YUMMY!!! (Post 5 - Cedar Planked Salmon)

Cedar Planked Salmon

Prep Time:
15 Min

Cook Time:
20 Min

Ready In:
35 Min

Serves 6

Ingredients

• 3 (12 inch) untreated cedar planks
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger root
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 (2 pound) salmon fillets, skin removed

Directions

1. Soak the cedar planks for at least 1 hour in warm water. Soak longer if you have time.
2. In a shallow dish, stir together the vegetable oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, green onions, ginger, and garlic. Place the salmon fillets in the marinade and turn to coat. Cover and marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to one hour.
3. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat. Place the planks on the grate. The boards are ready when they start to smoke and crackle just a little.
4. Place the salmon fillets onto the planks and discard the marinade. Cover, and grill for about 20 minutes. Fish is done when you can flake it with a fork. It will continue to cook after you remove it from the grill.

Nutritional Information 

Amount Per Serving  Calories: 678 | Total Fat: 45.8g | Cholesterol: 179mg

Hawker centres to support the less privileged and the marginalised: panel-Yahoo! Singapore(News)

Future hawker centres will be more vibrant if recommendations by a public panel are to be adopted. (Yahoo! pho …

A series of recommendations were put forth by a public consultation panel on Monday in a bid to improve the management and "vibrancy" of hawker centres, according to The Straits Times (ST).

Amongst the list of changes proposed, according to the broadsheet, includes a possible handover of hawker centres from the government to non-profit organisations (NGO). Consequently, a possible partnership with social organisations may be struck to employ marginalised groups such as the disabled and ex-convicts to work as dishwashers.

This move was welcomed by Singaporeans such as Debbie Lim who felt that this was a good opportunity for less privileged people, particularly ex-convicts who are commonly marginalised in society, in finding a job.

Elizabeth Leong, a marketing executive, also supported this socially conscious move. She said, "I think it is a brilliant idea and it should be implemented as soon as possible. It would be a good chance for the disabled and ex-convicts to prove [themselves] to others."

In line with promoting social graciousness, the panel also suggested that patrons should be encouraged to clear their trays away after finishing their meals.

However, 24-year-old Cheryl L was concerned that this initiative may have problems taking flight as Singaporeans are already used to the concept of having cleaners around in hawker centres but added that if its surroundings are already clean, patrons may feel pressurized to "maintain the cleanliness".

A 'green' hawker centre
In an effort to make hawker centres more environmentally friendly, "green" features such as composting stations, energy-efficient light bulbs and solar panels will be incorporated into the designs of new hawker centres, reported ST.

Energy and water efficient practices and features will also be put into use, along with the promotion of recycling facilities in the hawker centre, according to Channel NewsAsia (CNA).

CNA added that patrons will also be encouraged to bring their own meal containers to enjoy food rebates for takeaways.

Arif Bamadhaj, a business student, noted that this move may benefit the lower-income and the environmentally-friendly groups the most although Lim questioned the viability of this idea amongst office workers who may be unwilling to bring their own containers because of the "hassle".

Hawkers' reactions
Meanwhile, a call by the panel for hawkers to offer "value meals" -- meals which are cheaper than those sold at nearby eateries -- received hesitant responses by hawkers whom Yahoo! Singaporeapproached.

An owner of a snacks stall, who declined to be named, said that prices of some food such as snacks cannot go any lower whereas the owner of Rong Xing Cooked Food in Tanjong Pagar Market said, "It can be done, but whether the quality [of the food] still remains is another issue. The food can be cheap, but the rent and utilities must be cheaper."

Both owners were also not supportive of the panel's proposal to implement joint-tenancy -- where one tenant operates the stall during the day and another during the night-- as they cited business considerations such as insufficient space to store their ingredients.

Other recommendations suggested by the panel include setting space aside for community activities,  disallowing full-day subletting to prevent profiteering by stall owners and considering central bulk purchases for the entire hawker centre, according to ST.

A final recommendation will be submitted to the government at the end of next month and the public can send in their suggestions to myhawkercentre@gmail.com

-- Additional reporting by Clarence Chen

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New and improved terminal to replace Budget Terminal-Yahoo! Singapore(News)

Budget carriers will soon have to operate from the main terminals at Changi Airport. (AFP file photo)

The Budget Terminal at Changi Airport will soon be closed to make way for a "new and improved terminal" to accommodate future demand, reported Channel NewsAsia (CNA).

Budget carriers will soon have to operate from the main terminals, CNA added.

According to CNA, observers said there is a possibility operating costs will be increased. It is, however, understood that authorities are working with the airlines to help them address the issue.

Observers added that it should not take more than two years for the new terminal to be ready.

Opened in 2006 in response to the emerging trend of low cost carriers in Asia, the Budget Terminal was recently expanded to handle 7 million passengers, up from 2.7 million per annum previously.

CNA also reported that several shop owners at the terminal were aware of the impending closure and were not surprised by it, as the lease for most concession there will expire in a few months.


*back into the abyss of death*

Watch out Singapore as Malaysia’s ‘transforming’: hiring experts-Yahoo! Singapore(News)

Singapore will witness "stiff competition" from Malaysia, said hiring expert.

Singapore will witness "stiff competition" from Malaysia for businesses if the Economic Development Board does not up its game, said a hiring expert.

Andrea Ross, managing director for professional recruitment consultancy Robert Walters for Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam, said, "Singapore has to be more innovative, which the EDB has been doing very well in. But it has got to revamp it up moving forward."

While Malaysia's infrastructure is not yet comparable to Singapore's, it will be in the near future and talents are open to migrating to the neighbouring country, she said during the presentation of the firm's annual global survey salary.

Sally Raj, country manager of Robert Walters Malaysia, said that the Singapore neighbour is currently undergoing a "transformation" to beef up its infrastructure. This could potentially see more companies beefing up workforce in the country.

That said, Joanne Chua, associate director of the firm's HR, supply chain and business support division, thinks that Singapore is "still very well-positioned as a market where talent is concerned."

Singapore still has investments pouring in, Chua said, adding, "So are we seeing a dearth in the jobs market? Definitely not. Are we seeing a slowdown? Yes, definitely. That's because companies are more cautious in terms of hiring."

The report highlighted that 2011 remained a generally conservative year for banks hiring, the firm said, as many firms "overhired" in the previous year. There, however, remained a strong demand for experienced professionals and support staff like sales and relationship managers, and credit analysts in small medium enterprises (SMEs) and corporate banking to generate revenue.

There was also an estimated up to 40 per cent increase in contractual positions offered in Singapore especially within finance, human resources and business support staff.

Singapore's economic outlook for the last year stood similar to that of Hong Kong's with dips in recruitment advertising activity — a similar seasonal decline in the last quarter of 2010.

According to the report, this year will see hiring slog on as global economic concerns will continue to "weigh on candidate and client confidence".

Andrea Ross, managing director for recruitment consultancy Robert Walters for Singapore, …

Ross optimistically pointed out that there are a number of public sector projects such as transport infrastructure, hospitals, schools and universities which will result in increasing demand for professionals within construction and logistics.

While Singapore has a strong talent pool, Ross warned that the next biggest challenge other than the rising inflation and housing prices is for firms to retain talent.

On the same note, Chua said, "Are we hearing retrenchments in certain areas? Yes, we are, not because companies are downsizing but because they're offshoring certain functions to lower-cost markets."

The consultancy firm said that the key operative for many organisations in 2012 is likely to be "cautious optimism". Assessing the global economic uncertainty will be a factor in headcount decisions.

The report revealed that job influx is likely to be seen in professions such as engineering, HR, secretarial support, IT and sales and marketing roles for professionals across the fast-moving consumer goods, IT and telecommunications and industrial sectors as these areas are less immediately affected by the uncertainty phenomenon as compared to banking and financial sectors.

Technical healthcare is predicted to see a growth in terms of constant labour demand.

Addressing the concern that inflation will curb real income increments, Chua said she does expect "adjustments" that firms will most likely make based on their yearly reviews.

Chua cautioned though the challenge for the government now remains managing that fine balance between the need to attract foreign investments into the local market and "providing jobs through our local talents" while being mindful that Singapore risk forcing foreign investors out if the country becomes a high cost centre.

"I think they're [the government] tacking the issues right now."

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‘Property prices at a turning point’-Yahoo! Singapore(News)

There is a possibility that residential property prices might see a quarter-on-quarter decline in the first quarter …

By Mr Propwise

From the URA's recent release of the 4Q2011 private residential property index, property price increases in Singapore have almost screeched to a halt. Prices were up just 0.2 per cent in 4Q2011 on a quarter-on-quarter basis and 5.9 per cent on a year-on-year basis.

At the current levels the price index is 16.2 per cent above the previous 2Q2008 peak, and 13.7 per cent above the previous all time high in 2Q1996.

figure 1

Figure 1 — URA Property Price Index

What is interesting to note is that the rate of growth of the PPI has been slowing for nine quarters, i.e. property price growth has been decelerating continuously, and is already close to zero. This is likely due to concern over the slowing economy, worrying global economic situation especially with the troubles in Europe and weak growth in the US, combined with the dampening effect of multiple rounds of government measures.

figure 2

Figure 2 — Change in Property Price Index

I believe that residential property prices in Singapore are at a turning point and we are likely to see a quarter-on-quarter decline in the next 1Q2012 Property Price Index disclosure. Some analysts have estimated that prices were already down on a month-on-month basis in December 2011.

The uncertainty is whether we will see a sharp decline as during the 1997-1998 Asian Crisis and 2008-2009 Financial Crisis, or whether it will be a more gradual decline as we saw during the 2000-2004 Post-Dotcom Bubble and SARs era.

Can low interest rates prop up property prices?

However some believe that the abundant global liquidity situation could blunt or even reverse the decline in Singapore property prices. Led by the European Central Bank and Fed, governments around the world have been easing monetary policy and keeping interest rates low to prevent another crisis triggered by too much debt.

figure 3

Figure 3 — Straits Times Index

We've already seen a New Year rally in the Straits Times Index, and if you believe that the stock market is a leading indicator for the property market, then we could see property prices supported in the coming quarters.

Anecdotally, mass market launches are still going strong and local investors' appetite for property is still robust even as the Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty has kept most of the foreigners away. For example, the recent launch of Parc Rosewood (by Fragrance Group and World Class Land) in Woodlands saw 165 of the 236 launched units sold at the $925-998 psf price range, 8-10 per cent lower than initially guided. This followed the strong take up of Watertown in Punggol.

But don't forget that this decelerating price growth trend preceded the property bear markets that began in 3Q2000 and 3Q2008 (but not the one in 3Q1996). So regardless of whether you are more a "technical" or "fundamental" investor (or both), it pays to be cautious in this market.

Supply in the pipeline is at a record high

Supply, at 77,089 uncompleted private residential units from projects in the pipeline, is at an all-time high since the URA started recording this data in 1999. At the same time volumes are falling — 4Q2011 sales of 3,603 new units (down 15% quarter-on-quarter) and 2,962 units (down 24% quarter-on-quarter) are both significant decreases.

Of this record supply, 39,184 units remain unsold as at 4Q2011 — this could present an overhang on the market for many quarters to come.

We've also seen widespread declines or Cash Over Valuations in the HDB market, which is a foreshadowing of a weaker private property market.

How much could the market fall?

I did a study of the previous three property market corrections and found that the PPI corrected in the range of 19.9 per cent to 44.9 per cent and that the correction lasted from 4 to 15 quarters:

2Q1996 Peak to 4Q2008 Trough — 44.9% decline over 10 quarters

2Q2000 Peak to 1Q2004 Trough — 19.9% decline over 15 quarters

2Q2008 Peak to 2Q2009 Trough — 24.9% decline over 4 quarters

If history is anything to go by, what this means is that the correction could be longer and stronger than what most people are expecting. However, I believe that we will only see similar levels of price declines if there is an external crisis to cause a sense of panic, which we had in each of the previous three declines (e.g. Asian Crisis, Dotcom Bubble, Global Financial Crisis).

Mr. Propwise is founder of www.Propwise.sg, a Singapore property blog dedicated to helping you understand the real estate market and make better decisions. Click here to get your free Property Beginner's and Buyer's Guide.

*back into the abyss of death*

Watch Out! 10 Interview Questions Designed to Trick You-Yahoo! Singapore(Finance)

Provided by

by Jenna Goudreau

For the long-term unemployed or those workers looking for a change, getting an interview in today's market may feel like a win in itself. But once you're in the door, interviewers often put you through an obstacle course of deceptive questions with double meanings or hidden agendas. Do you know how to read the subtext?

"On the other side of the desk, hiring managers spend countless long hours interviewing candidate after candidate," says Joyce Lain Kennedy, a nationally syndicated careers columnist and author of Job Interviews For Dummies. "A tricky question may be used as a time management tool to quickly eliminate a less qualified candidate."

Kennedy says that even if job hunters have rehearsed anticipated topics, an unexpected question may jar loose an authentic answer that exposes hidden problems. She outlines the top 10 most common questions designed to trick you.

No. 1: Why have you been out of work so long, and how many others were laid off?

This question may also be followed by the more direct, "Why were you laid off?" Kennedy says it is an attempt to figure out if there's something wrong with you that your former company or that other potential employers have already discovered. The interviewer may be trying to determine if themes of recession and budget cuts were used to dump second-string employees, including you. Rather than answering the question directly and chancing an emotional response or misinterpretation, Kennedy advises punting. Respond: "I don't know the reason. I was an excellent employee who gave more than a day's work for a day's pay."

No. 2: If employed, how do you manage time for interviews?

"The real question is whether you are lying to and short-changing your current employer while looking for other work," says Kennedy. The interviewer may wonder: If you're cheating on your current boss, why wouldn't you later cheat on me? She suggests placing the emphasis on why you're interested in this position by saying you're taking personal time and that you only interview for positions that are a terrific match. If further interviews are suggested, Kennedy advises mentioning that the search is confidential and asking to schedule follow-ups outside of normal working hours.

No. 3: How did you prepare for this interview?

The intention of this question is to decipher how much you really care about the job or if you're simply going through the motions or winging it. Kennedy says the best way to answer is by saying, "I very much want this job, and of course researched it starting with the company website." Beyond explaining how you've done your homework, show it. Reveal your knowledge of the industry, company or department by asking informed questions and commenting on recent developments.

No. 4: Do you know anyone who works for us?

This one really is a tricky question, says Kennedy, because most interviewees expect that knowing someone on the inside is always a good thing. "Nothing beats having a friend deliver your resume to a hiring manager, but that transaction presumes the friend is well thought of in the company," she says. Because the interviewer will likely associate the friend's characteristics and reputation with your merits, she recommends only mentioning someone by name if you're certain of their positive standing in the organization.

No. 5: Where would you really like to work?

"The real agenda for this question is assurance that you aren't applying to every job opening in sight," says Kennedy. She advises never mentioning another company by name or another job title because you want to highlight all the reasons you're perfect for this job and that you'll give it all of your attention if achieved. A good response would be: "This is where I want to work, and this job is what I want to do."

No. 6: What bugs you about coworkers or bosses?

Don't fall into this trap. Kennedy says you always want to present yourself as optimistic and action-oriented, and hiring managers may use this question to tease out whether you'll have trouble working with others or could drag down workplace morale and productivity. "Develop a poor memory for past irritations," she advises. Reflect for a few seconds, and then say you can't recall anything in particular. Go on to compliment former bosses for being knowledgeable and fair and commend past coworkers for their ability and attitude. It will reveal your positive outlook and self-control and how you'll handle the social dynamics in this position.

No. 7: Can you describe how you solved a work or school problem?

Kennedy says that, really, no one should be too taken aback by this, as it's one of the most basic interview questions and should always be anticipated. However, all too often interviewees either can't come up with something on the spot or miss the opportunity to highlight their best skills and attributes. Kennedy says what the interviewer really wants is insight into how your mind works. Have an answer ready, like how you solved time management issues in order to take on a special assignment or complicated project, that showcases an achievement.

No. 8: Can you describe a work or school instance in which you messed up?

This one is a minefield. "One question within the question is whether you learn from your mistakes or keep repeating the same errors," says Kennedy. Similarly, the interviewer may be trying to glean whether you're too self-important or not self-aware enough to take responsibility for your failings. Perhaps even more problematic, if you answer this question by providing a list of all your negative traits or major misdeeds, then you're practically spelling out your insecurities and guaranteeing you won't get the job. So you don't want to skirt the question or make yourself look bad. "Briefly mention a single small, well-intentioned goof and follow up with an important lesson learned from the experience," she advises.

No. 9: How does this position compare with others you're applying for?

"The intent is to gather intel on the competitive job market or get a handle on what it will take to bring you on board," says Kennedy. There are two directions to take: Coy or calculated. "You can choose a generic strategy and say you don't interview and tell, and respect the privacy of any organization where you interview," she notes. Or you could try to make yourself appear in demand by confirming you've received another competitive offer, which may up the bidding for your services. Always bring the focus back to this position, by asking: "Have I found my destination here?"

No. 10: If you won the lottery, would you still work?

Admittedly, this one's a little silly. Even so, it's another opportunity to underscore your motivation and work ethic. Kennedy advises acknowledging that you'd be thrilled to win the lottery but would still look for meaningful work because meeting challenges and achieving make you happy. And say it with a straight face.

If at any point in an interview you're uncertain or caught off guard, don't panic, Kennedy warns. Deflect a question by saying you'd like to mull it over and come back to it, or by being honest that you don't know the answer and, as a careful worker, would prefer not to guess. "If you've otherwise done a good job of answering questions and confidently explained why you're a great match for the position," she says, "the interviewer probably won't consider your lack of specifics on a single topic to be a deal breaker."

*back into the abyss of death*

NTU student accused of sexual harassment-Yahoo! Singapore(News)

Facebook note accusing an NTU student of sexual harassment went viral. (Yahoo! file photo)

A female Nanyang Technological University student's note this week alleging that a male student has sexually harassed her peers has gone viral online.

In a Facebook note posted on Tuesday at 6 p.m. and later taken down, the female, who studies at NTU's Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information (WKWSCI), warned that the second-year male student has been sexually harassing students for a year and did not seem to be stopping. She requested readers to spread the word about him.

After three hours, the note had 43 shares and some viewers had circulated it via email.

When contacted, a female student told Yahoo! Singapore that she knows one of the male student's alleged victims and that this friend has filed a police report against him.

In the note, the student claimed that in December alone, the student approached five girls, including her, online and chatted with them on Facebook. Conversations with him went on for more than half an hour before he revealed that he needed videos showing them exposed and in compromising positions, she wrote.

The male student explained the need for the videos by spinning a story about how he could lose his internship at a local company for making a video of a female friend wherein she accidentally exposed herself. The video to be made would replace the original. When the girls agreed, the male student then changed his tune and insisted that the respective video of them has to be suggestive, the female student further recounted.

Yahoo! Singapore sought the side of the male student, who had been identified in the post, but could not reach him.

It seemed that the faculty of WKWSCI has been made aware of the note containing the allegations. A friend of the female student confirmed to Yahoo! Singapore that she had seen the note before it had been taken down and even commented on it.

The female student herself also explained that she had taken down the note as the manner she chose to spread the information had been frowned upon.

Yahoo! Singapore also understands that leaders of the WKWSCI student club have asked undergraduates not to speak to the media to spare the school from negative attention.

An NTU spokesperson responded to this website's queries saying that the case has been reported to the police and the school is currently assisting the police with their investigations.

The school further clarified that it "does not condone harassment in any form" and has "reminded all students about the importance of safe and responsible behaviour, both online and offline".

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Cat Facts-Rescuinganimalsinneed.org

1.       Tylenol and chocolate are both poisonous to cats.*

2.     The ancestor of all domestic cats is the African Wild Cat which still exists today.*

3.     In ancient Egypt, killing a cat was a crime punishable by death.

 4.     In ancient Egypt, mummies were made of cats, and embalmed mice were placed with them in their tombs. In one ancient city, over 300,000 cat mummies were found.

5.     In the Middle Ages, during the Festival of Saint John, cats were burned alive in town squares.

6.     The first cat show was in 1871 at the Crystal Palace in London.

7.     Today there are about 100 distinct breeds of the domestic cat.

8.     Genetic mutation created the domestic cat which is tame from birth.

9.     Like birds, cats have a homing ability that uses its biological clock, the angle of the sun, and the Earth's magnetic field. A cat taken far from its home can return to it. But if a cat's owners move far from its home, the cat can't find them.

10.  Hunting is not instinctive for cats. Kittens born to non-hunting mothers may never learn to hunt.

11.   Cats bury their feces to cover their trails from predators.

12.  Mother cats teach their kittens to use the litter box.

13.  Among other tasks, cats can be taught to use a toilet, come, sit, beg, eat with their paws, heel, jump through a hoop, play a piano, play dead, roll over, open a door, hide food in boxes, shake, and fetch.

14.  Cats sleep 16 to 18 hours per day. When cats are asleep, they are still alert to incoming stimuli. If you poke the tail of a sleeping cat, it will respond accordingly.

15.  In Great Britain, black cats are thought to bring good luck.

16.  Besides smelling with their nose, cats can smell with an additional organ called the Jacobson's organ, located in the upper surface of the mouth.

17.  Cats can't taste sweets.

18.  The chlorine in fresh tap water irritates sensitive parts of the cat's nose. Let tap water sit for 24 hours before giving it to a cat.

19.  The average cat food meal is the equivalent to about five mice.

20.The catgut formerly used as strings in tennis rackets and musical instruments does not come from cats. Catgut actually comes from sheep, hogs, and horses.

21.  A large majority of white cats with blue eyes are deaf. White cats with only one blue eye are deaf only in the ear closest to the blue eye. White cats with orange eyes do not have this disability.

22.Neutering a cat extends its life span by two or three years.

23.Pregnant women are advised not to come in contact with cat feces, because it can contain an organism which can affect the unborn child and even cause miscarriage.

24.Ten human years translate to about 56 cat years. A one year old cat is similar in age to an 15 year old human.

*back into the abyss of death*