UPI said:

By day, a third-year economics major who wants to be known only as Lynn attends classes at the National University of Singapore, usually clad in a simple getup of jeans and a tank top.

But at night, while most other undergraduates are asleep, Lynn trades her casual wear for a wardrobe of resplendent dresses and works as a social escort, a job scorned and labeled distasteful by most. From 8 p.m. to about 4 a.m. she entertains male clients by attending functions with them, indulging them in a drink and chat, or by providing what she called “discreet services.”

“It’s not exactly the most glamorous of jobs,” Lynn said. “I’m keeping it from my parents and most friends. But what to do? I have to eat my meals and pay my bills.”

Recommended by at82: "The signs of time..."

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insane polygons said:

You see, the government is trying to prevent all the dastardedly evil rich men from crowding out the poor from the B2 and C class wards, therefore it is important to implement means testing so the rich and the well off don’t take advantage of the system by abusing “generous” government subsidies.

First ask yourself, how many of the truly rich would really opt to stay in a C class ward? You think a guy making $200, 000 a year would really stay at a C class ward if he had the choice? The last time I went to a C class ward to visit, I sure as hell didn’t see too much tai tais lying on their subsidised beds seeping martini’s, eating sharkfin and caviar. You think when the MM’s wife was hospitalised during the SARs period, she was cooling her heels at a C class ward?

Recommended by at82: "Means testing means testing how stupid we all are."

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Lucky Tan said:

There have been many of articles in the newspapers telling us that the hike is fair as our electricity tariffs is linked to the price of fuel oil. See how reasonable Singapore Power is - they understand the plight of Singaporeans and won't burden us by hiking prices unnecessarily especially when Singaporeans have already gone through many rounds of price hikes. Yes, the price of oil has increase so electricity tariffs have to go up. ...

Q3 Why do tariffs increase in tandem with higher fuel oil prices when 60% of our country’s power generation uses natural gas as fuel?
A3 The natural gas contracts are pegged to fuel oil prices. Hence the prices of natural gas will also change accordingly when there is a change in fuel oil prices.

The Q&A is from 2005, today a higher % (>80%)of our electricity is generated using natural gas. Some of you find that it is strange that our tariffs are pegged to oil prices rather than natural gas prices. Here's why:

See the price of natural gas has fallen from a peak of $16 a year ago to about $7.7. Throughout 2007, it has remained relatively flat.

Singapore Power make $800-$1B a year in profits and has been active in acquisitions:

* June 2000 : Aussie transmission GPU PowerNet business for A$2.1B.
* July 2004 : Aussie company TXU for A$5,1B
* Oct 2007 : Together with Babcock & Brown pays $7.4B for Alinta

The list is above is not exhausive but you get the idea.

Recommended by at82: "Price of natural gas is stable lower than 2006 so why is the electricity tariffs increasing?!"

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at82 said:

Now, who wouldn't want to stay in better wards when they are suffering for serious illnesses like cancer if he or she can afford it?

The only reason why more and more Singaporeans are choosing to stay in class C wards for serious illness is because they are increasing unable to afford stay in better class of wards!

And now instead of thinking of ways to reduce the medical burdens of Singaporeans, our dear govt wanted to means test Singaporeans?

Recommended by at82: "Die la, never means test hospital fees already increase 30%. If means test sick singaporeans can go eat grass liao loh!"

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