The predicted debt levels were described as alarming by Citizens Advice Scotland. Last February, it said a record number of Scots were now so seriously in debt they would never be able to pay back what they owed.
Can you imagine – to never, ever be out of debt? To never, ever save anything you earn because it all goes to interest payments? It boggles the mind. I’m boggled. Wow.
(‘Splains all those advertisements about managing and consolidating debt, though. Too bad it only means being beholden even more.)
Though Cosby’s comments were harsh, they are also right on target. And if some blacks are upset with the comedian, it’s probably more for telling tales out of school – airing the community’s dirty laundry – than for launching an unjust diatribe.
Hear, hear. I’m all about dirty laundry that needs to be aired. It’s a good thing in my book that he stands by what he said.
Otterman commented in an earlier post, “I realise we tend to critique only our own race,” and rightly we should, since we are the only ones who will keep us from falling into an abyss of self-complacency and -importance.
I almost dismissed this story, MPs endorse DPM Lee as next PM, as yet more pap from the Straits Times, especially with the opening paragraph:
In a precedent-setting move, People’s Action Party (PAP) Members of Parliament have given their unanimous support of the ministers’ choice of Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong as their next Prime Minister.
Why is this news, I thought. Everyone knows that Lee Hsien Loong is going to be the next prime minister, it’s been pretty much set in stone for at least as long as I’ve been alive.
Here is what makes it worth printing:
Although there was only one name put up and MPs ‘unanimously supported’ the choice, as the party statement said, the MPs were pleased with the process.
They said it gave them the chance to participate and gain a sense of ‘ownership’ over the selection process. Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC MP Charles Chong said that a leader selected by MPs as well as ministers ‘has more legitimacy’.
It may be Singapore-style ‘democracy’, where the conclusion is foregone, but I think it’s hopeful. If people feel their opinions are more likely to be heard, more people may be willing to venture them. It’s a long way in the future, but something is better than nothing.
Thavin was the second durian-related death this month, after a diabetic Thai civil servant from the central province of Singburi died during an eating binge on four durians.
…
The ministry advised eating no more than two segments of durian a day, warning that the fruit’s calorie content posed a threat to people with high blood pressure, heart conditions and diabetes.
Every time you eat a durian, a kitten gets killed, folks.
“Do you want Qiao Da Bei (body massage)?” Xia asked soon after she, with her boss’ nod, showed the reporter into a small backroom off the shabby salon and began massaging the reporter’s arms somewhat unskillfully.
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To Xia, Qiao Da Bei can be more profitable than fondling or Da Feiji (helping customers masturbate) which are supposed to be done in the backroom which also doubles as a dining room for Xia and her co-workers.
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But Xia is not entirely satisfied with the job. “It’s really boring staying all day in here,” she said. Apart from when work walks in from time to time, Xia and two other sex workers – who are 17 and 18 – spend the days chatting and watching an old TV in the salon.
Well, at least Shanghai and Xiamen are not so different in one aspect.
It’s hard to say how serious the Chinese government is. To employ the cliche, they are not above stabbing and hacking their nose off with fishing hooks to spite their face.
There are a huge number of Taiwanese expatriates working in Xiamen. I wonder what would happen to them if hostilities were to break out over the Strait. At that point I’m sure I wouldn’t give a monkeys since I’d be more interested in hightailing it out of here myself.
