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.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
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.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Hidden Charges in Credit Card Transactions
A compatriot was recently surprised when told that he could ask for waiver of his credit card annual fees. It never occurred to him to ask. All these years, and he's been paying for it! He proceeded to ask for waivers, tracing the fees all the way years back. Except for one bank (which he is going to cancel out), he managed to get his plea successfully attended to. It amounted to quite a sum!
We thought everyone knew of this. Then again, we did once ask a major bank why they wouldn't just make do without imposing an annual fee. The reply was that a significant number of people simply do not ask for waivers. Presumably, their ignorance, forgetfulness or generosity comes as a bonus to the credit card issuing bank. So why should they make waivers a default?
The credit card annual fee, along with the GST, are printed as a separate line on the statement. It is not a hidden charge, but the credit card holder do have to run through every line of the charge statement to locate it, as is the responsibility of the credit card holder. There is currently no facility to be alerted of annual fees via SMS or other means.
Things gets murky however, when credit card companies pose a purchase with an amount different from that reflected on the customer's invoice with a merchant.
MICE Ranking encountered this with Zalora and Asos. Internally, these companies had signed up with some foreign banks to settle their invoices, and instead of absorbing these bank charges as part of their domestic book-keeping procedure, they decided to let the consumers shoulder it - without pre-informing the consumers (at least, during the time of our purchases made last year). So after the consumer clicks okay to a purchase order amount, they landed up with an add-on administrative charges over and above the invoiced amount. This is imposed surreptitiously over the credit card statement. Unless a consumer is eagle-eyed and fastidious, it is easy to miss out the surcharge that has not been agreed to because the credit card statement makes it appear as though a very lousy rate of foreign exchange has been applied.
What alerted us was that in Zalora's case, it was a local currency transaction. There wasn't even supposed to be a foreign currency exchange involved. After much hassle, they refunded us. Nevertheless, this experience really can deter future support of their enterprise because busy people simply dislike hassles.
In Asos' case, they gave all kinds of excuses and push us from personnel to personnel. Till today, they have not refunded the surcharge that was never listed on any of their pre-purchase agreement sent to us at that time. They simply hope the consumers give up on their claim by blank-walling tactics.
We have shipped products from USA where any processing or bank charges in percentage or estimates were pre-informed in a standard agreement so that consumers get a fair chance to decide if they still wish to proceed with the purchase. We've had good experience with Amazon, and so far, most of the major brand-names in USA abide by best practices.
In the name of fair practice, and customer retention - considering how expensive it is to advertise, market and promote a brand name - it is difficult to understand why vendors wish to sabotage themselves by refusing to do the same, and rather land the consumers up with shock and having to go through the inconvenience of pleading for reversals.
For a long time, we've suffered in silence.
Then more and more complaints pop up in the news and in online media, all sharing similar frustration of having to deal with organizations that are not upfront.
All along, we had only been pleading with Asos - to much waste of time and to no avail!
The sharing by affected consumers reminded us that we could have asked the bank to help us settle the surcharge that Asos imposed on us without our agreement.
We thought everyone knew of this. Then again, we did once ask a major bank why they wouldn't just make do without imposing an annual fee. The reply was that a significant number of people simply do not ask for waivers. Presumably, their ignorance, forgetfulness or generosity comes as a bonus to the credit card issuing bank. So why should they make waivers a default?
The credit card annual fee, along with the GST, are printed as a separate line on the statement. It is not a hidden charge, but the credit card holder do have to run through every line of the charge statement to locate it, as is the responsibility of the credit card holder. There is currently no facility to be alerted of annual fees via SMS or other means.
Things gets murky however, when credit card companies pose a purchase with an amount different from that reflected on the customer's invoice with a merchant.
MICE Ranking encountered this with Zalora and Asos. Internally, these companies had signed up with some foreign banks to settle their invoices, and instead of absorbing these bank charges as part of their domestic book-keeping procedure, they decided to let the consumers shoulder it - without pre-informing the consumers (at least, during the time of our purchases made last year). So after the consumer clicks okay to a purchase order amount, they landed up with an add-on administrative charges over and above the invoiced amount. This is imposed surreptitiously over the credit card statement. Unless a consumer is eagle-eyed and fastidious, it is easy to miss out the surcharge that has not been agreed to because the credit card statement makes it appear as though a very lousy rate of foreign exchange has been applied.
What alerted us was that in Zalora's case, it was a local currency transaction. There wasn't even supposed to be a foreign currency exchange involved. After much hassle, they refunded us. Nevertheless, this experience really can deter future support of their enterprise because busy people simply dislike hassles.
In Asos' case, they gave all kinds of excuses and push us from personnel to personnel. Till today, they have not refunded the surcharge that was never listed on any of their pre-purchase agreement sent to us at that time. They simply hope the consumers give up on their claim by blank-walling tactics.
We have shipped products from USA where any processing or bank charges in percentage or estimates were pre-informed in a standard agreement so that consumers get a fair chance to decide if they still wish to proceed with the purchase. We've had good experience with Amazon, and so far, most of the major brand-names in USA abide by best practices.
In the name of fair practice, and customer retention - considering how expensive it is to advertise, market and promote a brand name - it is difficult to understand why vendors wish to sabotage themselves by refusing to do the same, and rather land the consumers up with shock and having to go through the inconvenience of pleading for reversals.
For a long time, we've suffered in silence.
Then more and more complaints pop up in the news and in online media, all sharing similar frustration of having to deal with organizations that are not upfront.
 |
| Credit: The Straits Times |
All along, we had only been pleading with Asos - to much waste of time and to no avail!
The sharing by affected consumers reminded us that we could have asked the bank to help us settle the surcharge that Asos imposed on us without our agreement.
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Eye Doctors
A relative went blind in one eye after a routine cataract at a private hospital in Singapore. Red veins appeared almost overnight, and then suddenly, she could not see. At the follow-up, she was told that the blindness is caused by macular degeneration.
Several years later, we came across an oversees article that suggests that those with macular degeneration may not be suitable candidate for cataract operation for precisely the same outcome that this patient group runs a very high risk of going blind instantly after a cataract op. If there is even this possibility, why has this not been pointed out to the relative before the op? Did she made the mistake of going to a private hospital where the surgeon may place monetary targets over that of patient's welfare? There has always been this doubt, especially since it is difficult to sue doctors in Singapore. There are fears that the Singapore Medical Council may take the side of the doctors and so many complaints went unheard.
We applaud the bravery of this couple, featured by Senior Health Correspondent Salma Khalik, Straits Times 03 May 2014..
In this article, Dr Cheah Way Mun, who practices at the Eye Centre at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, had not admitted to his error until the fifth visit. The patient and her husband had persisted in returning to the clinic every few days.
Although the surgeon offered to do a second operation to correct the mistake without charge, usually by then, the patient may have lost trust for the surgeon, and refuse the offer for fear of further goof-ups. We feel there should be a fast appeal process that allows the patient to choose another surgeon of choice and to have the surgeon who caused the error voluntarily foot the bill, even if the charges are higher the second time around.
In this case, the patient's affected eye never did enjoy the clear vision she would have had if not for the error.
It is yet another instance that makes us wonder: if the patient(s) had gone to Singapore National Eye Centre, wouldn't there have been more accountability? In that, it is not so easy for the surgeons there to try to cover up their errors?
We found another sad case through this link http://forums.sgclub.com/singapore/man_sues_eye_230092.html
The original news article has been taken off the web, so we repost it here..
http://health.asiaone.com/Health/New...11-185371.html
A MAN is taking an eye doctor to court for allegedly making a mistake in his diagnosis when he saw him for his poor vision.
Mr Yew Wei Kiat, 22, claimed he saw a handful of other doctors over five years and that they had diagnosed him as suffering from a different condition.
This was after he went for tests at a neighbourhood eye centre, a public hospital and the Singapore National Eye Centre.
Now he is suing the doctor he claimed he first saw, a consultant ophthalmologist, for alleged negligence in his diagnosis.
The doctor, Dr Cheah Way Mun, disputes this. He said he had taken "all necessary and reasonable steps" to investigate Mr Yew's complaints about his eye condition.
Court documents obtained by The New Paper revealed that Mr Yew claimed his sight deteriorated to such an extent in secondary school, he was unable to read what was written on the whiteboard in his classroom.
He claimed his eyes were also sensitive to bright light. Mr Yew said he saw Dr Cheah at the Ang Mo Kio branch of The Eye Centre in 1998 for short-sightedness and astigmatism.
He was then 11.
Three years later, Mr Yew saw Dr Cheah again when problems with his vision worsened.
He said the doctor told him he was suffering from an early deterioration of vision.
Mr Yew claimed he continued to see Dr Cheah until mid-2004 and each time he would complain to the doctor about his condition.
Polytechnic enrolment
In May 2004, Mr Yew asked Dr Cheah for a medical report for his enrolment into Nanyang Polytechnic for an engineering course.
The doctor then issued a medical certificate dated 14 May 2004 stating that Mr Yew had poor vision as he is suffering from Stargardt's disease, a retinal degenerative condition.
But Mr Yew said that, following a series of tests with other specialists over five years, he was told he did not have Stargardt's disease after all.
Court documents did not say why he chose to consult other doctors.
He was eventually found to have a chronic condition called benign intracranial hypertension (BIH), which leads to headaches and a loss of vision.
Now, he claims he can read only by using a magnifying glass.
According to a report from ophthalmologist Yap Soo Keong, MrYew also has to "put the pages very close to his eyes" when he reads.
Mr Yew claimed that Dr Cheah failed to use "reasonable care and skill" to treat him, causing him injury and loss.
Mr Yew is suing Dr Cheah for damages through his lawyer, Mr Leonard Loo.
He is also suing for special damages for his medical expenses, which date back to December 2000, and for his travelling expenses.
The total sum is not stated in court documents.
Dr Cheah, who is represented by lawyer Christopher Chong, has denied any negligence.
Mr Yew said he had seen Dr Cheah at The Eye Centre in 1998.
But Dr Cheah claimed that when Mr Yew visited the clinic in 1998, he was attended to by another doctor and was assessed to have long-sightedness and astigmatism.
According to Dr Cheah, the first time Mr Yew consulted him was on 13 Dec 2000, when Mr Yew had complained of poor vision.
He had diagnosed Mr Yew as having Stargardt's disease and that there is "no effective medical or surgical therapy available".
He had also advised Mr Yew to use glasses and reading aids to read small print.
He said Mr Yew was 12 then and "in good health" and "not on any medication".
He said he had seen Mr Yew on three occasions between January 2002 and May 2004, and Mr Yew had appeared to be coping well.
When Mr Yew consulted Dr Cheah for "advice in relation to his difficulty in enrolling in the computer or electronics course at a polytechnic", the doctor had examined Mr Yew's colour vision and found he had red-green colour vision defect.
As normal colour vision was a pre-requisite of a computer or electronics course, Mr Yew was advised to try for other courses.
Mr Yew, Dr Cheah noted, was not within the usual risk groups for BIH. And even if he did suffer from BIH, there is no viable treatment, he said.
Several years later, we came across an oversees article that suggests that those with macular degeneration may not be suitable candidate for cataract operation for precisely the same outcome that this patient group runs a very high risk of going blind instantly after a cataract op. If there is even this possibility, why has this not been pointed out to the relative before the op? Did she made the mistake of going to a private hospital where the surgeon may place monetary targets over that of patient's welfare? There has always been this doubt, especially since it is difficult to sue doctors in Singapore. There are fears that the Singapore Medical Council may take the side of the doctors and so many complaints went unheard.
We applaud the bravery of this couple, featured by Senior Health Correspondent Salma Khalik, Straits Times 03 May 2014..
Eye doc fined $10k for wrong lens implant
In this article, Dr Cheah Way Mun, who practices at the Eye Centre at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, had not admitted to his error until the fifth visit. The patient and her husband had persisted in returning to the clinic every few days.
Although the surgeon offered to do a second operation to correct the mistake without charge, usually by then, the patient may have lost trust for the surgeon, and refuse the offer for fear of further goof-ups. We feel there should be a fast appeal process that allows the patient to choose another surgeon of choice and to have the surgeon who caused the error voluntarily foot the bill, even if the charges are higher the second time around.
In this case, the patient's affected eye never did enjoy the clear vision she would have had if not for the error.
It is yet another instance that makes us wonder: if the patient(s) had gone to Singapore National Eye Centre, wouldn't there have been more accountability? In that, it is not so easy for the surgeons there to try to cover up their errors?
We found another sad case through this link http://forums.sgclub.com/singapore/man_sues_eye_230092.html
The original news article has been taken off the web, so we repost it here..
Man Sues Eye Doctor
http://health.asiaone.com/Health/New...11-185371.html
A MAN is taking an eye doctor to court for allegedly making a mistake in his diagnosis when he saw him for his poor vision.
Mr Yew Wei Kiat, 22, claimed he saw a handful of other doctors over five years and that they had diagnosed him as suffering from a different condition.
This was after he went for tests at a neighbourhood eye centre, a public hospital and the Singapore National Eye Centre.
Now he is suing the doctor he claimed he first saw, a consultant ophthalmologist, for alleged negligence in his diagnosis.
The doctor, Dr Cheah Way Mun, disputes this. He said he had taken "all necessary and reasonable steps" to investigate Mr Yew's complaints about his eye condition.
Court documents obtained by The New Paper revealed that Mr Yew claimed his sight deteriorated to such an extent in secondary school, he was unable to read what was written on the whiteboard in his classroom.
He claimed his eyes were also sensitive to bright light. Mr Yew said he saw Dr Cheah at the Ang Mo Kio branch of The Eye Centre in 1998 for short-sightedness and astigmatism.
He was then 11.
Three years later, Mr Yew saw Dr Cheah again when problems with his vision worsened.
He said the doctor told him he was suffering from an early deterioration of vision.
Mr Yew claimed he continued to see Dr Cheah until mid-2004 and each time he would complain to the doctor about his condition.
Polytechnic enrolment
In May 2004, Mr Yew asked Dr Cheah for a medical report for his enrolment into Nanyang Polytechnic for an engineering course.
The doctor then issued a medical certificate dated 14 May 2004 stating that Mr Yew had poor vision as he is suffering from Stargardt's disease, a retinal degenerative condition.
But Mr Yew said that, following a series of tests with other specialists over five years, he was told he did not have Stargardt's disease after all.
Court documents did not say why he chose to consult other doctors.
He was eventually found to have a chronic condition called benign intracranial hypertension (BIH), which leads to headaches and a loss of vision.
Now, he claims he can read only by using a magnifying glass.
According to a report from ophthalmologist Yap Soo Keong, MrYew also has to "put the pages very close to his eyes" when he reads.
Mr Yew claimed that Dr Cheah failed to use "reasonable care and skill" to treat him, causing him injury and loss.
Mr Yew is suing Dr Cheah for damages through his lawyer, Mr Leonard Loo.
He is also suing for special damages for his medical expenses, which date back to December 2000, and for his travelling expenses.
The total sum is not stated in court documents.
Dr Cheah, who is represented by lawyer Christopher Chong, has denied any negligence.
Mr Yew said he had seen Dr Cheah at The Eye Centre in 1998.
But Dr Cheah claimed that when Mr Yew visited the clinic in 1998, he was attended to by another doctor and was assessed to have long-sightedness and astigmatism.
According to Dr Cheah, the first time Mr Yew consulted him was on 13 Dec 2000, when Mr Yew had complained of poor vision.
He had diagnosed Mr Yew as having Stargardt's disease and that there is "no effective medical or surgical therapy available".
He had also advised Mr Yew to use glasses and reading aids to read small print.
He said Mr Yew was 12 then and "in good health" and "not on any medication".
He said he had seen Mr Yew on three occasions between January 2002 and May 2004, and Mr Yew had appeared to be coping well.
When Mr Yew consulted Dr Cheah for "advice in relation to his difficulty in enrolling in the computer or electronics course at a polytechnic", the doctor had examined Mr Yew's colour vision and found he had red-green colour vision defect.
As normal colour vision was a pre-requisite of a computer or electronics course, Mr Yew was advised to try for other courses.
Mr Yew, Dr Cheah noted, was not within the usual risk groups for BIH. And even if he did suffer from BIH, there is no viable treatment, he said.
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Who's best for job of civil servant and MP?
Who's best for job of civil servant and MP?
This is today's headline in the news.
We didn't go beyond reading the headlines.
For MPs, we've always known that we want someone down to earth.
So far, there has always seem to be some sort of a barrier, no matter which MP we've come across.
Perhaps they are too highly educated, and in the pursuit of higher education and a more privileged lifestyle, have lost traction with citizens whose lifestyle are simplistic.
Perhaps with their background, they've been exposed more to the higher corridors than to the HDB corridors, and come across as unapproachable.
Or just perhaps, they are simply holding too many other portfolios, to come across as dedicated.
Whatever the reasons, sometimes we feel that we are reaching out to someone high up in the castle, who may not relate to ground issues the way we have to live through them.
This is today's headline in the news.
We didn't go beyond reading the headlines.
For MPs, we've always known that we want someone down to earth.
So far, there has always seem to be some sort of a barrier, no matter which MP we've come across.
Perhaps they are too highly educated, and in the pursuit of higher education and a more privileged lifestyle, have lost traction with citizens whose lifestyle are simplistic.
Perhaps with their background, they've been exposed more to the higher corridors than to the HDB corridors, and come across as unapproachable.
Or just perhaps, they are simply holding too many other portfolios, to come across as dedicated.
Whatever the reasons, sometimes we feel that we are reaching out to someone high up in the castle, who may not relate to ground issues the way we have to live through them.
Monday, April 14, 2014
Somewhere in Time
We were in front of a screen where old friend Bradley was displaying his repertoire of musical collections. Up comes the memorable song Somewhere in Time.
"I love the part where Elise (Jane Seymour) shouted 'Richard!', ran up the steps towards Richard (Christopher Reeve) and threw herself into his arms — such unabandoned love," Bradley said.
The original musical score composed by John Barry does not have vocals or lyrics so Bradley hadn't realize that subsequently, there came along many song versions by talented artistes.
Here are two popular song renditions..
Enjoy!
Lyrics: As sung by Martin Nievera
Somewhere in time
We'll share
One love
One life
And with each gentle touch
I know
This much
It’s true
And when we kiss
I see forever
And in your arms, I’m lost
You find me again
No words, no writes
Describe this pain inside
No matter how hard I tried
I die inside to let you go
To say goodbye
My heart breaks forever
Somewhere in time, I know
We'll meet again
You're in my heart
You're in my soul
And if you go away from me
I can’t let go
Until begin
I know
We'll meet again
Somewhere in time
Lyrics: Belinda Foo
Arranger: Ricky Ho
Duet: Tracy Huang & Kevin Ong
Somewhere in time
You came into my world
Love was beyond what I imagined love would be
Now just a dream
I hold till the end of time
Hoping someday we'll find what we left behind
There'll come a day
Our paths will meet again
We'll cross the bridge of time and space to a love that's free
No more goodbyes
No lonely waiting
That'll be our day to love, to live all our dreams
If we believe and keep alive
The hope that love will stand the test of distance in time
Then we shall find our new tomorrow
Somewhere in time
Someday there'll be no time between us
There'll just be endless days for us to love and share
We'll rise above the tears of our lonely years
Into a world beyond today
In another somewhere
If we believe and keep alive
The hope that love will stand the test of distance in time
Then we shall find our new tomorrow
Somewhere in time
"I love the part where Elise (Jane Seymour) shouted 'Richard!', ran up the steps towards Richard (Christopher Reeve) and threw herself into his arms — such unabandoned love," Bradley said.
The original musical score composed by John Barry does not have vocals or lyrics so Bradley hadn't realize that subsequently, there came along many song versions by talented artistes.
You're in my heart
You're in my soul
And if you go away from me
I can’t let go
This lyric comes from the version sung by Martin Nievera, a haunting piece to match an equally haunting tale of love, separation and hope. Words of impressionable impact, but let go we must as we travel through time..You're in my soul
And if you go away from me
I can’t let go
Somewhere in Time
Lyrics: As sung by Martin Nievera
Somewhere in time
We'll share
One love
One life
And with each gentle touch
I know
This much
It’s true
And when we kiss
I see forever
And in your arms, I’m lost
You find me again
No words, no writes
Describe this pain inside
No matter how hard I tried
I die inside to let you go
To say goodbye
My heart breaks forever
Somewhere in time, I know
We'll meet again
You're in my heart
You're in my soul
And if you go away from me
I can’t let go
Until begin
I know
We'll meet again
Somewhere in time
Lyrics: Belinda Foo
Arranger: Ricky Ho
Duet: Tracy Huang & Kevin Ong
Somewhere in time
You came into my world
Love was beyond what I imagined love would be
Now just a dream
I hold till the end of time
Hoping someday we'll find what we left behind
There'll come a day
Our paths will meet again
We'll cross the bridge of time and space to a love that's free
No more goodbyes
No lonely waiting
That'll be our day to love, to live all our dreams
If we believe and keep alive
The hope that love will stand the test of distance in time
Then we shall find our new tomorrow
Somewhere in time
Someday there'll be no time between us
There'll just be endless days for us to love and share
We'll rise above the tears of our lonely years
Into a world beyond today
In another somewhere
If we believe and keep alive
The hope that love will stand the test of distance in time
Then we shall find our new tomorrow
Somewhere in time
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Paperless Annual Report in CDs
Received and dumped yet another Shares AGM Annual Report in CD.
Wish they use re-writable CDs so that it can at least be reused.
And so many AGMs are held at far-flung corners of Singapore.
This deters many shareholders from turning up.
Wish they use re-writable CDs so that it can at least be reused.
And so many AGMs are held at far-flung corners of Singapore.
This deters many shareholders from turning up.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Expired Red Dates on sale
Have just placed Ego brand of snacks on our blacklist.
We were at NTUC Fairprice Xtra @ NEX when we decided to throw in a packet of red dates. Seeing the attractive red packaging reminds us of the fragrant red dates in Din Dai Fung.
Of course, these are cheapo versions. A packet costs only $2.
Inside this packet, each date is individually wrapped. Upon cutting the main packet, we thought something smells off. We take it that there may be one or two dates that have over-fermented, and that the bulk of it should be alright. So we distributed the individually wrapped dates around.
When we unwrap a few to eat, we found the first one well covered with white fungus.
Could it be crystallized sugar?
To remove all doubts, we brought the date up close to our eye. We could discern furry branch-offs that clearly indicates white moss-like fungus growth. Gross!!!
Unfortunately, we couldn't fully capture the mossy 'feelers' on picture. In fact, some bits of the white fungus got absorbed by the date's moisture as the opened wrapper gets more exposed to air. But seen or unseen, the fungus spores remains. Imagine eating that.
We'd like to think that even the freshest dates may grow fungus under hot weather-cold interior conditions. However, another sniff at the packet, and it became obvious these dates have expired for quite a time.
Unfortunately, the kids have eaten a few dates by the time we shouted for them to stop.
Someone pointed out the article below to us, asking if we have fallen victims to Ego extending their expiring batch perpetually until sold.
The article was July 29, 2013. Today is April 2, 2014. Quite a time has lapsed, so have the steps taken by AVA been ineffective?
We have no doubt NTUC will refund us the $2 but the issue is the fear of health repercussions upon consumption of expired foods.
And it is extremely inconvenient to have to highlight poor service levels. Time could be spent on better things, so most do not bother. Yet if we do not feed back, we do a disservice to other members of the public who will likewise suffer the same.
The article recapped here:-
Food manufacturer tampered with expiry labels
Monday, Jul 29, 2013
The Straits Times
By Janice Tai
SINGAPORE - A food manufacturer has been fined for tampering with the expiry labels on its sweets.
Kee Wee Hup Kee, which makes a brand called Ego that is popular with children, extended the use-by date of one of its products - allegedly by up to several years.
The local company's ruse was exposed after the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA), acting on feedback, carried out an inspection in January.
It found that the use-by dates on packs of an imported product called Jelly Sweet were being extended when the candy was repackaged in smaller sizes. The company was fined $900 and all the items that had been tampered with were destroyed.
Packs of Jelly Sweet are still being sold in provision shops and supermarkets. The AVA said these had not been affected and were safe to eat.
A spokesman added that it did not alert the public as there was no health risk.
When contacted, Kee Wee Hup Kee declined to comment.
This is the first time in three years that a local food establishment has been found to have altered use-by dates.
During this period, AVA took action against 12 importers for tampering with the use-by dates of food products, such as snacks, confectionary, and beverages.
All affected products were recalled and destroyed, said the AVA spokesman. The importers were fined between $300 and $1,000.
The agency also conducts regular inspections at AVA-licensed food establishments and investigates feedback it receives.
Consumers Association of Singapore executive director Seah Seng Choon said the public should have been alerted to the issue.
"It concerns all consumers and even though all affected products were recalled and destroyed, consumers would have wanted to know which product was affected for their own knowledge," he said.
The association has not received any complaints involving out-of-date food for the past three years.
But it said it will not hesitate to publicly blacklist repeat offenders who fail to ensure their items are properly labeled.
"Consumers who have inadvertently purchased expired or improperly labelled food products should quickly inform the retailer concerned so that the sale of such products to other buyers can be prevented," said Mr Seah.
We were at NTUC Fairprice Xtra @ NEX when we decided to throw in a packet of red dates. Seeing the attractive red packaging reminds us of the fragrant red dates in Din Dai Fung.
Of course, these are cheapo versions. A packet costs only $2.
Inside this packet, each date is individually wrapped. Upon cutting the main packet, we thought something smells off. We take it that there may be one or two dates that have over-fermented, and that the bulk of it should be alright. So we distributed the individually wrapped dates around.
When we unwrap a few to eat, we found the first one well covered with white fungus.
Could it be crystallized sugar?
To remove all doubts, we brought the date up close to our eye. We could discern furry branch-offs that clearly indicates white moss-like fungus growth. Gross!!!
 |
| Fungus growth on both sides of red date |
 |
| Expires "28/10/2015" but the dates doesn't smell fresh |
Unfortunately, we couldn't fully capture the mossy 'feelers' on picture. In fact, some bits of the white fungus got absorbed by the date's moisture as the opened wrapper gets more exposed to air. But seen or unseen, the fungus spores remains. Imagine eating that.
We'd like to think that even the freshest dates may grow fungus under hot weather-cold interior conditions. However, another sniff at the packet, and it became obvious these dates have expired for quite a time.
Unfortunately, the kids have eaten a few dates by the time we shouted for them to stop.
Someone pointed out the article below to us, asking if we have fallen victims to Ego extending their expiring batch perpetually until sold.
The article was July 29, 2013. Today is April 2, 2014. Quite a time has lapsed, so have the steps taken by AVA been ineffective?
We have no doubt NTUC will refund us the $2 but the issue is the fear of health repercussions upon consumption of expired foods.
And it is extremely inconvenient to have to highlight poor service levels. Time could be spent on better things, so most do not bother. Yet if we do not feed back, we do a disservice to other members of the public who will likewise suffer the same.
The article recapped here:-
Food manufacturer tampered with expiry labels
Monday, Jul 29, 2013
The Straits Times
By Janice Tai
SINGAPORE - A food manufacturer has been fined for tampering with the expiry labels on its sweets.
Kee Wee Hup Kee, which makes a brand called Ego that is popular with children, extended the use-by date of one of its products - allegedly by up to several years.
The local company's ruse was exposed after the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA), acting on feedback, carried out an inspection in January.
It found that the use-by dates on packs of an imported product called Jelly Sweet were being extended when the candy was repackaged in smaller sizes. The company was fined $900 and all the items that had been tampered with were destroyed.
Packs of Jelly Sweet are still being sold in provision shops and supermarkets. The AVA said these had not been affected and were safe to eat.
A spokesman added that it did not alert the public as there was no health risk.
When contacted, Kee Wee Hup Kee declined to comment.
This is the first time in three years that a local food establishment has been found to have altered use-by dates.
During this period, AVA took action against 12 importers for tampering with the use-by dates of food products, such as snacks, confectionary, and beverages.
All affected products were recalled and destroyed, said the AVA spokesman. The importers were fined between $300 and $1,000.
The agency also conducts regular inspections at AVA-licensed food establishments and investigates feedback it receives.
Consumers Association of Singapore executive director Seah Seng Choon said the public should have been alerted to the issue.
"It concerns all consumers and even though all affected products were recalled and destroyed, consumers would have wanted to know which product was affected for their own knowledge," he said.
The association has not received any complaints involving out-of-date food for the past three years.
But it said it will not hesitate to publicly blacklist repeat offenders who fail to ensure their items are properly labeled.
"Consumers who have inadvertently purchased expired or improperly labelled food products should quickly inform the retailer concerned so that the sale of such products to other buyers can be prevented," said Mr Seah.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Lost Credit Card Statements and others
Have just realize a number of bank/credit card statements never reach us by post. The period of concern spans over the past year.
Which means that there may be other material that gets lost in transit as well.
ANZ
One statement never arrived.
ANZ says they charge $5 admin fee for reprinting.
But why should customers get penalized for statements that never came through the post?
It is good that the CS agree to waive.
ANZ don't have online banking for credit card customers, unlike other banks.
When they do announce this facility, we will sign up for it.
Citibank
We used to suffer missing statements as well until we opt for e-statements. They wouldn't allow paper statements once the e-statement option is set up.
Thankfully, Citibank took away the random-cycle log-in number pad, which drove many crazy. At least they listen to feedback though it took well over a year. Otherwise, we would likely still stick to paper statement.
The other feedback they wouldn't take are complaints about the statement layout, and the faint and tiny fonts that strains the eye. Both e-statement and paper-statement sucks equally, btw.
We hate the look of the statement and only use the card if good promos are on.
Maybank
One statement never arrived.
We tried to retrieve online but realize they only offer e-statements for those who opt for it.
The digital quality of their e-statement is not clear enough the last time we download, so we had gone back to paper statements.
Their e-statements goes back only 3 months, too short for busy customers.
OCBC
Bank draft went missing.
OCBC says they have posted a month ago, after funds was deducted.
To reissue, we need to print and sign an indemnity form (which has some errors in it).
After handing it to the branch, they took some time to locate the personnel in charge of indemnity forms. A lot of time lost.
The above are just some cases of mails that never reach us.
Which means that there may be other material that gets lost in transit as well.
ANZ
One statement never arrived.
ANZ says they charge $5 admin fee for reprinting.
But why should customers get penalized for statements that never came through the post?
It is good that the CS agree to waive.
ANZ don't have online banking for credit card customers, unlike other banks.
When they do announce this facility, we will sign up for it.
Citibank
We used to suffer missing statements as well until we opt for e-statements. They wouldn't allow paper statements once the e-statement option is set up.
Thankfully, Citibank took away the random-cycle log-in number pad, which drove many crazy. At least they listen to feedback though it took well over a year. Otherwise, we would likely still stick to paper statement.
The other feedback they wouldn't take are complaints about the statement layout, and the faint and tiny fonts that strains the eye. Both e-statement and paper-statement sucks equally, btw.
We hate the look of the statement and only use the card if good promos are on.
Maybank
One statement never arrived.
We tried to retrieve online but realize they only offer e-statements for those who opt for it.
The digital quality of their e-statement is not clear enough the last time we download, so we had gone back to paper statements.
Their e-statements goes back only 3 months, too short for busy customers.
OCBC
Bank draft went missing.
OCBC says they have posted a month ago, after funds was deducted.
To reissue, we need to print and sign an indemnity form (which has some errors in it).
After handing it to the branch, they took some time to locate the personnel in charge of indemnity forms. A lot of time lost.
The above are just some cases of mails that never reach us.
Friday, March 21, 2014
Watsons - more expensive again
21 March 2014
Clear Men Shampoo (bundled with free small bottle)
$15.70 @ Watsons, Plaza Singapura
$12.90 @ Guardian, Plaza Singapura
Previously
Oat Krunch Biscuit
Heavily promoted by Watsons, Takashimaya as cheapest deal.
Found selling significantly cheaper at Cold Storage, Takashimaya.
Previously
Strepsil Lozenges
Selling cheaper at Unity, Tampines One compared to Watsons, Tampines One outlet.
Consistently losing out if we bother to compare?
Clear Men Shampoo (bundled with free small bottle)
$15.70 @ Watsons, Plaza Singapura
$12.90 @ Guardian, Plaza Singapura
Previously
Oat Krunch Biscuit
Heavily promoted by Watsons, Takashimaya as cheapest deal.
Found selling significantly cheaper at Cold Storage, Takashimaya.
Previously
Strepsil Lozenges
Selling cheaper at Unity, Tampines One compared to Watsons, Tampines One outlet.
Consistently losing out if we bother to compare?
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
What Is Your Mission on Earth?
"What is your mission on earth?"
We used to have lots of fun with this question.
"What is your mission on earth?"
..to eat good food..
"What is your mission on earth?"
..umm..ahh.. <<..blank look, scratch head..>>
But seriously, what is your true mission on earth?
Why do you think you're put here on earth, and what exactly are you going to do about it?
We used to have lots of fun with this question.
"What is your mission on earth?"
..to eat good food..
"What is your mission on earth?"
..umm..ahh.. <<..blank look, scratch head..>>
But seriously, what is your true mission on earth?
Why do you think you're put here on earth, and what exactly are you going to do about it?
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Why Blog?
1. Sharing is Caring
Others helps us with their advice, thoughts and viewpoints.
Spread the value of sharing.
2. Reference Point
No need to repeat same point at different times to different people.
Just point them to the article.
3. Behind the Scenes
Personal experiences often reveals behind the scenes nuggets.
4. Mindful Choices
Some articles posted to remind ourselves.
5. Meaningful Engagement
Networking is good. There are many stuff worth promoting.
6. Let It Go!
We've love to think everything in life goes smoothly.
Some folks actually frown on those who kpkb (complain) too much.
But if everyone keeps the negatives to themselves, then the chances of lousy things being rectified is zero.
7. You, Producer
The blog is what you want it to be: journal, travelogue, hobby notebook, cookbook, photo gallery..
There are seventy times seven reasons why we should blog.
Considering we have manage to list only the above reasons, we've quite a way to go yet..
Slow and steady wins the race.
Stay tuned..
Others helps us with their advice, thoughts and viewpoints.
Spread the value of sharing.
2. Reference Point
No need to repeat same point at different times to different people.
Just point them to the article.
3. Behind the Scenes
Personal experiences often reveals behind the scenes nuggets.
4. Mindful Choices
Some articles posted to remind ourselves.
5. Meaningful Engagement
Networking is good. There are many stuff worth promoting.
6. Let It Go!
We've love to think everything in life goes smoothly.
Some folks actually frown on those who kpkb (complain) too much.
But if everyone keeps the negatives to themselves, then the chances of lousy things being rectified is zero.
7. You, Producer
The blog is what you want it to be: journal, travelogue, hobby notebook, cookbook, photo gallery..
There are seventy times seven reasons why we should blog.
Considering we have manage to list only the above reasons, we've quite a way to go yet..
Slow and steady wins the race.
Stay tuned..
Recycling: When Green becomes Grim
We have all been taught the importance of the 3 Rs: Reduce – Re-use – Recycle.
But like all things in life, commonsense must prevail.
Reduce
One good example:
Reduce waste by mending broken appliances instead of replacing them.
One bad example:
Folks who reduce till they refuse to spend money anymore, even when a small outlay leads to better productivity and time-saving.
Reuse
One good example:
Give unwanted but useable stuff to charity or those who can use it better.
One bad example:
It can be quite a headache when you are the one paying the detergent, scrub-sponges and water bill, and folks at home insist on washing every oily plastic wrappers that contained foodstuff and then take up the whole kitchen space hanging them everywhere to dry. Worse, the smell of the curry or strong stench which could not be washed off fills up the whole place.
Commonsense would tell you that some stuff should just be thrown. They are hard to wash off, without applying much effort to scrub, soak, wash, dry, store. The amount of detergent that goes into washing such wrappers or disposable containers is often more costly than the wrapper itself. Not to mention, these folks are the very same ones who can't seem to find time for more productive stuff.
Recycle
One good example:
Materials such as paper and metal can be recycled to generate environmental, financial and social benefits.
One bad example:
Other than recycling what's there in the immediate environment, the inhouse recycling enthusiast suddenly turns the home into a garang guni hoarding centre, where collections from around the neighbourhood and all over pours in to become endless cycles of recycling. Collections originally meant for recycling turns into hoarding as the sorting out becomes overwhelming, and the recycler turns hoarder.
Many families have their lives turned upside down when one family member get carried away with recycling. The once peaceful haven of home can quickly become an unhygienic place to live in, as the constant stream of stuff can sometimes be old, and rather dubious in its origins.
But like all things in life, commonsense must prevail.
Reduce
One good example:
Reduce waste by mending broken appliances instead of replacing them.
One bad example:
Folks who reduce till they refuse to spend money anymore, even when a small outlay leads to better productivity and time-saving.
Reuse
One good example:
Give unwanted but useable stuff to charity or those who can use it better.
One bad example:
It can be quite a headache when you are the one paying the detergent, scrub-sponges and water bill, and folks at home insist on washing every oily plastic wrappers that contained foodstuff and then take up the whole kitchen space hanging them everywhere to dry. Worse, the smell of the curry or strong stench which could not be washed off fills up the whole place.
Commonsense would tell you that some stuff should just be thrown. They are hard to wash off, without applying much effort to scrub, soak, wash, dry, store. The amount of detergent that goes into washing such wrappers or disposable containers is often more costly than the wrapper itself. Not to mention, these folks are the very same ones who can't seem to find time for more productive stuff.
Recycle
One good example:
Materials such as paper and metal can be recycled to generate environmental, financial and social benefits.
One bad example:
Other than recycling what's there in the immediate environment, the inhouse recycling enthusiast suddenly turns the home into a garang guni hoarding centre, where collections from around the neighbourhood and all over pours in to become endless cycles of recycling. Collections originally meant for recycling turns into hoarding as the sorting out becomes overwhelming, and the recycler turns hoarder.
Many families have their lives turned upside down when one family member get carried away with recycling. The once peaceful haven of home can quickly become an unhygienic place to live in, as the constant stream of stuff can sometimes be old, and rather dubious in its origins.
Monday, March 17, 2014
FAST Internet Bank Transfer At Last
From 17 March 2014, we can finally effect funds transfer instantaneously between our CIMB and DBS/POSB accounts, or accounts of other banks participating in the FAST (Fast And Secure Transfer) internet banking service.
CIMB is our default savings bank because it offers the highest savings interest rate of 0.8% per annum. Not much, but hey! better than the 0.05% which is so very, very close to 0.00%. It all adds up! The catch used to be that CIMB have only 2 branches/ATM stations: one at Knightsbridge (Orchard) and the other at Raffles Place. In emergency, you'd need to rush down.
Now with FAST, we got our funds transfer docked almost instantly (instead of 2-3 days) into the DBS/POSB account, and that's convenient because the DBS/POSB ATMs are just a walk away.
Of course, if you require large withdrawals, you would still need to rush to the CIMB banks, or space out the daily permitted withdrawals if you still wish to stick with internet transfers. FAST's transfer cap is $10,000 per transfer. Local transfer only, not overseas transfers.
Currently, the FAST service is free.
We hope it remains so. Prior to this, one of the banks offered immediate internet banking transfer at a cost of $5. Which is irritating because consumers have been asking why in this day of technological sophistication, banks still require 2-3 days to move funds? And this 2-3 days refers to "working" days, which means you can suck thumb if you happen to need to effect internet banking transfers on Friday evening, since your transfer request would only be attended to by someone on Monday, and the 2-3 days count begins from Monday, rather than Friday, when you had needed the money.
Now, FAST will be available 24x7. Which means your funds zips across even when the staff are not working, on public holidays or Saturdays/Sundays.
Fantastic!
FAST will be offered by 14 banks -
ANZ Bank
CIMB Bank
Citibank
DBS Bank/POSB
Deutsche Bank
Far Eastern Bank
HSBC
Maybank
OCBC Bank
RHB Bank
The Royal Bank of Scotland
Standard Chartered Bank
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
United Overseas Bank
CIMB is our default savings bank because it offers the highest savings interest rate of 0.8% per annum. Not much, but hey! better than the 0.05% which is so very, very close to 0.00%. It all adds up! The catch used to be that CIMB have only 2 branches/ATM stations: one at Knightsbridge (Orchard) and the other at Raffles Place. In emergency, you'd need to rush down.
Now with FAST, we got our funds transfer docked almost instantly (instead of 2-3 days) into the DBS/POSB account, and that's convenient because the DBS/POSB ATMs are just a walk away.
Of course, if you require large withdrawals, you would still need to rush to the CIMB banks, or space out the daily permitted withdrawals if you still wish to stick with internet transfers. FAST's transfer cap is $10,000 per transfer. Local transfer only, not overseas transfers.
Currently, the FAST service is free.
We hope it remains so. Prior to this, one of the banks offered immediate internet banking transfer at a cost of $5. Which is irritating because consumers have been asking why in this day of technological sophistication, banks still require 2-3 days to move funds? And this 2-3 days refers to "working" days, which means you can suck thumb if you happen to need to effect internet banking transfers on Friday evening, since your transfer request would only be attended to by someone on Monday, and the 2-3 days count begins from Monday, rather than Friday, when you had needed the money.
Now, FAST will be available 24x7. Which means your funds zips across even when the staff are not working, on public holidays or Saturdays/Sundays.
Fantastic!
FAST will be offered by 14 banks -
ANZ Bank
CIMB Bank
Citibank
DBS Bank/POSB
Deutsche Bank
Far Eastern Bank
HSBC
Maybank
OCBC Bank
RHB Bank
The Royal Bank of Scotland
Standard Chartered Bank
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
United Overseas Bank
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Sleep - Don't Short It
A new finding last year found that when we sleep, channels for waste and neurotoxic substances open up by as much as 60 per cent more. Indeed, in other research, removal of beta-amyloid, a substance implicated in Alzheimer’s disease, was found to be substantially higher during sleep.
~
Commentary written on behalf of the Singapore Sleep Society, to commemorate World Sleep Day on March 14.
Source:
Prof. Michael Chee,
Neuroscience and Behavioral Program,
Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School
&
Investigator,
National Medical Research Council STaR
~
Commentary written on behalf of the Singapore Sleep Society, to commemorate World Sleep Day on March 14.
Source:
Prof. Michael Chee,
Neuroscience and Behavioral Program,
Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School
&
Investigator,
National Medical Research Council STaR
Credit Card Charge: Transacted vs. Posted Date
When calculating the entitled rebates, Standard Chartered Bank and OCBC Frank credit cards use posted date (date when merchant post the bill) rather than the transacted date (date when the customers uses the card to transact).
This often results in a shorter spending period for the customers who is unsure of when the merchant would actually post.
It saves the bank money but cause inconvenience to customers. Many disappointments had been voiced by customers who finds their rebates shrink as a result.
During promos, care has to be taken once again to find out if the charge date refers to the transacted date or the posted date.
Wish all the credit card companies would just standardize it all to transacted date. Customers like to have some form of certainty, rather than grabbling with too many variables.
This often results in a shorter spending period for the customers who is unsure of when the merchant would actually post.
It saves the bank money but cause inconvenience to customers. Many disappointments had been voiced by customers who finds their rebates shrink as a result.
During promos, care has to be taken once again to find out if the charge date refers to the transacted date or the posted date.
Wish all the credit card companies would just standardize it all to transacted date. Customers like to have some form of certainty, rather than grabbling with too many variables.
Maybank Family & Friends Card - End of Easy
One of the delights of Maybank Family & Friends credit card is that we get a 5% rebate for purchases made from their designated merchants. We automatically whip out this card whenever we wish to order from McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Popular, NTUC, etc.
From 1st April 2014, however, it may not be so easy anymore. We have to ensure a minimum spend of $500 in that month, to enjoy the 5% cash rebate. Else, the rebate sinks to 0.3% - far worst than the industry minimum of 0.5%, which is already paltry enough.
From 1st April 2014, however, it may not be so easy anymore. We have to ensure a minimum spend of $500 in that month, to enjoy the 5% cash rebate. Else, the rebate sinks to 0.3% - far worst than the industry minimum of 0.5%, which is already paltry enough.
Revision of eligibility for 5% cash rebate on Maybank Family & Friends Platinum MasterCard
| With effect from 1 April 2014, to enjoy the 5% cash rebate at selected merchant outlets on your Maybank Family & Friends Platinum MasterCard, a minimum spend amount of S$500 per month is required. Otherwise, the 0.3% cash rebate will apply.  This comes after they up the minimum $500 bank deposit on their savings account to $1,000. Or a minimum fall-below fee of $2 will apply. |
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Fear is the Root of Your Problems
Leo Babauta, creator and writer of Zen Habits, advocates self-compassion, to work on the fear that's causing our problems. He provides good tips on the practice and process of awareness, acceptance, seeing the pain, finding gratitude, and being in the moment without an ideal.
Here's a few examples of how fear manifest in your daily life -
Procrastination
Fear of failure
Discomfort of doing something hard
Fear of missing out something important
Debt
Fear of letting go of comforts
Fear of other's judgment
Relationship problems
Fear of losing control
Fear of not being good enough
Fear of rejection
Fear of letting go
Can't exercise
Fear of discomfort
Fear of disrupting more favored routines like TV and Internet viewing
Can't change diet
Fear of being denied enjoyment of 'comfort' food
Fear of not keeping up with the changed diet
Fulfilling ambition
Fear of failing
Fear of taking the plunge
Fear of not being ready
Fear of not being good enough
Work Stress
Fear of not being perfect (too perfectionist)
Fear of errors and mistakes
Sometimes, when it gets too much, we become paralysed by fear and end up not doing anything.
We have encountered this before, and find that at times, it becomes necessary to reduce clutter, and basically, to attack big blocks of backlogs, work loads or even emotional burdens by breaking it into smaller tasks or pieces.
We are even prepared to downsize our lifestyle if it gets too intense.
Peace and simplicity rules!
Here's a few examples of how fear manifest in your daily life -
Procrastination
Fear of failure
Discomfort of doing something hard
Fear of missing out something important
Debt
Fear of letting go of comforts
Fear of other's judgment
Relationship problems
Fear of losing control
Fear of not being good enough
Fear of rejection
Fear of letting go
Can't exercise
Fear of discomfort
Fear of disrupting more favored routines like TV and Internet viewing
Can't change diet
Fear of being denied enjoyment of 'comfort' food
Fear of not keeping up with the changed diet
Fulfilling ambition
Fear of failing
Fear of taking the plunge
Fear of not being ready
Fear of not being good enough
Work Stress
Fear of not being perfect (too perfectionist)
Fear of errors and mistakes
Sometimes, when it gets too much, we become paralysed by fear and end up not doing anything.
We have encountered this before, and find that at times, it becomes necessary to reduce clutter, and basically, to attack big blocks of backlogs, work loads or even emotional burdens by breaking it into smaller tasks or pieces.
We are even prepared to downsize our lifestyle if it gets too intense.
Peace and simplicity rules!
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Loaf of Bread - Subway and other Singapore Bakers
After Food Babe Vani Hari's call to action, Subway stores in USA is to remove the harmful chemical azodicarbonamide in their bread.
This is a synthetic chemical mixed into plastics to make them more pliable. Subway and many other bakers use it as a bleaching agent to make bread look nice, as well as a dough conditioner for faster bread production.
It could be in your burger buns, garlic bread, hot dog buns, muffin, and in many other retail bread.
We used organic flour to bake our own bread using Breville breadmaker.
However, owing to lack of time, we also patronize outlets ranging from Bengawan Solo, Cedele, Delifrance, Four Leaves and its franchise Peck bakery at Takashimaya, McDonalds, Subway, Sun Moulin at Isetan Scotts, to name a few.
They all taste good but how much azodicarbonamide does a typical bread lover consume here in Singapore?
This is a synthetic chemical mixed into plastics to make them more pliable. Subway and many other bakers use it as a bleaching agent to make bread look nice, as well as a dough conditioner for faster bread production.
It could be in your burger buns, garlic bread, hot dog buns, muffin, and in many other retail bread.
We used organic flour to bake our own bread using Breville breadmaker.
However, owing to lack of time, we also patronize outlets ranging from Bengawan Solo, Cedele, Delifrance, Four Leaves and its franchise Peck bakery at Takashimaya, McDonalds, Subway, Sun Moulin at Isetan Scotts, to name a few.
They all taste good but how much azodicarbonamide does a typical bread lover consume here in Singapore?
Monday, March 10, 2014
Mirriam MacWilliams Millionaire Trader
Mirriam MacWilliams' free seminars in Singapore must have been very convincing - enough to make a banker friend part $$$.
After sinking $4,000+ into Millionaire Trader programme, a series of emailed courses came flooding in. In the end, nothing ever comes out of it.
The path to create wealth may be presented simplistically, in order to invite folks who are mostly pressured for times, to join the get-riches-easy club.
In practice, a certain level of commitment is always required by the consumer who buys into these products.
In this case, the learning curve from the emailed lessons itself cause the process to come to a standstill. Don't talk about getting to the first trade.
To do anything well, time is always needed, no matter what people say, and how things are presented.
If you couldn't commit time, there is no programme in the world that can get you rich.
After sinking $4,000+ into Millionaire Trader programme, a series of emailed courses came flooding in. In the end, nothing ever comes out of it.
The path to create wealth may be presented simplistically, in order to invite folks who are mostly pressured for times, to join the get-riches-easy club.
In practice, a certain level of commitment is always required by the consumer who buys into these products.
In this case, the learning curve from the emailed lessons itself cause the process to come to a standstill. Don't talk about getting to the first trade.
To do anything well, time is always needed, no matter what people say, and how things are presented.
If you couldn't commit time, there is no programme in the world that can get you rich.
Friday, February 28, 2014
Set up SingPost collection booths at MRT stations
One of the delights in reading newspapers is the reader's contribution session.
And, one of the added delight in reading newspapers online is the commenter's response to the reader's contribution.
One extract from Today's reader, published on 28 February 2014:~
Set up SingPost collection booths at MRT stations
From Arthur Phua
And here's what the online commenter says in response:~
Ricky Lye · Top Commenter
And, one of the added delight in reading newspapers online is the commenter's response to the reader's contribution.
One extract from Today's reader, published on 28 February 2014:~
Set up SingPost collection booths at MRT stations
From Arthur Phua
The biggest problem with online purchases is that one must be at home to receive the delivery.
If SingPost could set up collection booths at various MRT stations and charge a small fee for this service, it would bring convenience to recipients and reduce SingPost’s labour overheads from not having to deliver to every door.
Such booths need not occupy a big space, and the capacity could be managed via an online booking system.
If SingPost could set up collection booths at various MRT stations and charge a small fee for this service, it would bring convenience to recipients and reduce SingPost’s labour overheads from not having to deliver to every door.
Such booths need not occupy a big space, and the capacity could be managed via an online booking system.
And here's what the online commenter says in response:~
Ricky Lye · Top Commenter
SCB and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3
Standard Chartered's Manhattan has always been the go-to card for big purchases. It gave a 5% rebate for spending above $3,000, capped at $200.
From August 2013, many were disappointed to see them drop the 5% to 3%. This makes the UOB One card more attractive.
Loyal Manhattan users were gratified to see SCB put up a Christmas promo that spans from 16 November 2013 to 15 January 2014. The 15% Dining Cashbacks and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 (7.0") helps mitigate the loss in rebates.
The Galaxy Tab 3 is no iPad Mini; it is missing the retina. We were quite hesitant to go for the promotion at first, as the reviews for this particular tablet incarnation were quite bad. We already have 2 tablets and there is every possibility that this would end up as an unwanted child. However, it is not like this at all. We've redeemed it and it has been quite a joy for casual use. We grab for it as much as we grab for the bigger iPads.
Credit card companies have been dishing out quite a lot of hit-and-run gifts, and we've been victims of it. So we appreciate a good gift when we see one.
Another convenience is that the collection centre is right in the Orchard Road locality (Courts). We prefer this than being made to go to the Clarke Quay or Suntec City redemption areas used by other credit card companies.
From August 2013, many were disappointed to see them drop the 5% to 3%. This makes the UOB One card more attractive.
Loyal Manhattan users were gratified to see SCB put up a Christmas promo that spans from 16 November 2013 to 15 January 2014. The 15% Dining Cashbacks and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 (7.0") helps mitigate the loss in rebates.
The Galaxy Tab 3 is no iPad Mini; it is missing the retina. We were quite hesitant to go for the promotion at first, as the reviews for this particular tablet incarnation were quite bad. We already have 2 tablets and there is every possibility that this would end up as an unwanted child. However, it is not like this at all. We've redeemed it and it has been quite a joy for casual use. We grab for it as much as we grab for the bigger iPads.
Credit card companies have been dishing out quite a lot of hit-and-run gifts, and we've been victims of it. So we appreciate a good gift when we see one.
Another convenience is that the collection centre is right in the Orchard Road locality (Courts). We prefer this than being made to go to the Clarke Quay or Suntec City redemption areas used by other credit card companies.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)