Time is central to everything else in this universe.
We have learnt to respect time a little more this year than in past years.
And when it comes to keeping a lookout for credit card's annual fees, and the subsequent process of reversals that would be involved, the savings in time takes precedent over the savings in monetary rebates from credit cards which do not offer outstanding value benefits.
Because life is busy in every other aspects, it helps too to remove this one bit of hassle.
We keep those cards which do not charge. It's a plus to never have to worry about forgetting to reverse annual fees. Peace!
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Citibank Statements
Now that Citibank is no longer tied up with Tangs, we are thinking of giving up their other credit cards. That would leave us with Citibank-M1 card only.
Reason?
Citibank has the most unattractive monthly statement set in monotonous grayscale that's a pain to read. Somehow, the presentation reminds of an accounts ledger, and who likes to be reminded that checking through credit card statements is as much a chore as going through bookkeeping sequences?
It gets worse when you have more than one credit card with them. To make out the head and tail, you have to mark it out on your own.
The other banks are able to produce statements that are way better.
Typically Citibank.
Took us years of feedback to finally see that their log-in no longer has that dreadful on-screen keypad that nobody likes — even if it is for security reasons.
It would probably take us another few years of feedback before we see an improvement in their current statement interface. We kinda run out of steam - and patience - on this one.
Reason?
Citibank has the most unattractive monthly statement set in monotonous grayscale that's a pain to read. Somehow, the presentation reminds of an accounts ledger, and who likes to be reminded that checking through credit card statements is as much a chore as going through bookkeeping sequences?
It gets worse when you have more than one credit card with them. To make out the head and tail, you have to mark it out on your own.
The other banks are able to produce statements that are way better.
Typically Citibank.
Took us years of feedback to finally see that their log-in no longer has that dreadful on-screen keypad that nobody likes — even if it is for security reasons.
It would probably take us another few years of feedback before we see an improvement in their current statement interface. We kinda run out of steam - and patience - on this one.
Friday, February 20, 2015
Taken — Cat vanish into thin air
Kinderella, an outdoor cat that calls the compound of an East Coast private block home, has gone mysteriously missing after the new year.
Docile, playful, furry creature, yet inexplicably, there were a rare few who hate the sight of this cat.
No response to missing posters with reward offers, and with 2 other cats also missing at the same time, it appears to be a coordinated wave of catnapping.
What could have happened?
• Cat hater drove it far off where it could never find its way back.
• Crushed by moving vehicle and body dumped.
• Locked accidentally in a garage or some other holding area.
• Adopted. Unlikely because of the cat's strong outdoor instincts.
• Captured for lab tests or for its fluffy fur. Unlikely.
• Captured by cat-eating homo sapiens? Hopefully not. Horror tales a year ago has died down.
Neutered cat but it has no ID tag. Microchip to reunite the cat with its beloved caretakers has not returned the cat to its favorite spot.
Its tough being an urban cat in Singapore.
Docile, playful, furry creature, yet inexplicably, there were a rare few who hate the sight of this cat.
No response to missing posters with reward offers, and with 2 other cats also missing at the same time, it appears to be a coordinated wave of catnapping.
What could have happened?
• Cat hater drove it far off where it could never find its way back.
• Crushed by moving vehicle and body dumped.
• Locked accidentally in a garage or some other holding area.
• Adopted. Unlikely because of the cat's strong outdoor instincts.
• Captured for lab tests or for its fluffy fur. Unlikely.
• Captured by cat-eating homo sapiens? Hopefully not. Horror tales a year ago has died down.
Neutered cat but it has no ID tag. Microchip to reunite the cat with its beloved caretakers has not returned the cat to its favorite spot.
Its tough being an urban cat in Singapore.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Why We Return Our Hitachi Fridge
The Hitachi Innovation Forum at Suntec City on 19 November 2014, in conjunction with their 50th anniversary in Singapore, touches on solutions that meets the needs and challenges faced by ASEAN cities and societies.
We have no experience with Hitachi products but through their exhibitions, we have noted that they have some of the best looking products around.
So when our 5-year-old Samsung refrigerator broke down, we selected the R-VG690P3MS Hitachi 2-door fridge due to its mirror-finish.
The promoters assured us that the parts were from Japan.
It was a surprise therefore to find that it emits several tinnitus-like sounds - eeeeeee, wheeeeee, pheeeeeeee - for quite a larger part of the day and night, with volumes ranging from low wind sound to whining to outright nagging.
We followed instructions, and only turned on the fridge after letting it settle down for a day after delivery. We even fill it up with some items in case it helps to moderate the thermostat. After monitoring for another 2 days, and finding that the sound appears to be characteristic of the model, we knew this fridge was unacceptable.
It was then that we combed the forums and realized that the high-pitch sound of Hitachi has been raised enough times by various members across several forums for us to decide on a one-to-one exchange to another brand.
Hitachi tried brand retention by suggesting that a muffler be placed around the compressor. But forum members had already warned against doing that at the risk of shortening the life span of the fridge. Their suggestion to muffle the sound with a foam-like material appears to contra-indicate the suggestion during delivery to leave the fridge 5 - 10 cm away from the way for air circulation purposes.
Folks with tinnitus often spend a fortune to seek a cure. It was ironical to be told that the tinnitus-sound churned out by the compressor was normal. It took quite a load of explanation before our predicament was taken seriously. Gain City, the retailer, finally effected an exchange to another brand, which is serving us well.
High-pitch sound impacts on health, research have shown. Although there are customers who eventually gets used to the sound, far too many people have reported finding the pitch intolerable. Since Hitachi boasts a social innovation unit, they may like to start with solving this mystery of why they are ok with using a compressor that makes a tinnitus-like sound.
We have no experience with Hitachi products but through their exhibitions, we have noted that they have some of the best looking products around.
So when our 5-year-old Samsung refrigerator broke down, we selected the R-VG690P3MS Hitachi 2-door fridge due to its mirror-finish.
The promoters assured us that the parts were from Japan.
It was a surprise therefore to find that it emits several tinnitus-like sounds - eeeeeee, wheeeeee, pheeeeeeee - for quite a larger part of the day and night, with volumes ranging from low wind sound to whining to outright nagging.
We followed instructions, and only turned on the fridge after letting it settle down for a day after delivery. We even fill it up with some items in case it helps to moderate the thermostat. After monitoring for another 2 days, and finding that the sound appears to be characteristic of the model, we knew this fridge was unacceptable.
It was then that we combed the forums and realized that the high-pitch sound of Hitachi has been raised enough times by various members across several forums for us to decide on a one-to-one exchange to another brand.
Hitachi tried brand retention by suggesting that a muffler be placed around the compressor. But forum members had already warned against doing that at the risk of shortening the life span of the fridge. Their suggestion to muffle the sound with a foam-like material appears to contra-indicate the suggestion during delivery to leave the fridge 5 - 10 cm away from the way for air circulation purposes.
Folks with tinnitus often spend a fortune to seek a cure. It was ironical to be told that the tinnitus-sound churned out by the compressor was normal. It took quite a load of explanation before our predicament was taken seriously. Gain City, the retailer, finally effected an exchange to another brand, which is serving us well.
High-pitch sound impacts on health, research have shown. Although there are customers who eventually gets used to the sound, far too many people have reported finding the pitch intolerable. Since Hitachi boasts a social innovation unit, they may like to start with solving this mystery of why they are ok with using a compressor that makes a tinnitus-like sound.
Friday, November 7, 2014
Former China Tour Guide Yang Yin
40-year-old Yang Yin, embroiled in a legal tussle over the assets of Madam Chung Khin Chun, a wealthy 87-year-old widow, has falsified receipts of Young Music and Dance Studio, amounting to over $450,000. Apparently, he wanted his company to reflect a hefty income in order to obtain a Permanent Residence or Citizen status in Singapore.
This is his latest miscreant act among the others he was caught with earlier.
There appears to be a few lessons to be learnt from this case which is why we have been following the case avidly.
Of concern is the well-being of Madam Chung. At her age, and with dementia sometimes affecting a normal lifespan, immediate steps should be taken to allow her or a suitable representative to regain stolen assets and protect her from further loss.
We have first-hand awareness of dementia. Unlike what many thinks, reasonable judgment still resides in persons with dementia at the odd moments when lucidity returns. An experienced doctor or caregiver can easily recognize these moments.
Persons with dementia should be allowed to stay in familiar surroundings. We hope her home is safe enough for her to return to, and good caregivers be by her side.
In the end, life isn't all about money. But you still don't want it to go to the wrong hands!
The hearts of (some) men are desperately wicked. We hope justice will be restored.
This is his latest miscreant act among the others he was caught with earlier.
There appears to be a few lessons to be learnt from this case which is why we have been following the case avidly.
Of concern is the well-being of Madam Chung. At her age, and with dementia sometimes affecting a normal lifespan, immediate steps should be taken to allow her or a suitable representative to regain stolen assets and protect her from further loss.
We have first-hand awareness of dementia. Unlike what many thinks, reasonable judgment still resides in persons with dementia at the odd moments when lucidity returns. An experienced doctor or caregiver can easily recognize these moments.
Persons with dementia should be allowed to stay in familiar surroundings. We hope her home is safe enough for her to return to, and good caregivers be by her side.
In the end, life isn't all about money. But you still don't want it to go to the wrong hands!
The hearts of (some) men are desperately wicked. We hope justice will be restored.
.png) |
| Yang Yin_Weibo |
Friday, August 22, 2014
Free Wi-Fi at MRT Stations
Commuters can tap into free Wi-Fi access at these MRT stations (platform level):-
~ City Hall
~ Raffles Place
~ Orchard Road
Register for the free Wireless@SG service online or at the customer service centres of the 4 telcos:
M1
Singtel
Starhub
Y5Zone
~ City Hall
~ Raffles Place
~ Orchard Road
Register for the free Wireless@SG service online or at the customer service centres of the 4 telcos:
M1
Singtel
Starhub
Y5Zone
Friday, July 25, 2014
How to live Mold Free in Singapore
The Entire Home in general
Footwear
Have specific footwear for outdoors and indoors. Use separate footwear, for your outings, indoor use and balcony / patio use.
Do not go barefoot into your patio / outdoor and back into your home. You might be introducing the mold in to your home.
Drying Clothes
Avoid drying clothes inside home, as this will add to the moisture content in your home.
Molds from Trees
If you stay below the tree line (6 floor and below in general), you should keep the windows closed and allow windows to be opened for only 2 hours a day, as Mold from the trees will be brought in by the wind.
If you stay above the line, it is okay to leave it open.
Bathroom
Close the bathroom room door after a hot / cold shower, so that the moisture is not introduced to your living area.
Open the ventilation windows after shower until area is dry.
Install an Exhaust Fan if ventilation window is too small.
Leaking pipes / plumbing in the false ceilings, should be disinfected, before and after the pipes / false ceiling are changed.
Bedroom
Use a full wrap around water proof zipped up casings on pillows and mattresses.
Air
Humidifier or Dehumidifier?
Do not use a humidifier in home.
Use a dehumidifier to lower and eliminate moisture in your home. In Singapore, the relative humidity (RH) level is 85%, keep your indoor RH to 40-50%.
Air-conditioning units
Air-conditioning units should be chemically cleaned at least once a year. As it is the most ideal living conditions for mold to live and reproduce. Once your Aircon is infected, mold spores are sent airborne with each use, and infect your entire home with mold.
Air-conditioning fan coils should be checked for mold growth, especially the circular fan area. The fan coils are the most conducive place in the home or office where the molds will thrive.
Check the circular fan and back board for dust / mold from the area where the cold air comes out from.
Take note that "chemical cleaning" by the air con guy is NOT disinfection. It is merely cleaning.
Upholstery & Furniture
There are some furniture companies whose raw wood or compressed chipboard is mold infected before or after manufacture and this has been known to introduce mold into the home. The raw areas of the wooden furniture should be lacquered / painted to stop the mold from further growth after they are disinfected.
Mold Facts
Painting over a moldy spot is a BAD idea, as it will be picked up by the paint rollers / brushes and be spread to the areas where the roller / brushes will be used in. The molds will then remain in a dormant stage, and will spring to life, once when the conditions are conducive (damp with moisture / bad ventilation / condensation) or when the paint starts to flake off.
Take note that Bleach / Strong Acid / Radiation will not kill the mold spores; it only takes away the visible layers, while leaving the spores behind. And once the conditions are right, the molds will start to reproduce again.
If your home is infected, please have it disinfected and then use a dehumidifier / disposable dehumidifier / electric heated rods as maintenance products to maintain a good air quality in your home.
Before you move into a newly rental or purchased unit / house, you should have us; inspect the place during your viewing. And from there, to either get it treated or to choose another unit.
by Terence Yap – EV-Disinfection Pte Ltd
"A few tips on how to live Mold Free in Singapore"
www.evdisinfection.comtoday.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)