcycles and allowing you to see most of the city.
Bicycles workout option
The electric motor allows cyclists to tackle longer distances and explore new routes easily. The motor can be adjusted to suit individual preferences and range from minimal to significant. Some e-bikes have throttles, while others allow the rider to control the motor without pedalling.
The bicycles, therefore, offer a low-impact workout that can be adjusted as your fitness level improves and tailored to how much effort you want to put in on a specific day.
Other benefits of this wonderful machine include free parking, low entry cost, zero maintenance cost, and quite simply turning commutes into joy rides.
Price point-wise, a good e-bike can be purchased for less than $1,000.
City laws
As the popularity of e-bikes grows, cities around the country are looking for ways to regulate and manage the usage of this mode of transportation.
King Charles is currently the oldest person to become King in British history. In fact, almost everyone in the British monarchy has a history of long lives. Queen Elizabeth II lived to be 96, while Prince Philip lived up to 99. And Queen Mother overtook everyone by living up to 101.
King Charles follows a regimented routine and sensible eating plan to maintain good health. He is fond of plant-based food and does simple exercises to stay healthy.
King Charles: The diet
According to the Independent UK, Charles skips at least one meal daily. According to royal correspondent Gordon Rayner, Charles views lunch as a “luxury that gets in the way of his work” and eats a “late breakfast” instead.
For breakfast, the King’s favourite meal is cheesy baked eggs. He is also said to like Darjeeling tea with milk and honey.
One report also states that the King prefers a plant-based diet to help fight climate change.
In a BBC radio station interview in October 2021, he told the Associated Press, “I haven’t eaten meat or fish on two days a week, and I don’t eat dairy products on one day a week. If more did that, you would reduce a lot of the pressure.”
Organic food
In addition, the King is also fond of organic food. According to former royal chefs Darren McGrady and Carolyn Robb, the King greatly emphasises organic food. Robb said the monarch’s farm was one of the first organically certified in the UK.
McGrady also described the King as a foodie and said he liked eating different dishes throughout the week, stating that he often ate fruit for breakfast and enjoyed savoury food over sweets.
Exercise
In an interview, Queen Camilla once told the BBC that King Charles was “probably the fittest man of his age I know”.
“He’ll walk and walk. He’s like a mountain goat. He leaves everybody miles behind.”
In addition to his long walks, Charles is also fond of the 5BX plan, which is the Royal Canadian Air Force’s five basic exercises.
The regimen only takes 11 minutes, is designed for pilots, and allows them to exercise even without access to a gym, which is practical for King Charles, considering his busy schedule.
The workout incorporates body-weight exercises such as push-ups and stretching. Prince Philip, Prince William and Prince Harry are also fond of this routine.
Behind the veil of any relationship lies a realm of hidden thoughts and emotions, secrets that men may be hesitant to share with their wives.
While transparency is key to a healthy marriage, there are certain aspects of life that men sometimes choose to keep guarded, not out of deceit but due to an array of complex reasons.
Here are intriguing secrets men often hide from their wives.
More Secrets
Vulnerabilities – Societal expectations have often conditioned them to conceal their vulnerabilities. Many men suppress their insecurities, fears, and anxieties, fearing being perceived as weak or incapable.
Financial Worries – They might struggle with concerns about job security, debt, or investments, striving to shield their families and undue stress on their wives. Open communication about financial matters can alleviate anxiety and foster a sense of unity when facing economic challenges together.
Fantasies and Desires – These dreams can encompass various areas, from career aspirations to intimate fantasies. The hesitation to share them with wives might arise from the fear of judgment or misunderstanding.
Health Concerns – Whether it’s mental health struggles, physical ailments, or even concerns about their appearance, reluctance to discuss these matters can stem from societal expectations of invulnerability. Thus, it is kept as one of the secrets.
Intimacy – Intimacy isn’t just about physical connection—it’s also about emotional closeness. Some men may hide their fear of intimacy due to past traumas, insecurities, or rejection. Cultivating a space where both partners can express their emotional needs and concerns without judgment can help dissolve these barriers and create a stronger emotional bond.
Personal Space from Wives
This is the biggest secret. Men sometimes conceal this need, fearing that their desire for alone time might be misinterpreted as a lack of interest in their wives. Open conversations about personal boundaries can pave the way for a healthier balance between togetherness and individuality.
The key to unveiling these secrets is fostering open communication, understanding, and empathy. As couples embrace vulnerability, they’ll find these once-hidden secrets can be the stepping stones toward a more authentic and deeply connected partnership.
Earth is preparing to welcome five cosmic visitors between Sept 6 and 12.
However, fret not, as NASA assures us that these asteroids are merely passing through and pose no harm to our planet.
Large asteroids are coming
NASA’s Asteroid Watch dashboard has revealed that one asteroid, roughly the size of a house, and three others the size of planes, along with one the size of a bus, will gracefully journey past Earth.
First on the cosmic itinerary is asteroid JA5, which is set to appear on Sept 6, gliding within a mere 3.17 million miles from Earth. This house-sized celestial body, initially discovered in 2021, measures approximately 59 feet in diameter.
More asteroids
On Sept 8, two more celestial tourists, QC5 and GE, are expected to zoom by our planet. QC5, sized akin to a plane at 84 feet, was spotted this year, while GE, the bus-sized asteroid standing at 26 feet, debuted on NASA’s radar in 2022.
The cosmic parade continues with two more plane-sized asteroids gracing our celestial stage on Sept 10. Asteroid QF6, measuring 68 feet and flying within 1.65 million miles of Earth, will take its turn, followed by QE8, a colossal 170-foot asteroid soaring within a mere 945,000 miles of our planet’s surface.
According to NASA, the average distance between Earth and the moon stands at approximately 239,000 miles. The reassuring news is that none of these asteroids, despite their proximity, pose any threat to our planet, as none surpass the critical threshold of 492 feet in diameter, a fact confirmed by NASA.
While it may be tempting to worry, bear in mind that Earth had a similar close encounter in March when an asteroid between 140 and 310 feet in size passed safely by, an event that occurs only once every decade, according to NASA Asteroid Watch.
The Asteroid Watch dashboard, overseen by NASA, keeps a watchful eye on comets and asteroids making “relatively close approaches to Earth.” As we marvel at these celestial visitors, rest assured that Earth’s cosmic security team is on high alert, ensuring our safety as we continue our cosmic voyage.
Arnold Schwarzenegger recently shared a life-threatening experience as he recounted the moments surrounding his third open-heart surgery shortly before starting work on “Terminator 6.”
He said that he was ‘freaking out’ during the surgery. Schwarzenegger expressed his anxiety, recalling waking up to doctors informing him that the procedure had deviated from the plan. The medical team inadvertently punctured his heart wall, requiring immediate open-heart surgery to address internal bleeding. The surgery did not go as planned, and they had to make changes.
Photo: Instagram/Arnold Schwarzenegger
Schwarzenegger worked hard
Despite this ordeal, the 76-year-old former California governor maintained a determined mindset. He acknowledged the gravity of the situation and emphasized the need to adapt to the circumstances. Schwarzenegger worked hard to improve his condition to get out of the hospital.
Schwarzenegger began his recovery journey by taking small daily steps, gradually progressing from walking 10 steps a day to more extensive strolls within the hospital. He even enlisted the support of friends and family to motivate him and maintain a rigorous exercise routine to protect against pneumonia. His doctors told him he had to exercise his lungs or he might get pneumonia.
Getting ready for his role
With unwavering positivity and resilience, Schwarzenegger recovered sufficiently to prepare for his “Terminator: Dark Fate” role in 2019. He emphasized the importance of staying in shape and regaining physical mobility for his role, particularly the demanding fight scenes. He worked hard at the gym to stay in shape.
Throughout his recovery, Schwarzenegger leaned on his support system, including his four children – Patrick and Christopher, and daughters Katherine and Christina – from his previous marriage to Maria Shriver.
Schwarzenegger and Shriver were married in 1986 but separated in 2011, with their divorce finalized a decade later. Additionally, he has a son, Joseph Baena, from an affair with Mildred “Patty” Baena during his marriage to Shriver.
Planning for retirement in your 20s or 30s may sound early, but if you consider the soaring inflation in Singapore, starting your legacy planning in advance is no longer good to have but a must.
The Reality of Inflation
Based on July’s inflation rate of 3.8 percent, a conservative figure, a bowl of fishball noodles priced at S$5 now can easily cost you a whopping S$15 in 30 years. This means the amount you perceive as a nest egg enough for retirement may have to multiply by a few times in 30 years. If this is not a red alert to nudge you to start saving early for retirement, what is?
A quick look at Singapore’s consumer index over the past 20 years may offer more insight into the escalating prices of your everyday expenses:
FIRE Movement — Why More Young People to Want Early Retirement
Since the 2010s, the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement has motivated millennials and Generation Zs to revitalize their lifestyle to gain financial independence for early retirement. The movement originated from the best-selling book Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez and Early Retirement Extreme by Jacob Lund Fisker. The ‘FIRE retirement planning tips’ eventually gained popularity via online communities and social media.
Young people like the millennials and Gen Zs desire a flexible lifestyle that allows them to prioritize personal experiences and fulfillment. Financial independence and early retirement naturally mean escaping financial stress and enjoying their passions and self-actualization at a faster pace.
Unlike the older generations, who are constantly worried about the cost of living in Singapore and used to working long and hard to build wealth, the younger ones are used to instant gratification. They are more willing to leverage the FIRE tips defined by frugality, extreme savings and investment to fast-track their retirement goals. The abundance of tech-enabled channels also allows them to reap more opportunities like remote work, online businesses and investing to accumulate their nest egg in a shorter timeline.
If you are a millennial or a Gen Z who wants early retirement before Singapore’s official retirement age of 63 years old, there are a few retirement planning tips that may help you achieve that goal. But before you start calculating, you must first ask yourself what kind of lifestyle you want to have at retirement and how much monthly expenses you may incur.
According to a 2019 study, a retired person aged 65 needs an estimated S$1,379 a month or S$16,548 per year, to sustain a basic standard of living. Bear in mind this sum does not include random expenses like vacations, healthcare and hobbies. With inflation, this amount will increase significantly over time, too.
Assuming you are 25, how much do you think you will need to retire in Singapore at 50? In Singapore, the average inflation rate is 2.6% per year. This implies that your basic yearly expenses at retirement will easily come up to S$31,436 per annum in 25 years. Given that the average Singaporean’s life expectancy is 84 years, you will need to set aside at least S$1,068,824 by the time you hit 50. This amount is a close estimate to a 2021 survey conducted by Fullerton Fund Management, which found that Singaporeans’ desired retirement will require S$1.4 million.
Of course, the numbers can increase according to your preferred retirement lifestyle. If you want to have a few vacations a year and live your life to the fullest with active socialising, you must be prepared to set aside higher reserves.
The government understands how the rising cost of living in Singapore can affect retirement planning; hence, many grants and subsidies have been introduced to help retirees manage their finances.
Here are some government schemes you may want to consider while planning for early retirement.
ComCare Long Term Assistance (LTA)
Under this programme, seniors can obtain long-term monthly cash assistance ranging from S$640 to S$1940 if they are unable to work due to old age, illness or disability or have inadequate family support or savings to rely on for daily needs. The programme also includes medical expenses assistance at public healthcare institutions and free or highly subsidised social support services.
This programme was introduced in 2012 as part of Housing Development Board’s (HDB) Home Improvement Programme (HIP). Seniors can enjoy up to 95% subsidies to install improvement items such as grab bars and slip-resistant bathroom floors to make their homes more elderly-friendly.
This is another HDB program to assist seniors who live in a 4-room or smaller flat to sell part of their flat’s lease back to HDB to receive a stream of income during their retirement years while still living in it. The proceeds will be used to top up their CPF Retirement Account (RA) to join CPF LIFE, providing seniors with a monthly income.
This was first announced at the 2023 National Day Rally, comprising three Central Provident Fund (CPF) top-ups for those born in 1973 or earlier. The first is the Earn and Save Bonus, a S$1,000 per year CPF funds top-up. Second is a one-time S$1,500 Retirement Savings Bonus for those who have not met the CPF Basic Retirement Sum. The third component is a one-time MediSave Bonus of up to S$1,000.
This scheme is offered by the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) to seniors who require mobility and assistive devices for daily independent living and to remain ambulant in the community. The government will also provide funded home care and healthcare items. Subsidies will also be provided for the purchase of catheters, milk supplements, thickeners, adult diapers, nasal tubing and wound dressings.
The Silver Support Scheme offers seniors aged 65 and above with low incomes during their working years and now have less in their retirement cash supplements a cash benefit of S$360 to S$900 every quarter. The amount depends on the type of HDB flat they live in.
Discipline in Saving & Investing: Maintain a strict savings and investment regimen.
Mindful Spending: Prioritize essential expenditures and minimize unnecessary spending.
Optimal Financial Tools: Choose high-interest savings accounts and efficient online brokerages in Singapore.
Check out the best savings accounts and online brokerages in Singapore. The information will enable you to make informed decisions when selecting the right savings account and online broker to grow your finances.
SINGAPORE: The Grand Prix Season Singapore (GPSS) is back with a bang! Join the party at the exciting precincts and celebrate the F1 season in style. From car showcases to multicultural performances, GPSS has something for everyone.
With the Formula One Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix just around the corner, you don’t want to be just a spectator in the stands, so get ready to warm up those engines before the F1 Race on Sept 17 and immerse yourself in the adrenaline-pumping action.
Here are five must-do activities to make the most of this thrilling racing event:
Get Your Heart Racing at HyperDrive
Unleash your inner racer at HyperDrive, Sentosa’s thrilling indoor go-kart circuit. Speed around a 308m track with 14 challenging turns. Race enthusiasts aged 18 and up can compete until Sunday for a chance to tour the Red Bull Racing Garage from Sept 15 to 17.
Location: HyperDrive, The Palawan @ Sentosa When: Weekdays (12:30pm – 9pm), Weekends (10am – 9pm) Admission: Starting at $35
Photo: The Palawan @ Sentosa
Drive the F1 Experience with the Singapore Grand Prix Truck
Step into the shoes of an F1 driver with the Singapore Grand Prix Truck. It’s packed with simulation racing and exciting activities. Join the fun at various locations across the island. From games to behind-the-scenes tours, this truck has it all!
Show your racing spirit with T-shirts, keychains, caps, and more inspired by top F1 teams. KrisShop has the gear to keep you in style during the Singapore Grand Prix season.
Details: Racing-themed merchandise available online.
Photo: Screengrab from KrisShop
Grand Prix Season Singapore – Where the Action Happens
Locations: Orchard Road, Clarke Quay, Kampong Gelam, Sentosa When: Friday to Sept 17, various timings Admission: Free
Photo: Screengrab from Visit Singapore
Race Under the Stars at Zouk
Don’t miss the electrifying nights at Zouk with top DJs. Feel the adrenaline as you party into the early hours. Join the hottest F1-themed nightlife in town!
Location: Zouk, 3C River Valley Road When: Sept 14-16, 10pm onwards Admission: From $25
Photo: Facebook / Zouk Singapore
Warm up those engines and make the most of the F1 season in Singapore. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
SINGAPORE: Despite showing great tenacity and determination throughout the match, Loh Kean Yew couldn’t quite overcome the formidable challenge posed by his Danish opponent Viktor Axelsen at the 2023 China Open quarter-finals, as Singapore’s top badminton player succumbed to a 17-21, 21-23 defeat in the keenly contested match.
In the first set, Loh fought valiantly, displaying his trademark agility and precision. However, Axelsen’s relentless attack proved too much to handle, resulting in a narrow 17-21 loss for the Singaporean player.
Refusing to give up, Loh came roaring back in the second set, determined to turn the tide in his favour. The battle between these two top world-ranking badminton players intensified as they exchanged stunning shots and tactical manoeuvres. Despite his best efforts, the Singaporean player fell just short, losing the set 21-23 and bringing an end to his campaign in the China Open.
Loh suffered his seventh career loss to Axelsen in a match that lasted just over 50 minutes at the Olympic Sports Centre in Changzhou. This defeat also marked his second loss to the Danish player this year. In their previous encounter at the Sudirman Cup Group A match, Loh was defeated 23-21, 13-21, 16-21 by Axelsen.
The Singapore badminton player has achieved two career victories over the world number one. His first win against Axelsen occurred during the 2021 BWF World Championships in the Round of 64 match. The second triumph took place last year at the Denmark Open quarter-final match, where Loh emerged as the winner with a score of 21-17, 21-10 against the Danish shuttler.
Loh, currently ranked eighth in the world, had a positive start to the 2023 China Open on Sept 5. He kicked off the tournament with a long-awaited victory over Christian Popov in the Round of 32, winning 21-14, 21-17. Pride was restored as Loh avenged his shock 10-21, 21-23 defeat by the Frenchman in the 2023 Singapore Open Round of 16. The 2021 world champion then took on Anders Antonsen in the Round of 16, winning 21-17, 21-12 two days later.
“Every win is a good one, so I am happy right now. I did not think much of how, but I just kept trying. I remember most of it, all the different matches in the Super 1000 all gave me different experiences, so I am looking forward to this one as well. Hopefully it will be a good one. Doing well in every tournament definitely helps,” said Loh after his win against Antonsen in the Round of 16.
There were other Team Singapore badminton players in the China Open, but they exited the competition in the first round. Singapore national women’s badminton player Yeo Jia Min suffered a 17-21, 19-21 defeat at the hands of China’s Wang Zhi Yi. Singapore’s mixed doubles pairing, Terry Hee and Jessica Tan went down 17-21, 12-21 to China’s Feng Yan Zhe and Huang Dong Ping.
Loh and the Team Singapore badminton players will next compete at the Hong Kong Open scheduled from Sept 12 to Sept 17, before they travel to Hangzhou, China, to participate in the Asian Games.
SINGAPORE: Singapore’s wealthiest people made much bigger gains last year than the Singapore economy. The combined wealth of tycoons on the 2023 Forbes list of Singapore’s 50 Richest rose by 8 per cent to US$177 billion from $164 billion last year; in comparison, the Singapore economy grew 3.6 per cent in 2022 and is expected to grow by 0.5 to 1.5 per cent in 2023.
To put things in perspective, Singapore’s 50 Richest people’s combined wealth of US$177 billion is More than Singapore’s S$104.2 billion (US$76.2 billion) Budget for 2023 unveiled on February 14 and is equivalent to more than 40 per cent of Singapore’s GDP.
According to the Singapore Department of Statistics website, Singapore’s GDP at current market prices in 2022 was S$569,364.2 million (US$417,367.36 million). Forbes’ Singapore’s 50 Richest list includes individuals as well as families.
Brazilian billionaire Eduardo Saverin, co-founder of Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook) and a resident of the city-state, tops the list with a net worth of US$16 billion. (Seen in the Facebook picture with his wife, Elaine Andriejanssen).
Brothers Robert and Philip Ng of the Far East Organization remain second with US$14.8 billion.
Li Xiting, chairman of Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics, dropped to the third spot after two years at the top as healthcare stocks took a hit on China’s anti-corruption drive against the pharma sector. His net worth fell to US$14 billion from US$15.6 billion last year.
Goh Cheng Liang, who controls Japan’s Nippon Paint Holdings, is fourth with a net worth of U$12.3 billion.
Kwek Leng Beng, executive chairman of Hong Leong Group and City Developments, retains the fifth spot with a net worth of US$11 billion.
Zhang Yong, chairman of Sichuan hot pot chain Haidilao, and his Shu Ping are sixth with US$9.7 billion.
The Khoo family, which controls the Goodwood Group of Hotels, is seventh with a net worth of US$8.5 billion. The family sold its stake in Standard Chartered Bank for US$4 billion in 2006.
Wee Cho Yaw, chairman emeritus of United Overseas Bank, is eighth with US$7.1 billion.
Leo Koguan, founder and chairman of $14 billion (sales) IT provider SHI International, is ninth with US$6.5 billion.
The Kwee brothers, who control privately held Pontiac Land, which owns an array of luxury hotels and office towers, are 10th with US$6.3 billion.
Visit Forbes for Singapore’s 50 Richest full list.
The world’s richest people are very rich indeed.
The wealth of India’s 157 dollar billionaires – headed by the richest Asian, Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani – is 25.4 per cent of India’s 2023 GDP, according to Fortune India.
“Although India is relatively poor, billionaire wealth had soared to the equivalent of more than 17 per cent of gross domestic product, one of the highest shares in the world,” wrote Ruchir Sharma in the Financial Times on May 14, 2021.
The Gini index measures the distribution of income across a population. A higher Gini index indicates greater inequality, with high-income individuals receiving a much larger percentage of the population’s total income.
“After adjusting for Government transfers and taxes, the Gini coefficient in 2022 fell from 0.437 to 0.378. This reflected the redistributive effect of Government transfers and taxes,” the Singapore Department of Statistics said in a press release in February 2023.
In the United States, on the other hand, “Using pretax money income, the Gini index increased by 1.2% between 2020 and 2021 (from 0.488 to 0.494). This annual change was the first time the Gini index had increased since 2011,” reported the US Census Bureau.
In this picture taken on February 12, 2023, Miraj Bibi, who works as a maid, sits in the kitchen at her home (Photo by Arif ALI / AFP)
SINGAPORE: A rather worried domestic helper took to social media asking if her Work Permit would be cancelled because she forgot to go for her half-yearly medical checkup on time.
In an anonymous post to a support group for domestic helpers and employers alike, the maid wrote: “My 6 months medical supposed to be is september 5 but because i forgot about it i only did today so its 2 days late”.
She asked if anyone else had the same issue and whether the Manpower Ministry would cancel her Work Permit (WP).
Here’s what netizens who commented on the post said:
Read related:
Earlier this year, an employer whose helper wanted to travel overseas on her days off took to social media to ask whether she was legally allowed to do so and if he was liable to pay her medical fees.
In a post to a Facebook support group for helpers and employers alike, the man wrote: “As employer, can anyone advise whether it us the legal rights of my helper to travel to Johore Bahru or Batam on her off day”.
He also asked if the employer would be liable to pay medical fees and bear other expenses should the helper meet with an accident overseas.
