Singapore — An angry motorist, who stepped out of his car to confront the driver behind him, forgot to engage the parking brake and ended up having to run after it.
On Friday (Jan 1), Facebook page SG Road Vigilante (SGRV) uploaded a video of the incident, garnering more than 50,000 views in YouTube and 1,700 shares on Facebook to date.
The footage, from a dashboard camera, shows a man in a white shirt stepping out of his blue Mazda CX-5 and approaching the other vehicle in an aggressive manner.
Photo: FB screengrab / SG Road Vigilante – SGRV
A few seconds later, when he realises that his vehicle is moving off, he runs after it and jumps in to stop it.
Photo: FB screengrab / SG Road Vigilante – SGRV
The vehicle was at that time heading into a yellow box at the junction.
Photo: FB screengrab / SG Road Vigilante – SGRV
The man reaches his vehicle, jumps in and hits the brake.
Photo: FB screengrab / SG Road Vigilante – SGRV
Towards the end of the video, the man in white is seen exiting once again from his car, this time brake engaged and stopped by the side of the road. He is still angry with the driver behind him but it is not known for what reason.
Photo: FB screengrab / SG Road Vigilante – SGRV
The caption of the video states that the incident happened in Havelock Road. “Upset driver alighted from the Mazda to confront camcar but soon realise he had forgotten to engage the parking brake,” read the caption.
In a separate post, ROADS.sg confirmed that the incident happened on Friday (Jan 1). “This is actually hilarious, deserves to be 2021 meme,” the caption added.
Those commenting on the post said the man was fortunate that there was no other traffic during that time and that his car was not on a slope as there could have been an accident.
Many hoped this incident would remind every motorist to engage the brake before stepping out of the vehicle.
Hollywood — It may have been three years ago that Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux split up but they remain close.
Probably just as they did when they were married from 2015 and 2017, they follow each other on Instagram and have publicly shown their support for one another on occasion.
When Theroux shared a photo on social media during a trip to Mexico with his beloved dog Kuma, Aniston was one of the first people to like the post.
The actress is known to be a dog lover as well. In October, she welcomed a new puppy to her family, Lord Chesterfield. She introduced her fur kid to her Instagram followers in an adorable clip showing it fast asleep with a bone in its mouth.
“Chesterfield, have you fallen asleep with a bone in your mouth? I think you have,” the star can be heard whispering.
Jennifer Aniston is a dog lover. Picture: Instagram
Aniston said in her caption: “Hi! I’d like to introduce to you the newest member of our family … this is (a very tired) Lord Chesterfield. He stole my heart immediately. A HUGE thank you to @wagmorpets for the incredible work you do. Grateful you take such great care of these rescues and find them their forever homes.”
Chesterfield is an addition to her fur kid family, which includes Clyde, a Schnauzer mix, and Sophie, a white pitbull.
In the past, Aniston and Theroux owned a dog named Dolly together but she died in July 2019. The former couple reunited at a private memorial ceremony to say goodbye to their fur kid.
In February 2020, Theroux publicly celebrated Aniston’s 51st birthday. Theroux, 49, shared a black-and-white photo of her walking down the street on Instagram.
Aniston is also a producer and businesswoman. The daughter of actor John Aniston and actress Nancy Dow, she began working as an actress at an early age with an uncredited role in the 1987 film Mac And Me. Her first major film role came in the 1993 horror comedy Leprechaun. Since her career grew in the 1990s, Aniston has been one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actresses. /TISG
Singapore — Baby Rayyan Qush was in the news recently as his mother, Ms Nurdiana Rohop, reached out to the public to raise money for his treatment.
Ms Nurdiana had been told at the National University Hospital (NUH) on Nov 6, 2020, that her youngest child had a rare medical condition called spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). It is a genetic neuromuscular disorder that affects the motor neurons near the spinal cord controlling muscle movement.
The single mother of five was informed that, without treatment, Rayyan’s muscles would progressively grow weaker, eventually leading to muscle death.
A fund-raising platform, give.asia, featured Rayyan’s story. It noted: “He will be unable to walk or stand independently and will have trouble feeding and breathing throughout his life. Without treatment, baby Rayyan will have a very difficult, painful and uncertain future.”
After numerous tests and consultations with leading doctors at NUH, Ms Nurdiana was offered an option in the form of the drug zolgensma.
The gene therapy medication could target the cause of SMA. It is, however, touted as the most expensive drug on the market, costing S$3.1 million. Furthermore, the specialised, one-time drug treatment, to be pre-paid and pre-ordered from the United States, needed to be administered before Rayyan turned two years old.
Ms Nurdiana had until April 2021 to raise the said amount. Through various fund-raising platforms, the family was able to raise S$1.1 million, according to a Dec 30, 2020 update posted in the Wish for Rayyan Facebook page.
It was with “a heavy heart” that the news of his passing was announced on Friday (Jan 1). “We would like to inform the public that our dearest Baby Rayyan has passed on this morning,” wrote the page admin of Wish for Rayyan. “With this, we are stopping all fund-raising activities with immediate effect.”
“We would also appreciate your kind understanding to allow some space for the family to grieve.”
In a more recent update, the page announced on Saturday (Jan 2) at about 2.15 pm that Rayyan’s body was headed to the Pusara Aman Mosque and expected to arrive there at 3 pm. The mosque is located next to a Muslim cemetery.
Action films like Chinese movie The Rescue are all about nail-biting stunts and physical challenges.
Taiwanese actor Eddie Peng plays the lead role in this film and he was traumatised after filming some scenes in the water. He shared that those were the hardest scenes he had ever done.
Dante Lam, the director of the film, told media that Peng almost drowned during filming.
Lam said: “He was pulled 6m into the water. Of course we had responders on hand but, by the time they got to him, he had drunk some water. Thankfully he was really calm and did not panic and that helped him to stay safe.”
The Rescue is about the lives of the members of the China Rescue and Salvage team and the missions that put them in life-threatening situations. The film premiered in Singapore on Thursday (Dec 31).
Peng, 38, plays the role of Gao Qian, the captain of the team and a father to a five-year-old boy. In an interview with AsiaOne, he said: “I think the hardest scenes to film were the ones in the water. After filming it, I had trauma. The most dangerous ones had to be the scenes that were shot in Mexico… we had to be submerged in the water and the temperature of the water was very low. The shoot lasted for a few days as well.”
Peng said the rescue scene with the plane that had “crashed” into the water was difficult because it was in an enclosed space. He also felt “very uncomfortable” in the eyes as they did not wear goggles while filming in the water.
Peng has been known to be a heartthrob with his boy-next-door looks and personality. With this new role, the actor tries to change the stereotype by playing a family man with a son. He said that he hopes viewers would see his character and not him as an actor when watching his films.
Eddie Peng in The Rescue. Picture: Instagram
“I feel like every time I act, I hope that people see a character and not mine. I hope the viewers will get some insight from the films and my roles,” he replied.
He added that The Rescue is a touching and meaningful film that tells the story of a common man who happens to be part of the rescue team.
The filming of the movie was delayed earlier in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Subsequently, The Rescue took on a whole new meaning for Peng.
He said: “Before the pandemic, it was just a film about a rescue team. After the pandemic hit, it is a film about a rescue team, and the unsung heroes who put their lives on the line.
“The first responders have made the most sacrifices in the past year and they are deserving of respect and acknowledgement. They are really protecting and defending us.” /TISG
London — Spice Girl Geri Halliwell announced on social media on Wednesday (Dec 30) that her beloved pet dog Daddy had died.
She shared a gallery of the sweet pup on Instagram with the caption: “Goodbye to my special little friend, Daddy the dog. He kept me company when I was lonely. He was my little baby before I had Bluebell. After eighteen years he has gone to doggy heaven. Rest in peace, we love you.”
Fellow celebrities and fans left their condolences in the comment section. Singer Alexandra Burke wrote: “Oh I’m so sorry babe.”
One social media user added: “Oh I’m so sorry. They really are part of the family aren’t they?” Another sweetly said: “I’m so sorry for your loss of your little friend. He had a wonderful life to reach that grand age for a little dog.”
Halliwell is an animal lover. Her two luxury countryside villas are also home to many creatures, from ponies and horses to cats and, of course, her beloved dogs.
She had celebrated Christmas day by sharing a photo of herself cuddled up to one of her beautiful horses, writing: “Cosy this Christmas.”
Geri Halliwell with her family during Christmas. Picture: Instagram
Halliwell, 48, also posted a photo of her husband Christian Horner, 47, their four-year-old son Monty and her daughter Bluebell, 15, next to their enormous Christmas tree on the big day, writing: “Merry Christmas! Thinking of you. Hope you have a lovely day.”
Monty is seen sitting on Halliwell’s lap. Bluebell is seen looking adoringly at Monty. Horner is leaning on an armchair behind Halliwell. The family were surrounded by a lot of neatly-wrapped gifts.
Halliwell rose to prominence in the 1990s as Ginger Spice, a member of the pop girl group the Spice Girls.
With more than 85 million records sold worldwide, the group became the best-selling female group of all time.
The phrase “girl power”, regularly uttered by all five members, was most closely associated with Geri. Her Union Jack dress from the 1997 Brit Awards also became an enduring symbol of girl power.
In 1998, Halliwell left the Spice Girls to pursue a solo career but later returned to the group when they reunited in 2007. /TISG
Singapore — The Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) project has been terminated, after both countries failed to reach an agreement by the Dec 31, 2020 deadline.
As a result, Malaysia has agreed to compensate Singapore for costs already incurred.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his Malaysian counterpart, Mr Muhyiddin Yassin, announced through a joint statement on Friday morning (Jan 1) that Malaysia’s government had proposed several changes to the HSR project. The changes were proposed in light of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Malaysian economy.
“Both governments had conducted several discussions with regard to these changes and had not been able to reach an agreement,” said the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). “Therefore, the HSR agreement had lapsed on Dec 31, 2020.”
Both countries had agreed to abide by their respective obligations and proceed with the necessary actions resulting from the termination.
The PMO noted that “both countries remain committed to maintaining good bilateral relations, and cooperate closely in various fields, including strengthening the connectivity between the two countries”.
A separate statement by the Singapore Ministry of Transport (MOT) said the HSR agreement was signed in 2016, with the construction of the project subsequently suspended, from September 2018 to 31 December 2020, at Malaysia’s request. The understanding was that the extension of the suspension period until Dec 31, 2020, would be the final extension.
It said both prime ministers had met via videoconference on Dec 2 to review the project’s status, including Malaysia’s proposals. The MOT said Malaysia has since agreed to the HSR project’s termination. It added that Malaysia “has to compensate Singapore for costs already incurred by Singapore in fulfilling its obligations under the HSR project in accordance with the parties’ agreement”.
According to a Malaysian report, the amount to be compensated to Singapore is around S$100 million (RM300 million).
Singapore’s incurred costs include consultancies to design civil infrastructure, manpower to oversee the project and land acquisition, reported straitstimes.com.
More costs were incurred when Singapore agreed to the suspension Malaysia requested for in August 2018 as contractors had to be compensated when contracts were broken.
The HSR project had entailed a 350km rail line with seven stations expected to cut travel time between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to 90 minutes compared to the current estimated four hours by car and about five hours by air.
Malaysia and Singapore, represented by then Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and Mr Lee, entered a legally-binding bilateral agreement on the project in Putrajaya in December 2016. /TISG
Singapore — A 32-year-old woman has been sent to jail for keeping S$17,000 that was mistakenly transferred to her bank account.
On Jan 17, 2019, Ambikai discovered an excess of S$17,000 in her bank account. According to a mothership.sg report, the money did not belong to her as she had only S$500 in her account, an amount she planned to withdraw that day.
Ambikai withdrew S$3,000 and spent S$1,000 on personal expenses. She pocketed the remaining S$2,000.
On the same day, she transferred S$5,000 to her boyfriend’s bank account, the report noted.
Ambikai withdrew the remaining S$9,000 the following day and gave it to her brother-in-law. She also gave him the S$2,000 she took on Jan 17 as he needed cash for home renovations.
The next month, on Feb 5, a 65-year-old woman lodged a police report regarding her missing cash. It was indicated in court documents that the elderly woman fell victim to a love scam and had transferred money to various accounts, including Ambikai’s.
On Feb 12, Ambikai was identified by police and investigations began. She was arrested on June 16, 2020.
She was charged with dishonestly misappropriating the S$17,000 transferred to her account on a mistake.
The New Paper reported on Thursday (Dec 31) that Ambikai had pleaded guilty to her charge and was sentenced to 24 days in jail.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Audrey Choo said: “She was fully aware that this excess sum did not belong to her, as she should have had only S$500 in her account which she wished to withdraw that day.”
Ambikai knew the money was not hers to keep and yet did not make attempts to contact the rightful owner.
In her defence, her lawyer informed District Judge Ronald Gwee during mitigation that Ambikai was the sole breadwinner of the family and her parents were greatly dependent on her.
She has made full restitution to the victim. /TISG
Singapore — Two recent but separate cases of Covid-19 safety measure breaches — one on a yacht and the other on a Royal Caribbean cruise — have sparked investigations by the authorities.
On Saturday (Dec 26), Facebook user Bu Hui Yan posted footage of what appears to be a Christmas party on a yacht at Lazarus Island. A group of about 10 men and women in swimwear, some with Santa hats, could be seen dancing in the stern. No one was wearing a mask.
Photo: FB screengrab / Bu Hui Yan
The footage also showed people on shore presenting a contrast in behaviour as they were wearing face masks.
Photo: FB screengrab / Bu Hui Yan
The post led to members of the online community questioning the lack of social distancing and adherence to Covid-19 safety measures.
Before Dec 28, it was mandatory for gatherings outside and within households to be limited to five people. The number was increased to eight in line with Phase 3 of exiting the Circuit Breaker period.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) announced on Dec 30 that it was alerted to the incident, according to asiaone.com. Investigations are ongoing.
“MPA takes a serious view of any breach of Covid-19 regulations and will not hesitate to take action against such breaches,” said a representative.
“MPA regularly patrols our waters. We urge the public, as well as vessel owners and operators, to be responsible and comply with all Covid-19 safe management measures, including wearing a mask, and adhering to passenger limits onboard pleasure crafts.”
In the other case, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said on Dec 30 that it was looking into a possible breach of regulations by a group on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
A group of more than 10 men and women were in photos shared on their Instagram accounts. The images, taken on Dec 20 and 21, indicate the group had gathered without masks and did not keep to a one-metre safe distance from one another.
Photo: Instagram screengrab / Valley Seow
A reader tipped off The New Paper on the alleged violations and reported the incident to the STB. The latter’s cruise director, Ms Annie Chang, confirmed it was investigating the gathering.
“The safety of passengers and crew is our priority, and regular onboard inspections are conducted during sailings to ensure compliance with all prevailing safe management measures,” she said to TNP. /TISG
It is always good news when one is expecting a child. Here is a list of celebrities both Asian and international who gave birth to their bundles of joy last year.
Choi Ji Woo
Choi Ji Woo gave birth to a daughter this year. Picture: Instagram
South Korean actress Choi Ji Woo gave birth to a baby daughter on May 16. The actress turned 45 in June. Despite her advanced age, she delivered the baby and both mother and baby are healthy. In March 2018, Ji Woo announced her marriage to her boyfriend who is nine years younger than her and is the owner of an IT firm.
Zhang Ziyi
Zhang Ziyi and her children. Picture: Weibo
On New Year’s Day last year, Zhang Ziyi gave birth to a baby boy. The baby is her second child with her husband, Chinese rock musician Wang Feng.
“On Jan. 1, 2020, our life has a new ‘him’ and now we have another one to happily care for. This is the best new year gift for us, I feel very grateful. What a new year! Happy new year to everyone!” Zhang, 40, wrote in a microblog post on her Sina Weibo account.
Minhwan and Yulhee’s twins. Picture: Instagram
Yulhee (LABOUM) and Minhwan (FT Island)
Korean celebrity couple Yulhee and Minhwan share their eldest son Jae Yul together. Yulhee gave birth to twins Ah Yoon and Ah Rin, on Feb 11. The couple met when Minhwan was in a waiting room of a music programme and Yulhee was instantly attracted to him. Two years later, they were introduced to each other by a friend.
Eunji welcomes a new born. Picture: Instagram
Eunji (9MUSES)
In October 2018, Eunji got married to her non-celebrity husband. The former idol previously made her debut as a member of 9MUSES in 2010. She left the group in 2014. On June 15 this year, Eunji gave birth to her daughter.`
Sungha’s baby boy. Picture: Instagram
Sungha (9MUSES)
Another member of 9MUSES gave birth to a baby last year. It is a baby boy for Sungha and her baby daddy DJ DAQ. The couple got married in 2018 after dating for a year. Sungha’s baby boy is affectionately named ‘Blessing’. He was born on March 19.
Ahreum’s newborn. Picture: Instagram
Ahreum (T-ARA)
Former T-ARA member had a pre-marital pregnancy in which she gave birth to a baby son on May 31.
“2020.05.31 A miracle is born,” she wrote on an Instagram’s post caption. “On the 29th, I felt labor pains and went to the hospital and things were not moving along via the labor-inducing medication, so in the evening three days later, I came to meet our baby through a c-section. I don’t know why I made things so difficult for him! However, what is this… our baby was born weighing four kilograms. Mom seemed like she was having a difficult time, he stayed and stayed in my stomach and finally wanted to come out!”
Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik
Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik’s baby. Picture: Instagram
Model Gigi Hadid and her boyfriend Zayn Malik welcomed their baby girl on Sept 23 last year. As of now, the name of the baby is still unknown as well as the actual photo of her face.
Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas
When Sophie Turner was pregnant. Picture: Instagram
Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas welcomed baby Willa on July 22. The couple have been excited to be parents. Since the birth of their baby daughter, there has not been much news about her.
Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom
Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom’s daughter. Picture: Instagram
On Aug 27, Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom welcomed baby daughter Daisy Dove Bloom. This is their first child together and Orlando’s second time being a father. He has a son with former wife Miranda Kerr.
Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty
Nicki Minaj’s baby’s foot. Picture: Instagram
Pop star Nicki Minaj welcomed a baby boy on Sept 30 with husband of one year Kenneth Petty. “Happy Anniversary, my love,” she captioned the precious photo of her son’s tiny foot while wishing her husband on their anniversary. /TISG
Over the summer, Fresh Off The Boat star Constance Wu and her rocker boyfriend Ryan Kattner reportedly welcomed a baby daughter and they are “so excited and happy” with their baby.
A source told E! News: “They are doing great, and they’re so excited and happy.”
The 38-year-old actress never publicly announced that she was pregnant and had not appeared in the public eye since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March. Constance was last photographed in February walking the red carpet at the Queerties 2020 Awards Reception and the 22nd Costume Designers Guild Awards.
Constance’s boyfriend Ryan is the frontman of rock band Man Man and he uses the stage name Honus Honus. The rocker released the album Dream Hunting in the Valley of the In-Between in May, the band’s first in seven years.
He’s also a screenwriter and composer; according to IMDB.
Ryan Kattner is Constance Wu’s boyfriend. Picture:Instagram
He worked as a music supervisor on The Exorcist the TV Series.
Constance became famous after acting in sitcom Fresh Off the Boat which ended its six-season run in February. She shared that going to acting classes on her off days makes her feel the ‘most free.’
She said: “I love what I do. It’s more fun for me than going to a party. When I have a day off, I go to acting class. I’m there with all the other actors who are struggling and waiting tables and trying to become actors, just because it’s fun. It’s where I feel most free.”
And Constance also admitted she doesn’t “think anything through”.
She added: “I don’t think anything through. I am very impulsive and reactive. I have always been a person who is kind of outspoken, but nobody knew who I was before. Now I have this weird thing called fame, and I wasn’t looking for it, I didn’t ask for it, but if you have it, you might as well use it for something good. And the best thing I think I can do is help amplify the voices of people who don’t feel heard.”
Constance’s next movie, I Was a Simple Man, is slated to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2021. She is also one of the voices in the animated feature, Wish Dragon, which is expected to be released in 2021.
