Dividend Chaser on Singapore going from analog to digital TV

(From Article)

The switch from analogue to digital

MediaCorp will be transmitting all free-to-air channels in digital format come December 2013 under the DVB-T2 television standard. It is necessary as the world is moving away from analogue to digital broadcasting. Going digital will allow the government to free up frequency spectrum which can be used for new services like mobile, wireless broadband and potentially more TV services and channels.

For more information, please visit Media Development Authority website on Singapore's roadmap to digital TV here: www.mda.gov.sg/digitaltv

About DVB-T2

DVB-T2 stands for Digital Video Broadcasting – Second Generation Terrestrial. It is the extension of the television standard DVB-T, created for the broadcast transmission of digital terrestrial television. DVB-T2 is adopted as the industry standard in key European and Asian countries. It offers higher efficiency, robustness and flexibility, enabling efficient use of valuable terrestrial spectrum for the delivery of audio, video and data services to fixed, portable and mobile devices.

Benefits of digital TV

1. Better quality pictures (e.g High Definition TV and even 3 Dimensional TV)
2. Superior sound (e.g. surround sound)
3. Electronic programme guides where you can find out more information about the TV programmes

Come December 2013, while all seven MediaCorp channels will be broadcast in digital, four channels will also be in HD – Channel 5, Channel 8, Suria and Vasantham. The remaining three: Channel NewsAsia, Channel U and okto will be upgraded to HD by 2016.

Do I have to do anything now?

The switchover to digital broadcasting will begin in December 2013. The existing analogue TV signals will continue to be broadcast alongside the digital TV signals, for at least another two years until Singapore and ASEAN complete the switchover to digital broadcasting. This will give you enough time to migrate to digital TV. However, you may wish to switch to digital TV early to enjoy an enhanced viewing experience.

After the current analogue channels are switched off, you will not be able to receive or watch MediaCorp TV channels if 1.you do not have the right equipment to receive digital TV or 2. You are not a pay-TV subscriber.

Dividend Chaser on NTUC pull out advertisement

(From Article)

NTUC Income has withdrawn and apologised for a controversial advertisement that portrayed property agents as unprofessional and dishonest, after it met with criticism online.

In the advertisement which STOMPer Aaron alerted STOMP to, a property agent is seen trying to sell a house, with the true meaning of her words highlighted on screen.

NTUC Income Buzz posted an apology on their facebook page this morning, and explained why they decided to withdraw the advertisement. In the facebook posting, they said:

"We took the decision to pull the advertisement portraying some sales people as unprofessional in the real estate industry. The advertisement was insensitive and unfair to many professional people in that industry. We apologize for this.

"In our enthusiasm to promote the message of honesty, we have not taken into account that professional and honest sales people exist in every industry including the real estate professionals."

Singaporeans have reacted negatively to the video, and felt that it lacked respect and sensitivity towards the real estate industry. Some also described the video as "unethical advertising".

One facebook user said, "I'm utterly shocked and disappointed after viewing this distasteful and misleading ad! It clearly reflects the lack of respect and sensitivity towards the real estate industry!

Another user also felt that the organisation was putting down other professions in order to promote their own. He said:

"Why does NTUC have to put down other professions in order to push up their own profession? Even if NTUC wants to promote being 'honest', 'simple', and 'different', there are other ways to advertise."

Others asked for a more sincere apology that went further than just a facebook post. One user wrote:

"So creative, NTUC! How about doing another commercial to bring out the good in the real estate industry to show your sincere apology. Run it for at least six months."

However, one netizen in particular disagreed with the criticism and felt that everyone needed to "chill". He commented:

"Everyone needs to lighten up. Sure... it might not have been the best move to make but if you actually watch the commercial, it's clearly meant to be comical."

Dividend Chaser on 19 year old killed by remote helicopter

(From Article)

9.05.2013, 17:00 PM

Queens man, 19, killed by model helicopter shared passion for remote-controlled fliers with father

Roman Pirozek, who was the victim of helicopter accident in Brooklyn on Thursday.

A 19-year-old toy-helicopter enthusiast was killed Thursday in Brooklyn when his remote-control whirlybird plummeted from the sky and its rotor blades slashed his head and throat, cops said.

Roman Pirozek Jr. of Queens was apparently attempting an elaborate daredevil stunt when the trick went haywire and the copter hit him, police said.

The freak accident happened about 3:40 p.m. in a ballfield in Calvert Vaux Park on Shore Parkway and Bay 44th St. in Gravesend — a hot spot for model-helicopter hobbyists.

Cops said Pirozek was operating the model helicopter when something went haywire and it fell from the sky and struck him in the head and neck.

At least four witnesses watched in horror as the helicopter’s 2-feet-long carbon-fiber blades slammed into Pirozek, shearing off pieces of his scalp and slicing his neck, cops said.

RELATED: CHINESE BOY'S AUNT CUT OUT HIS EYES: POLICE

Police said Pirozek — a 2012 graduate of the High School for Construction Trades, Engineering and Architecture in Queens — died at the scene almost instantly.

James Keivom

Friends comfort Roman Pirozek, Sr., the victim's father, after he returned to his home on Thursday.

A first responder said there was nothing that could be done.

“The major vessels in his neck were involved and he just bled out very quickly,” he said.

Pirozek’s toy helicopter, measuring 3 feet by 1 foot, and estimated to cost up to $1,700, was found crumpled on the ground about 20 feet from his body .

Dividend Chaser on Saizen outlook

(From Article)

Revenue from acquisitions kicking in. Saizen’s gross revenue and net property income increased by 9.7% and 13.6% respectively in FY13, largely supported by its acquisitions of seven properties. For the sixmonth ending 30 June 2013, Saizen declared a DPU of 0.63 cents, amounting to a full‐year DPU of 1.29c. This is marginally higher than our projected FY13 DPU of 1.24c.

Acquisitions to be immediately yield‐accretive. FY14 will witness the full‐year contribution of Saizen’s recently‐acquired properties. Sitting on a cash pile of JPY6bil, Saizen could tap on its cash balance to engage in immediately yield‐accretive acquisitions. Moreover, Saizen has unencumbered properties valued at JPY2bil, further strengthening its financial clout. We are currently pencilling in JPY2.3bil of acquisitions at a 6% NPI yield.

Visibility of DPU comes at a price. To provide its Unitholders with greater visibility on distributions, Saizen has entered into hedging transactions for its upcoming distributions. The distribution payment for the period ended 30 June has been hedged at an average rate of JPY75.12/S$ and the subsequent distribution is hedged at an average rate of JPY81.15/S$, which compares unfavorably with the current

rate of JPY77.14/S$. This would inevitably weigh on Saizen’s FY14 DPU in S$ terms.

Unit consolidation proposed. Accompanying its latest results, Saizen proposed a unit consolidation involving the consolidation of every five existing Units in Saizen REIT held by Unitholders into one Unit, subject to regulatory and Unitholder approvals. The motivation behind such a proposed move is to reduce the magnitude of a single tick move on Saizen’s share price, and thus its perceived volatility. The share consolidation is expected to be completed in November 2013.

Maintain HOLD on FV $0.195. We rollover our estimates and lower our TP to S$0.195 on the back of a higher risk‐free rate of 2.7%, implying a capital upside of only 6%. In our opinion, Saizen’s current yield level of 7%, which translates to approx. 430 basis points over the risk‐free rate, does not yet sufficiently compensate investors for the inherent macro, forex and interest rate risks. Maintain HOLD.

Dividend Chaser on Benefits of Kiwi

(From Article)

14 Health Benefits to Eat Kiwi

14 Health Benefits

1. Helps Your Digestions with Enzymes 

Raw kiwi contains actinidain, a protein-dissolving enzyme that can help digest a meal much like the papain in papaya or bromelain in pineapple.

2. Helps Manage Blood Pressure

Kiwi’s high level of potassium helps keep our electrolytes in balance by counteracting the effects of sodium.

3. Protects from DNA Damage

A study by Collins, Horska and Hotten showed that the unique combination of antioxidants in Kiwi fruit helps protect the cell DNA from oxidative damage. Some experts conclude this can help prevent cancer.

4. Boosts Your Immunity 

Kiwi’s high vitamin C content along with other antioxidant compounds has been proven to boost the immune system.

5. Smart Carb for Weight Loss 

Kiwi’s low glycemic index and high fiber content means it will not create a strong insulin rush like other fruit with high sugar contents — so the body will not respond by storing fat.

6. Improves Digestive Health

Kiwis are a great source of fiber. This prevents constipation and other intestinal problems.

7. Helps Clean Out Toxins

The fuzzy fiber of Kiwi helps bind and move toxins from your intestinal tract.

8. Helps Fight Heart Disease

Eating 2-3 kiwis a day has been shown to reduce the potential of blood clotting by 18% and reduce triglycerides by 15%. Many individuals take aspirin to reduce blood clotting, but this causes many side effects including inflammation and intestinal bleeding. Kiwi fruit has the same anti-clotting benefits with no side effects, just additional health benefits!

9. Suitable For Diabetics

Kiwi is in the ‘low’ category for glycemic index, meaning it does not raise your blood sugar quickly. It has a glycemic load of 4 which means it is safe for diabetics.

10. Protects Against Macular Degeneration and Other Eye Problems

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults. A study on over 110,000 men and women showed that eating 3 or more serving of fruit per day decreased macular degeneration by 36%. This is thought to be associated with the kiwi’s high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin — both of which are natural chemicals found in the human eye. Although both fruits and vegetables were studied, this same effect was not shown for vegetables.

11. Create Alkaline Balance

Kiwi is in the ‘most alkaline’ category for fruits, meaning it has a rich supply of minerals to replace the excess of acidic foods most individuals consume. A few of the benefits of a properly acid/alkaline balanced body are: youthful skin, deeper sleep, abundant physical energy, fewer colds, less arthritis, and reduced osteoporosis.

12. Great for the Skin

Kiwis are a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant known to protect skin from degeneration.

13. Exotic Taste and Look for Food Variety

Kiwis look and taste great. Kids often love them because they are so different from most fruits.

For nutritional balance it is always good to eat a variety of foods. Each food has its own unique qualities and powers. The trouble with most people’s diet is that we eat such a limited number of foods. It increases our chances of not getting enough of important nutrients.

14. Naturally Organic

Kiwi fruit is on the list of foods that are generally safe from a lot of pesticide residues. For 2012 it came in with the top 10 safest foods. While it is always good to support organic when you can as a matter of principle, it’s also good to know whether there is a big danger if organic is not available or viable for you.

Dividend Chaser on boy's eyes gouged out by china trafficker

(From Article)

The child was found covered in blood three to four hours after he went missing while playing outside, according to a television report.

"He had blood all over his face. His eyelids were turned inside out. And inside, his eyeballs were not there," his father told Shanxi Television.

The boy was drugged and "lost consciousness" before the attacker removed his eyes, state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) said on its account on Sina Weibo, China's version of Twitter.

It was claimed that the boy's eyes were found nearby but the corneas were missing.

Dividend Chaser on talking to child on 'love' values