EXPERT BLOGS
Celebrating friendship and what makes Singapore tick
Every day seems to be a day of celebration in Singapore. Recently, my tenacious generosity to entice friends to visit our shores has crept up on me – my life resembles a revolving door. No sooner does one guest depart, then another proverbial “best” mate is in the wings to claim the spare room as their own. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. I’m blessed to have a diverse – although at times – challenging selection of life-long friends and past colleagues wanting to stay a while and reminisce of times gone by. But is it really me? How do I dare to think I am the main attraction when Singapore has so much on offer?
The celebration of a nation is the month’s hot topic. No matter your race, religion or creed, national pride is a universal theme touching the heart and igniting a flame of loyalty within. Being Australian, and now in my forties, I recall one of the greatest national day events now etched in my memory, the 1988 bicentennial celebration of Captain Arthur Phillip’s arrival in Sydney Harbour, marking the founding of the City of Sydney and the colony of New South Wales. As a budding male model and professional musician at the time, I was invited to join a swag of guests on a spectacular launch, owned by some media tycoon. It was a perfect January summer’s day. Thousands of vessels dotted the glistening waterways, the iconic Opera House basking in the sun in all its glory and the harbour bridge high above, with its 6 million hand-driven rivets joining the north shore to the south. Australians celebrated for days as only they know how, with good friends, plenty of beer and seafood. Revisit that Aussie feeling in Going Places which features some great down under road trips. This year I’ll be high above – celebrating with Singapore friends – overlooking the Float @ Marina Bay and viewing the National day fireworks from one of the Lion City’s favourite local watering holes Lantern, the spectacular rooftop bar at the Fullerton Bay Hotel.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow
Be quick, don’t miss the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow to laugh out loud LOL. Opening night Wednesday 27 July 2011 was brilliant! The DBS arts centre off Unity Street is the perfect venue. Show starts at 8pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday Nights 28-30 July 2011 with an additional show at 6pm Saturday 30 July 2011 and yes the stage manager ensures the performance starts dead on time…The setting is intimate enough to experience these guys up close and personal. This is a laugh a minute, guaranteed feel good outing. Dave Williams, your MC is one of Australia’s brightest young comedy stars. Dave heads up the show with precision, wit and a universal humour. He gets the crowd turned on and ready for anything. Felicity Ward was a Hoot. Gotta luv Woy Woy North coast NSW- a reference to her roots. She’s a funny lady. The substation has brought a stellar line-up for the 7th year running. Any feedback appreciated - other great events to share please do!
Tax implications associated with housing your family in your Aussie property
STEVE DOUGLAS outlines the tax implications of having members of your family live in your Aussie property
Q Can I claim housing tax benefits if a family member is living in my Aussie property?
Under Australian tax law, to be eligible to claim any outgoing costs you must receive income on the property. So, if you’re not collecting rent from a relative who is occupying the property, you’re not entitled for any tax deductions. And since interest is usually the biggest cost factor, it’s wise to have a low – or no mortgage – on your property, especially when you receive low or no income from the property.
If your family members are paying tenants, the Australian Tax Office requires you to declare the true market value of the rental property as income, regardless of what you may decide to charge. So, if the rental is A$100 per week and the true market value is higher, you’ll have to declare the higher income to be eligible to claim any interest or other property costs. The true market value of your property can be determined by a Real Estate Agent.
Once you’ve established what the true market rental is and the total cost of ownership, it’s worth declaring the property in your tax return only if the costs are greater than the market rental. If it’s less, it’s best to leave the property out of your tax return altogether and treat it as a family arrangement. Regardless of which path you choose, your property will still be subject to Capital Gains Tax upon sale. And if the property is genuinely your parents or relatives’ home, it’s best to transfer the property into their name and make it their principle place of residence. They will then be eligible for the Australian Capital Gains Tax-Free Status. Your decision will be based on a number of factors, so take into consideration level of debt, availability of finance, type of property and family obligation.
Prevention and treatment of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is the weakening of the bones due to a lack of calcium, resulting in an increased risk of fracture. Fractures commonly occur in the hip, spine and wrist. A hip fracture usually requires hospitalisation and major surgery and can impair a person’s ability to walk unassisted. It may also lead to permanent disability, or even death. Studies show one in five hip fracture patients aged 50 years and over require long-term care after surgery, and only 40 percent fully regain the level of independence they had before the fracture. Spinal fractures also have serious consequences, such as loss of height, back pain and deformity.Prevention pointers
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Dr June Tan MBBS MMed (Family Medicine)Dr Tan is a family physician with special interests in chronic disease management, women’s health, paediatrics and musculoskeletal conditions. She earned her Masters degree in Family Medicine in 2002 and has served as a senior family physician in a local primary care institution.
Selecting the right family lawyer to represent you
Lawyer-mediator RAJAN CHETTIAR gives top tips on how to select the right family lawyer to represent you.
One in 10 divorce cases require a lawyer to perform at least minimum work, however it’s impossible for lawyers to predict how a divorce will proceed, which makes it difficult for them to let a client know how much proceedings will cost ahead of the case. An upfront quotation for legal services’ fees usually represents an estimated amount, however, this will invariably be revised due to any number of circumstances. For example, your case may be contested or may not be straightforward for some other reason.Commissioner for Oaths, Mediator LLB (Honours), Barrister-at-law (Middle Temple), UK
How diabetes can affect your teeth and gums
Dr Brendan Gin of SMILEFOCUS explains how diabetes can harm your teeth and gums, and prescribes methods of treatment for maintenance.
Your mouth naturally contains many types of bacteria. When these interact with starch and sugar in the food and beverages you consume, a sticky film known as plaque forms on your teeth. The acid in plaque attacks the hard, outer surface of your teeth (enamel), encouraging cavities. A diabetic has high glucose levels in the saliva allowing the bacteria in plaque to thrive, causing repeated acid attacks and wearing away teeth.
Be sure to tell your dentist if you have diabetes and do your best to keep your blood glucose level under control. You should also brush and floss your teeth daily and visit your dentist every six months to monitor your oral health and prevent gum disease and other diabetes-related complications.
It’s best to visit your dentist when your blood sugar level is in a normal range, especially if you’re scheduled for more extensive treatment. If your blood sugar level is not under control, postpone any non-emergency dental procedures. Remember to eat before your dental appointment and take your usual medication. Alert your dentist if you have any infections and if you’re having a procedure done that might leave your mouth sore, choose soft or liquid foods to alleviate the pain and control your blood sugar levels.
As a diabetic, keep your dentist informed of any changes in your condition and any medication you’re taking. Diabetes related dental infections can be painful and disrupt normal eating patterns. Managing diabetes is a lifelong commitment which requires proper dental care, so work together with your dentist to ensure good oral hygiene and your efforts will be rewarded with a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
Is diabetes affecting your dental health? Check for…
• Red, tender and swollen gums
• Gums that bleed when you brush them – even when they’re not sore
• Gum shrinking away from your teeth so your teeth look longer
• Pus around your teeth when you press on the gum
• A continual bad taste in your mouth
• Loose teeth
• A change in the way your top and bottom teeth touch
Dr Brendan Gin B.D.Sc. (Melbourne) Dr Brendan Gin, from
Weekend mid-afternoon catch-up
I received a call today from a girlfriend who really enjoys a catch-up and a chat. The suggestion was to meet at UOB Plaza on the Singapore river at about 3pm. OK, so I thought what am I in for. I arrived on time and to my delight I was instantly escorted to the 60th Floor UOB Plaza One to Si Chuan Dou Hua for an Imperial afternoon tea. It was excellent. At $20++ per head we enjoyed authentic chinese tea paired with a selection of dim sum. You will sit and sip for hours - we certainly did.
The view is brilliant. The aspect is over Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar. Ask for table 82, a cosy corner for two with the best view in the house. You are made to feel welcome in the tea room adjacent to the main restaurant. The lounge only has three or four tables away from the main restauant area so its quiet enough to have a whispered conversation. The atmosphere is definately relaxing, almost filmic. I felt we were sitting in a set of some extraordinary chinese classic. You can also book a private room for eight at the same $20++ cover or even a larger area for communal tea gatherings with friends this includes a tea preparation demonstration.
This is a must do, especially when you have friends or family in town - even though a cold one down at Harry’s bar afterwards could always be on the cards.
Fresh new look, Unique Menu for Man Fu Yuan
I had the pleasure of joining a few media mates and food junkies earlier this week! After an extensive $1.5 Million refurbishment, Man Fu Yuan at the Intercontinental 80 Middle Road Singapore returns to take its place as a leading Singapore Cantonese restaurant with a refreshingly delicious approach to fine Canotonese dining. As an Aussie and certainly one for a simple meat and veg menu, this experience was definately an eye opener. The setting is plush, the service is exceptional and the menu is extensive. And items can be paired with traditional Chinese teas including Man Fu Yuan Special five elements blend using the ingredients of fire, earth and wood. An excellent palatte enhancer.
A definate stand out was the signature creation - Tea Smoked Duck, flavoured with Royal Daffodil, giving it a unique aroma and taste. No complaints at all. Don’t miss Chef Simon Poon’s own distinctive Cream of Pumpkin with Ice-Cream. This delight will refresh your palatte with its smooth and light creamy consistency. Thanks to all the staff at the Intercontinental. I will definately be back and booking a private room for a cosy party of eight!
Summer fun & switching into mummy mode
Summer is here and the heat is on! At eight months pregnant I’m not sure if it’s because I’ve got a little person inside me raising my body temperature, or if it really is hotter out there, but I’m certainly feeling the heat. Some mornings, when I leave the house for my walk, it’s so muggy I worry I won’t be able to get back up the hill to make it home. My husband has finally convinced me to wear my iPhone strapped to my upper arm, so I can call him if it all proves too hard. Add my iPod with its Nike pace-counter and I’m a walking, talking techno-geek ripe for a sponsorship deal.