Competitive Swimming

Posted by Editor in Athletics on Apr 23rd, 2014 | 0 comments

Swimming can be a recreation or a sporting activity. If in this case you are into swimming as a sporting activity, you are referring to competitive swimming. You should know that competitive swimming is one of the most famous participant sports around the world. There are many minor leagues and international competitions that you can join if you are a professional swimmer.

 

If you want to gauge your swimming skills, perhaps you should think about competitive swimming. But before anything else, you need to know the basics of competitive swimming. Here’s an idea:

Pools

Pools for the competition come in two sizes – short course and long course pools. Short course refers to pools that measure 27.3 yard in length. Long course refers to pools that measure 54.6 yard in length. Major swimming events occur in 50 meter pools. There are eight lanes for major competition. The lanes are about 8’2” wide. The floating plastic will serve as the lane markers. Apart from that, there are visual references at the bottom and walls of the pool.

Equipment

Before the swimmer gets into the water, he/she should wear the proper attire and the right equipment to ensure their safety. Swimmers are required to wear a swimsuit together with their swim cap and the goggles. The swimsuit that clings tightly to the swimmer will allow them to move freely. The cap is important because it decreases the resistance the swimmer meets when he/she is in the water. The goggles will help the swimmer see clearly under the water and prevent eye irritation.

Training

Training is important because it is the difference between losing and winning. There are people who spend most of their time training or practicing. Apart from training in the pool, others consider a variety of flexibility exercises and routines. If you are nearing the competition, it is expected that you spend most of your hours honing your skill. The training will depend on the coach or the instructor.

Events

The events are divided in different styles – individual medley, butterfly, freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke. During national and international competitions, the swimmer should deal with six lengths for freestyle (50m, 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m). For backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly, the swimmer should deal with two lengths (100m and 200m). For individual medley, the swimmer should deal with two lengths (200m and 400m) as well.

Reaching international competition will mean more hard work but if you set your eyes to your goals, you will surely achieve it. Who knows you will be one of the representatives of Singapore in the Olympic Games?

The Status of Golf Courses in Singapore

Posted by Editor in Athletics on Mar 27th, 2014 | 0 comments

Are you a fan of golf? You should read more because this concerns you. There are golf courses here which are in the brink of oblivion. The government finally decided which golf courses to phase out. This move will make way for improvements or redevelopments. It is sad to let go some of the golf courses you have come to know but it is necessary.

There are fourteen private and three public golf courses here in Singapore. If golf courses are put together, they occupy about 1,500 ha of land which accounts for 2% of the entire Singapore. The government is very clear to state that some of the golf courses will be phased out for other uses. Here’s the status of some golf courses here in Singapore:

Changi Golf Club

The expiration of the lease of Changi Golf Club will be on December 31, 2021. The government already mentioned that a new lease will be offered and it will expire on December 31, 2040. The Club will live for many years.

Keppel Club

The expiration of the lease of Keppel Club will be on December 31, 2021. The government already mentioned that there will be no new lease for the club. The club will be converted instead.

Marina Bay Golf Course

The expiration of the lease of Marina Bay Golf Course will be on July 13, 2024. Like the Keppel Club, the government did not offer Marina Bay Golf Course a new lease. It will also be converted.

National Service Resort & Country Club

The expiration of the lease of National Service Resort & Country Club will be on December 31, 2023. The government already confirmed that the club will be offered a new lease that will expire on December 31, 2040.

Orchid Country Club

The expiration of the lease of Orchid Country Club will be on December 31, 2023. The government offered another lease until December 31, 2030 but there will be no lease after that.

Seletar Country Club

The expiration of the lease of Seletar Country Club will be on December 31, 2021. The government offered another lease effective until December 31, 2040.

 

Sentosa Golf Club

The expiration of the lease of Sentosa Golf Club will be on December 31, 2021. The government offered a new lease in Serapong until December 31, 2030 and in Tanjong on December 31, 2040.

Singapore Island Country Club

The expiration of the lease of Singapore Island Country Club will be on December 31, 2021. A new lease will be offered until December 31, 2040. Its 18 hole course’s lease will expire on December 31, 2030.

Many Singaporeans love golfing but it consumes a greater part of Singapore. With the pending development, the government decided to convert these lands into industrial one so many Singaporeans can benefit from it not just the members of the golf club.

Japanese Returns to Singapore

Posted by Editor in Latest News on Mar 24th, 2014 | 0 comments

Singapore offers strong business opportunities for many countries. But when the Global Financial Crisis struck the market, some firms or companies pulled out. That is completely normal in the grand scheme of things but the good news now is that Singapore regained its speed. This drew old investors back. This is clearly a good sign.

You should know that some Japanese firms returned here to enjoy the opportunities and forge stronger alliances. This simply means that their confidence grew. As stated by the Japanese Embassy based in Singapore, the gradual return simply shows that Singapore is recovering from the Global Financial Crisis which attracted firms and companies.

If you are curious as to why the Japanese (and other businessmen) choose Singapore, here’s an idea:

Greater coverage

Many Japanese firms or companies consider Singapore because of its greater coverage or reach. For companies who want to reach the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries, Singapore is the perfect place to set up regional offices. The region is hard to ignore especially that there are many growing economies nearby. Big markets around the country include Malaysia and Indonesia.

Stronger yen

Japanese yen is getting stronger every day. If the currency is strong, the purchasing power is also strong. This will eventually lead to a company’s potential investments and other ambitions. It is important for the local currency to be strong.

Workforce

The Japanese firms or companies have two choices- hire Japanese residing in Singapore or hire Singaporeans. Either way, the workforce of Singapore is undeniably talented. The talents are readily available which will make things easier and faster. It is worth mentioning that the workforce here in Singapore is earnest and positive. For Japanese citizens looking to work here, Singapore offers many reasons to stay.

The overall picture

According to the EDB (Economic Development Board), in 2013 Japan accounted 7.2% (or S$ 0.6 billion) in TBE (Total Business Expenditure) and 5.5% (or S$ 0.7 billion) in FAI (Fixed Asset Investments). In 2008, there were only 719 Japanese companies here in Singapore but in 2013, it rose to 760. Along with that, the Japanese citizens working here also increased from 25,969 (in 2007) to 31,000 (in 2013).

Japan is one of the strongest economies here in Asia. The fact that they trust Singapore is a big thing. Singapore indeed presents a better living standard and higher professionalism. If you are working here, do not forget to ensure your Employment Pass and other labour conditions.

Training for Relay Race

Posted by Editor in Athletics on Mar 1st, 2014 | 0 comments

In the recently concluded 27^th SEA (South East Asian) Games, the Singapore 4 x 100m relay group obtained silver. The performance was not that bad but for the quartet, they could’ve done better. It was Thailand who got the gold in 39.75 seconds. Singapore finished the competition in 39.79 seconds. The difference of 0.04 seconds was too close that the Singapore team was disappointed.

The team did toil for the medal. They spent months of training. If you found out that you are going to be in a team, you should be serious in your training. Here are some tips that you can consider:

1. Visualize. You should visualize the day of the competition. You have to start your journey by talking to your coach, trainer or captain. You also need a map of your course. If it helps you, print it and make sure that you are familiar with it.
2. Run twice or thrice a day. Weeks before the competition, you have to run at least twice or thrice a day. Running many times can condition your mind and body. You will also know your tempo.
3. Practice cross- and strength training. Running is not enough. You have to consider other trainings like cross and strength training. You have to make sure that your training will suit you. Your trainer or coach will know what to do. Just follow their lead and you’ll be fine.
4. Eat right. Sports drinks are present but it will not suffice. You need all the nutrition you can get before the actual race. In general, you need to include in your diet carbohydrates and proteins. Do not forget to hydrate.
5. Warm up and cool down always. No matter how you are excited or how you want your training to end, never forget about warming up and cooling down. It should be before and after your run. By doing this, you are assured that your performance will get better as time goes by.

NODX Down

Posted by Editor in Business on Feb 26th, 2014 | 0 comments

NODX (Non-Oil Domestic Exports) of the republic went down in November 2013. Ministry of Trade and IE (International Enterprise) announced on December 17, 2013 that NODX fell to 8.8% in the month of November considering that in the previous month, NODX rose to 2.8%. This year, Taiwan and USA saw decline in their NODX too.

This was a surprise especially after the sharp increase the previous month. IE Singapore pointed out the reasons for the decline of the NODX.

Electronic Exports

Electronic exports refer to disk media products, PC parts and telecommunications tools. In October 2013, it rose by 1.4% after the 5.5% drop in September.

Non-Electronic Exports

Non-electronic exports refer to pre-fabricated buildings, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals and printed matter. In October 2013, the non electronic exports increased to 4.9%.

According to the figures released by IE Singapore on November 18, 2013, the contributors for the decline of the NODX last month was attributed to three markets – European Union, South Korea and Hong Kong. The top markets of NODX include China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, EU 27 and United States. For the emerging markets, NODX rose to 14.8% in October 2013.

No matter the case, the Ministry of Trade is positive and keeping its hopes high for the NODX in the future months. After all, it is not yet the end of the year. If not this year, there will be more years and more months to come. NODX can be redeemed. The increase will surely be seen soon.

Important Information About LASIK

Posted by Editor in Health on Feb 24th, 2014 | 0 comments

If you think you’re smart enough or perhaps you’re a lasik surgeon and you know all about lasik procedure, then think again. Some doctors or surgeons know almost the entire specifications of laser in-situ keratomileusis (lasik) but they don’t really know the full details if it or perhaps they don’t remember it anymore. These medical experts sometimes rely on their books before they proceed to any surgical procedure (which is good).

On the other hand, if you are just an average guy claiming that you know more or less everything about lasik, then think a million times. Everything in lasik can be simplified by a person but nobody can perfect its medical terms unless he’s a superhuman. Apparently, they say that everything about lasik can be learned by you but it takes years to know all the important facts about lasik. To sum it up, these are the basic information you must know about lasik procedure.

1.       You need to identify your doctor

Lasik is performed by registered and experienced surgeons. It is important to know who your doctors are if he is from clear vision lasik in Singapore to be sure with the results. A lot of them are in Singapore and they are very dedicated to help their patients regarding the status of the eyes.

2.       You must know your eye difficulties

Before going to the doctor, know what problems you are suffering like difficulty in looking at far or perhaps near objects. Even if you do not have any idea about what a clear vision laser surgery is, there are lasik Singapore eye center that teaches their patients about everything that one must know about laser surgery.  In fact, they provide one-on-one counselling on what are the scenarios that might happen during and after the operation.

3.       Be ready for anything that might happen

There are times that you may not know what would really happen after the surgery. So, basically visit your doctor everyday for safety purposes. You will not definitely know if your eyes would improve or not. That is why it is better to go for daily check-ups after the surgery as this will increase its effectivity.

4.       You must know yourself

Before deciding to undergo a clear vision epi-lasik procedure, identify first yourself. Do you accept anything that might happen? In Singapore, there some lasik patients that still wear eyeglasses even if they finish the procedure (rare cases).  Many people as well as surgeons on different lasik Singapore eye care centers believe that this method is proven effective and it’s true. However, the reason why it is not effective to some people is because they don’t follow what the doctors say on how care about their eyes.

Lastly, you must know what the risks of laser surgery are because this is not just a simple procedure like stitching the wound. This is a surgery which includes the eyes and no person will allow anything that might happen to his eyes (even a little scratch).