Prelude to GSS Damage

I've fallen in love with Body Shop products recently.

It started with receiving a gift for the Christmas Gift Exchange. It was a White Musk Body Shower Gel and Lotion from Chailing. And from there, i'm hooked.

Besides SkinFood, i have found another product that i want to stick to. :)

I joined up to be a Body Shop member (10% discount on regular priced items) in January, and up till now, i've purchased the following:

• 2 Bottles of White Musk Shower Gell
• 1 bottle of White Musk Body Lotion
• Moringa Body Butter
• Satsume (orange) Body Polish
• Strawberry Foaming Bath

With every $30 damage, i get like a $5 discount, which i can accumulate and keep.

You know, Body Shop stuff is not exactly priced like those at your Friendly Neighbourhood store, since their's is totally against animal testing, and is totally Au Natural.

So, when a Body Shop Warehouse sale comes, it's TOTALLY difficult to resist it! And it happened between 27-30th March at Suntec Convention Center Level 3, which means IT'S ALREADY OVER.

And my Moringa Body Butter has only about 3 days left for usage, which i've used since February 2008, so which means i have to stock up! So i went to Suntec today for the Warehouse sale.

When u go at the last day, probably all the good stuff have already been sold, but still, there's still some good deals.

And when warehouse sales comes, usually the stocks are all over the place and the queues are exceptionally long, and the usual environmentally-friendly-go green plastic bags are not seen. In place are the huge red plastic bags. It's a warehouse sale after all, wha.

My prizes at the Warehouse:

I bought the following:
1) Peach Body Butter - $12.90
2) Papaya Body Butter - $12.90
3) Lavender Body Lotion x 2, Tea Tree hand cleanse gel x 3 - $10
4) Peppermint Pumice Foot scrub x 2 - $10

Total Damage:$45.80

Imagine if i were to buy these items on a normal day:
a) Body Butter x 2 - $29.90 x 2 [$59.80]
b) Pumice Foot Scrub x 2 = est $6.90 x 2 [$23.80]
c) Small Bottles of Lavender Body Lotion/Tea Tree cleanse gel - est $35

Total est damage: $118.60

Looking at it, my est savings is about 61.4%.

Therefore, i love Body Shop, when they have in-house promotion, and love them x60 when they have a warehouse sale. Hahaha...

Besides that, i did a further damage to my bank account at La Senza with another $55 swipe. Haiz, the perils of shopping.



U know, when you swipe the card, you feel excited about getting what u need, you will only feel the aches when u see your bill at the end of the month.

2 swipes in a day that is about $110 , I feel the pinch. And this are my prizes for the total damages incurred on this weekend.



Do. Not. Forget. A. Greater. Accursed. Season. Of. Sale. Is. Coming. Right. Under. Your. Nose.

Save my Bank Account.... 手下留情!!!!!!

My New CapitaCard

I got this in the mail yesterday.

Yes, i've anticipated for it definitely. About 3 weeks back, i submitted an application to apply for this card.

This called the CapitaCard. The name has explicitly explain what is this card for.

You do get the drift right?

Just in case: UOB Lady's card, is apparently only applied by ladies. ESSO card is by car owners yahdah yahdah.

So this card is like linked to Capital-Owned Malls. So if you are a SMART shopper as yours truly, then maybe this card is for you!

Before i go on, these are the shopping centers that are managed under Capitaland Retail:

• Bugis Junction
• Plaza Singapura
• Funan Digital Life Mall
• Junction 8
• IMM (Woohoo Jurong!)
• Jurong Entertainment Center (a bit 鸟不生蛋 place, but still in Jurong!!)
• Lot 1 (My mummy's fav place)
• Tampines Mall (well... i'm at JW, not Expo Hall 8)
• Rivervale Mall
• Sembawang Shopping Center
• Bukit Panjang Plaza

This card is issued under DBS Bank.

So as u know la, my office's situated in the Middle (Road) of Singapore, so there are 2 happening malls that i will visit very very often (even though i try not to), and will definitely have to pass through them; Bugis Junction and Plaza Singapura.

I pass by Bugis Junction EVERY MORNING when i go to work, not to forget my gym's there too. So whether if i can help it, i end up there.

And to me, it does make sense to get this card, since i do buy quite a lot of things from there.

And they are not like kuchi-kurak malls la. Over the years, PS and Bugis has been evolving externally and internally continually. PS has become more happening, more shops. Bugis too, though they change a bit tad too quickly at times and a bit disturbing (give us our shopping EDGE). But overall, there's been good improvement. I love having Carrefour and Daiso (Oh hoho.. there's a GIANT Daiso at IMM *woohoo)

Oh, and yes, IMM also evolved big-time for the positive, though sad to say nothing's done about their shuttle bus efficiency *sigh*. I love having to find so many things at one location - one stop shop for everything - Esprit, Body Shop, GIANT Supermarket, Daiso, and all the food there. Man, it's bliss when u just stick yourself in one place and get everything u need. :) Just that i have to wait loooooooong for the bus when i go home. Erm i dont' have to pay a single cent to go there from home, as the shuttle bus stops at West Coast Market. Aiya i'm typical Singaporean, also a bit 贪小便宜.

I have activated my card today, so i'm pretty excited. And it looks good in my wallet, especially since it's purple - my favorite color!

My plan is - when i do my purchases at these places, i'll keep my Smartcard, and flash the Capitacard. Either i get cash rebate (ranging from 2% to 10%) and/or earning of capita$ (it's like u earn points with purchase). Since i have it, i'll maximize it.

I LOVE IT that it's purple in color. Hahahaha.

So, if you are like me, totally surrounded by Capitaland Malls, wherever you are, it's good to get a card. U can read more details about this card here .

The real deal? U can choose between having a credit card (which u MUST have an annual income of minimal $30,000), or like me, still some distance from there, a Debit Card. To sweeten it further, I have this card linked with my POSB account, so whatever that i spend, is what i have in my bank account.

Furthermore, i can also double it up as my ATM card.

Atas-looking card, with the ability to get you access to cash fast (at POSB/DBS ATMs islandwide), prudent shoppers will definitely go for it.

I did. What about you?

Curtin University of Technology, Singapore campus

4 years after i graduated from Curtin did what we never thought possible came true.

Was a student at Marketing Institute of Singapore from the period of 2001 TRI 2A- 2004 to TRI 1A, taking my Bachelor of Commerce, in Management and Marketing double major.

It was a time where Aussie rates are not as powerful as Singapore then. But during the periods of 2003 - 2004, where there was the SARS period, the Aussie rate rose up, where we ended up having to pay much much more. I even remembered paying about SGD 5,500 for 3 modules that cost AUD 4,230, and yea that time the rate was SGD 1.3 to AUD 1.

Studying in Singapore and studying in Australia was totally different. Had a chance to visit the campus during TRI 3A 2001 where it was compulsary to do the summer course, and stayed at the school campus. It was so surreal.. that quite a lot of our cohort transferred to Perth after that Trimester. MIS eventually moved from 1 Pasir Panjang Road to Prinsep street. Latest thing i know, it shifted (again) to Tanjong Pagar.

My friends and i did discuss if there's a possibility of Curtin having a campus in Singapore, but i guess at that time, it didn't seem a possibility, as SMU was coming out at that time.

And finally, Curtin decide to set up a Singapore campus .



Should i rejoice or should i cry? I really dunno.

When Curtin campus officially set foot in Singapore, this is what i foresee:

a) MIS /SHR/SIMM students under the Curtin program will want to go to the 'real' campus, not an offshore program.

b) A greater siao rush in the banks every semester for students to buy their bankdrafts (I don't think we can pay school fee's in SGD.... maybe, maybe)

c) More students coming in, since our country is getting more competitive in terms of education opportunities.

After all, Curtin is well-established in Singapore, since it's the first Off-shore degree program in Singapore.

*****
I might really be able to continue my post-grad education with Curtin, again, but will probably in 3-4 years time.

Seeing doctor for the 3rd time

And i totally can't believe it. I'm seeing the doctor for the 3rd time within a week.

My throat got slightly better - at least no more green phlegm (meaning no more infection).

But, there's still the irritation in my throat, still sore and maybe hoarse. And cough as if my lungs are gonna spill out of my throat.

And battling the night cough.

BE HEALED, IN JESUS' NAME! Amen!

2nd opinion with the doctor

It's been a good ole 3 days since i visited the doctor at Peace Center.

And having to withstand the endless mental reminder to eat my antibiotics 4 times a day and the coughing and the hurting of the throat with every swallowing.

And restraining myself from eating that pinkish tablet which can send me half-dead for the rest of the day, and having mucus flowing unknowningly down my nose.

So, when u know that u are not getting any better after seeing a first doctor, U better know that u should go see another doctor again.

I made the decision to go see the doctor after breakfast.

And as usual, my trusty doctor is at West Coast Clinic and Surgery. Yes, the one and only that will always ask: “你的月经来了吗？”

Well, there was a crowd but if not everything's alright.

And i'd figured that the doctor will ask the usual question, but he didn't. Hehe... maybe it's a weekend, ask question also need to take 'break' one.

Anyway, he said the following:
1) Cannot eat grapes and oranges (Like i'd care for these fruits)
2) Cannot talk too much (wha lau....)
3) Cannot laugh too much (wha lau eh, laugh also cannot -_-")
4) Cannot blow face to face with the fan (like i'd have a fan standing infront of me and blowing 24/7...geez)
5) Cannot drink cold drink (wha if hot day i still drink hot drink, like that also can ah?)

Be Healed!

Viewer's Choice 2007 results

Alright, it's time to announce the results of the top 3 prizes for Viewer's choice 2007 .

And i'm glad to say that the top 3 are the top 3 that i have blogged and feel that they are worthy of top 3 positions.

Bronze prize: S9: All-in-one Digital Video Recorder/StarHub



Well, it's a very entertaining ad but dunno why it can lose out to...

Silver prize: S7: Anything/Whatever



Until now, i still don't get it why it can win over the Starhub commercial. *sigh.

And now the top scorer

Gold Prize: S4: M1 Suntalk Plus Launch Campaign



Yeah, M1 is the favorite TV Commercial in 2007. I'm walking on sunshine!

Visit to the doctor

On Tuesday night, i was having a really bad cough, and sore throat.

To make it worse, i dreamt that i've lost my voice. (very creative huh huh)

Thursday is my off day. So no matter what, i need to be in office on Wednesday. On the way to work, i decided to go visit the very recommended clinic on the 7th floor. Which i went.

Well, what i saw wasn't very encouraging for me to go in. I guess it's a personal preference, i'll rather see someone that i can relate to better.

So i'd walked all the way to Peace Center and found a clinic on the 4th floor. U won't believe it unless u see it for yourself. It looks so nostalgia like how a hospital will look like in the 1980's.

It's a stretch on the right with a Medical Diagnostics center with a medical clinic -and another medical clinic. I was kinda lost on where i should go.

Eventually i walked to the last one, where the door was open. I enquired on whether if i'm in the correct place - and i was.

Actually, that is the only clinic left. The first medical clinic is already closed, apparently, with a sign that says "space for rental".

It's a bit awkward to be in that clinic actually. Because there's a lot of foreign workers that walk in and out of the clinic. I felt totally out of place, but i guess since this is the only clinic i know of around here, so i have to stay.

The clinic is very 旧式 where like it's in the 80's. The clinic attendants are very friendly and banter in Chinese. It's a very homely feeling i must say.

The doctor is a very nice ojisan and a very family man where u can see pictures of his family across the room. He's rather quick to diagnose >ask what was the problem> used the stethoscope>check my throat>check if i have any allergy>send me out of the room.

It was another 5 min wait before i got my medication. And i saw something is really nostalgic, that what i saw is what i will get.


Medication pack in the 80's

Isn't it really interesting?! Yah, the medication packs are usually in transparent packs but this one is really out of the world leh!

Oh, if u are a blood doner, u will have probably seen it. But not in a modern day clinic.

****
After taking the medication, i regretted not getting an MC for the day, because i was like a zombie throughout the day.

Usually when i see the doctor, i will usually check out what was given to me.

1) Amoxycillin 250mg
According to the article, this medicine is for treating bacterial infections caused by susceptible microorganisms. Wha. The doctor can see that meh? Thought bacteria is only been seen on microscope. maybe he got bionic eyes

Mild rashes, nausea, and vomiting are possible side-effects.

2) Mefenamic Acid 25 mg
It is an anti-inflammatory drug that relieves pain and inflammation. Think it's to relieve my sore throat. It's to relieve quite a few kinda pains.

Possible Side effects include: Indigestion, nausea and vomiting, gastrointestinal and abdominal pain. May increase sensitivity to sunlight. Mouth ulcers. Rapid weight gain due to fluid retention. More serious potential effects include kidney problems and blood disorders. muscle cramps, numbness, or tingling. Seizures.

Argh!!! I don't want rapid weight gain!!!!! :S

3) Dextromethorphan
This is for my throat too. Hmmm... side effects.

• dizziness


• lightheadedness


• drowsiness


• nervousness


• restlessness


• upset stomach


• vomiting


• stomach pain

4) Sunflu
It's for the flu. No known side effects, since there's not much information on this.

With all these side effects, no wonder the doctor asked if i want an MC.

A time to rejuvenate is coming

I'll just make this a short and quick one, as i'm not feeling that good. I think i've caught my mommy's flu. Throat and lungs felt weird. Geez, everyone's falling sick.

1) Pay increment
As u can see on my wishlist, the one on the pay increment has vanished. And, Praise GOD, i've got what i expected at the minimal, not what i really wanted. The minimal increment according to the government survey is a 6%. So to those who are earning at minimal SGD 3,000 and above can expect a $180 increment. But for my salary, it's around half of that. Which, i think it's really pathetic, with the stress received and what i've made in contribution so far....

The bible says, ask and you shalt receive. I've asked, and i've received. If i really get only 6%, i'm (In Wendy's words: Horribally) under-paid by industry standards, seriously. So, i'm happy with what i'm getting. :)

And the not-so-happy thing is, with this increment, i'll be receiving an 'invitation' from IRAS to give my contribution for YR2007. But still, it's a good thing, since my take-home is going to grow quite a bit.

2) Going on leave from 20th March - 24th March
Finally, my first annual leave to take for this year. Really thankful that it's been approved. As u can see, my body's starting to go haywired. I've been under trem.. ok... under quite a bit of work stress, with meeting with the incessant, and never-ending issues that crop up.

I really think i do deserve this long deserved break. Actually i've tried - twice - to apply for annual leave within the last 2 weeks, but didn't get to. I'd figured that period is where i started to go haywired be it physically or emotionally or mentally. My productivity has dropped tremendously actually. I don't need anyone to tell me; it's obvious. I just need a getaway, a short one, just to recuperate from work and whichever.

And i know that i'm going to run full-force into work once i'm back. So, i'm actually looking forward to it. But well, i foresee a throat infection coming up. Been having this weird sensation in my throat that tells me that it's sore, and it's dry.

WHERE'S MY KIT KAT?

NLB Blog mentioned me :)

When i checked into my blog, i saw an unknown message in my shoutbox that mentioned that i've got an Interesting entry that was mentioned in their blog.

Check it out! :)

Abuzz about Cars

I have been holding my Class 3A driving license since 27th June 2005. So in a flash, it seems like 3 years is coming really soon.

Is it a good time to celebrate or a time to continue mourning?

I celebrate because for the past 3 years, i've maintained a healthy driving record, no losing points for dashing through red lights, no cut points for illegal parking, no whatever whichever.

I mourn because, i don't get to drive a lot.

It's really a sad thing when u have a license and u have a car at home and U DON'T GET TO DRIVE THAT BLARDY CAR!

I was sitting in leader's car on Saturday while out with a few members. And i was lamenting to them, as usual, about me not able to drive the car. It didn't really help that a member who just passed her driving test, got a 2nd hand car a week later. But everyone's entitlement is really different la.

Firstly, i haven't sat in that Blardy car more than 5 times, ever since it belong to my dad and my brother. But one thing that made me gian, is that it's a Sedan, so it will be a good car for me to navigate, since i trained on a Honda Civic. I drove the other Matrix Revo like less than 10 times, in 2005. I tell u, even my bro's ex-gf drove that car more than i do.

Then the irony came: I am not supposed to drive the car because my driving sucks.

Why does my driving suck? Ans: Because i don't have a chance to practice my driving.

I can tell u, it's all nonsense. It's all about the Male Chauvinistic Pig mindset at work. Rather, it's the bias against women. I have blogged about this in 2005, and bringing it up is kinda lame and not worth my time to re-write my thoughts.

A big irony: My dad sponsored $1,000 to let me learn driving, i paid out about $1,300 on my own. WHY SPONSOR MY DRIVING LESSONS WHEN I END UP NOT USING IT?

*Sigh!

I am getting really interested in getting a 2nd hand car. S-E-R-I-O-U-S-L-Y.

I have been looking at 2nd hand cars here. I get more gian.

My main aim of driving is to get from one place to another. I don't need a Beemer, or Suzuki Swift or my dream Nissan March. I know that can only be thought about in about 5 years.... Hopefully.




This is Chery QQ, one of the smallest car that you can see around in Singapore. Hmmm... Make that rare. I've only seen it once, where there's a big tall ang-mo, driving it. It's only 0.8 litres. Very small. It looks a bit like Kia Picanto from this picture. But it seems that though it has only appeared in Singapore for about 9 months, it has been sold by their owners.

The only pro i can think of is that it's cheap-cheap-cheap. After all, it's made in China, so cost won't be high. Of course, if u wanna compare with Kia and Chevrolet it's definitely far-fetch. What do u do with a car? Get u from point A to point B right? I do not mind, u know.

1st hand will cost around SGD 33,000, which is really a good price for a new car. I saw between SGD 12,000 - 18,000 for a 2nd hand. Man, it's tempting i must say.

Buying a car is like having a kid u know?

Having a baby	Having a car
When baby is born, you need to pay for their birth certificate = commitment to the baby for life.	When u get your car, you must have a Certificate of Entitlement = a sign that will allow you to drive on the roads of Singapore as long as the COE last.
You need to feed the best to your baby so that he/she will grow up fast :)	You need to pump in the best petrol into your car so that its engines will last longer.
You need to ensure that your child grows well, make sure he/she does not fall sick and feed him/her medication	You need to make sure your car is running well, must send it for bi-annual maintenance.
You pay for your child's Insurance, because u care for them	You pay for your car's insurance, because u have to.
Your child has to pay income tax when he/she starts to work; the lesser the pay, the lesser the tax.	You have to pay Roadtax the moment that you start driving on the road; the lesser the experience, the more you pay.

Never forget the underlying cost that you will incur when u buy a car. It's not just the base cost of the car. There's still road tax, petrol, insurance, not to forget (only applicable to Singapore) rising number of ERP gantries and 过路费, and the cost of maintaining your cash card.

It's a costly investment, after all. *shrugs.

Bloody Stool incident

Last March, i had an encounter with the bloody stool.

At that time, i was having quite a bit of constipation. And i was out with June when nature called. And got a shock of my life at what i saw in the W.C.

It went on for about 3 -4 days, where i usually worry when i do the 'big' one.

Then, things went back to normal. I figured that i didn't eat enough fruits or drink enough water, which, i really did my bestest to stuff myself with water in those days. Imagine the number of times i have to visit the toilet.

*****

Today, i was out with Leader and members. Had a late breakfast, went to the IT show, walked around, ate butterfly kuey and drank Starbucks Green Tea Latte.

Usually milkiness will cause me to have runs, or sleeplessness. The latter happened yesterday with a run where i only ended up sleeping at 5am. I drank a Cafe Mocca.

Was at Marina when natural called again.

I didn't expect to see blood inside the W.C..

I mean, if i'm having the monthly days, i think it's normal, but not when i'm not having it la. *Sigh, this bloody stool thing is haunting me again. I've been thinking hard on whether to visit the W.C again in a while.

If u don't see it, u don't have it. This doesn't work in this context la.

Well, i've been thinking of ways to justifying why i'm having it again:
1) I hasn't been eating much fruits... Fortune center's fruit stall closed down.
Counter: But then, i drank water-melon juice last friday. (-_-)"'

2) I didn't drink a lot of water today. Which is true. I've drank Starbucks; coffee makes u thirst more. Besides, my Nalgene only can accomodate 440ml of water. Last Friday i barely drank water.

3) Stress? Last March was a trying season at work for me. These coming week esp, it will be a trying week for me. Things are just not happening the way that it should be. And i'm racking my brains, worried with anxiety on what's happening tomorrow. In fact, i wish that Sunday doesn't end so soon.

Hmmm... according to this, to prevent bloody stools, i should:
a) Eat vegetables and foods rich in natural fiber and low in saturated fat. These may reduce constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, and colon cancer.
me: i eat like Nestum during work days in the morning, how come i'm still.... *sian. Okok, i have green leafy vegs, period!

b) Avoid prolonged, excessive use of anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. These can irritate the stomach and cause ulcers.
me: i don't need that.

c) If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Large amounts of alcohol can irritate the lining of the esophagus and stomach.
me: I hasn't touched liquor for eons... unless NYDC's Irish Cream Mudpie counts! That's like so minimal like 0.001% leh!

d) DON'T smoke. It is linked to peptic ulcers and cancers of the GI tract.
me: i don't, but thanks to my bro, i'm an unwilling passive smoker.... i need fresh air.

e) Try to avoid too much stress -- a possible factor in peptic ulcer disease.
me: I think this is the only factor that i can account for the bloody stool. I guess the things that are happening are too much stress for me that my productivity drops already.

Among all, the first option i need to do is to pray. Then i'll drink water, eat fruits and yahdah yahdah....

Eighth Day of March in Two-thousand-and-eight

Today is a pretty significant day.

If u didn't notice, i'm blogging at good ole 3am. I'm waiting to finishing charging my PSP. So i'll make this a short entry.

1) Malaysia's General Election day. I will post the results in the next entry. We must show concern mah, Malaysia is our neighbor. Remember, love your neighbor as yourself.

2) Today is Woman's Day aka 三八妇女节. *Sigh. U know in some violent shows, the men or women, when they want to insult a woman, they will go "死三八" or which ever. This three-eight word will come out. It's not nice, but nevertheless, today's a reason to celebrate womanhood.

To put all that negativity on three-eight, i want to wishall the ladies out there, Happy Woman's day. Love yourself.

3) Today, i felt the conviction that i want to go SOT next year. If u have seen on the right side of your screen, i've made changes to my wish-list. The first on is to enrol into Bible School next year. Ytd leader flashed the application for in front of me, prompting me, again, to sign up. I couldn't answer, though in my heart, i wished that i could have it filled up.

It has always been my dream to go SOT. I've voiced out my desire to go in 2000, when i was 20 years old, fresh out of my diploma course. Of course, with no financial backing, my parents are against it, and i have to make a choice between Bible School or undergraduate studies. I decided on undergraduate studies eventually, but my desire to be equipped in GOD's word never wane. And i know that i can't go this year, because i didn't planned to go this year.

The earliest to go is 2009, which i really hope to make it. It's still a wish for me to enrol next year. The latest is 2011. To equip myself for it, i'm going to start an SOT fund in my funds management, where i will try to save about $2000 (though sch fees is $1.5k, but no need contingency one meh). So hopefully by next year March, when enrolment comes, i will be ready to say, i want to enrol!

Man, seems that this entry is not too short either. I seem to have exceeded 500 words liao.

Malaysia ain't heavy; she's my neighbor

As usually, during lunch time i will usually catch up on Newpaper online, and i read an article that has yet again, exploded various thought in me, and i want to share it out

Yah, i know, been quoting so much on a lot of articles. That shows that i'm updated on things ok. But of course, at times, u can also obtain news by various means and ways too.

Like Obama-Hilary fight for the American elections. The one with the commercial about who will pick up the call in the White House at 3am.




They are on the news like DAILY. U can't help but to hear about their news, about the battle between a man and a woman. *sigh. A bit far away though.

Coming somewhat closer, there's the Taiwan Presidential Election between this Ma and Xie. Well, i wanted to put in their full names, but just can't identify their names in Chinese Characters. Well, to be truthful, i know about them through watching crappy Taiwanese shows such as 全民大焖锅, which is renamed to.... i forgot. Like Ma will be like the suave fella going around to garner votes, where Xie was some mayor of a province in Taiwan. And not to be outdone by America, they got a song for their people.





Hmmm, i guess during seasons of election, the candidates die-die must garner enough votes to win. And how these 2 fellas cross-fire about slapping one another's backs, really make people either, scoff, or laugh or bo-chup. I'm kinda bo-chup. Nothing to scoff or laugh at. Just amused at their antics at suan-ing each other prior to the elections.

Not required for concerned for these 2 i guess.

Now, our Neighboring country, Malaysia. Now, they are 'Neighboring' country for a reason one la. After all, Singapore was joined to then Sabah and Sarawak to form the Federation of Malaysia (Simply, Malaysia) in 1963. I guess at that time, everyone within that area are simply - Malaysians. It was only until 2 years later, that Singapore kena kicked out. But geographically we were not kicked to the extend that we end up in somewhere like timbaktoo. We are just below Malaysia. That makes us neighbors la. And since Singapore has separated to grow on its own just like the reproduction of a cell, it was part of a family too!

And in 2.. i mean 1 day's time, Malaysia will be having their elections. Will Abdullah Badawi win again? Will the young upstarts have a seat in Parliament? This is one thing that many people do not care. But then, remember, Malaysia is just one kilometre away on the Woodland Causeway. There's cause for concerned from our side.

Why? A leader who continue to support lateral relations between countries, will determine how far the country will go, and how close Singapore and Malaysia can continue to work together. Beyond collaborating for movies such as Ah Long Pte Ltd, definitely.

Anyway, i think i talk too much. What sparked off this whole topic? Read here . I'm not going to paste this article in the entry. My entry will become too draggy. So, when you are free, just be updated on what's going on among your neighbor's life. U never know whether if u are a life-saver or not.

Ps: I'm going.... really going to start looking for blogskins. This layout is too neat, too straight, to the point that it's boring. :)

Simplicity

As this blog progresses to become a little more technical, aesthetically and hypothetically there are to be more improvements.

I know, last year i wanted to change my blogskin and somehow it didn't happen.

Don't ask me why. I also dunno why i couldn't find the suitable blogskin that's best for me. At the very least, i have finally changed to a rather, eh hem, safe blogskin.

I really tried to change my blogskin, but the fonts are driving me nuts with figuring how to get my best font.

So seems that the best is still the simplest. The fonts are correct, the alignments are ideal. Aesthetically it's ONLY neat, but there can be better.

For now, i'll be contented with this, while i take time to enhance my blog and get a nice blogskin somewhere within the next month.

Part-timer benefits

As i was listening to the radio this morning, a piece of news caught my ears unaware.

To digress, i'm going to start a new label called HR Issues. As part of my review, i'm supposed to do a bit of self-reading and self-studying, and this news is one ground breaking news where HR is concerned, and also the very first entry on 'HR Issues'.

I found the article here on TodayOnline.

It will look like this if you managed to grab a copy of Today Newspaper:



From the HR perspective, it's a new approach to really garner part-timers to join the organization, Now, why do companies need to hire part-timers? Well, for eg. if u are in the travel industry or the IT .... aiya! Basically it's those in the retail line lor. When u go to NATAS fair or COMEX, u see a lot of youngsters giving out pamphlets and stuff like that, isn't it? Well, these kids are there to help out, not always, only when required. And the money's alright.

You don't see NATAS happening at SUNTEC all the time right? If they are all permanent head-count, then what will they do during non-exhibition times? Sit, do nothing, rot and still get a pay. Which revenue-generating company in the right mind will do that?

In terms of hotel industry, where the article is relevant, it's more about housewives who are working as part-time chambermaids, where they only need to report in about 4 hours a day for 5 - 6 days a week, and they do their job and go home, to take care of their family. And yeah, i think that's the main reason why they don't take up a permanent job - they want to care for their families!

But of course, being a part-timer have pros and cons.

Pros include the flexibility of time, though accountability MUST still be present. They may not need to work 5 full days, and have flexible work timings to accomodate their family needs.

Cons is definitely more: No sick leave. If u don't come to work, u get no pay for that day, period. If fall sick, also cannot take care of their family.

And for any other new entrants looking for a job, they WON'T (I re-emphasize: THEY REFUSE) to do part-timing for a long while, because they are not protected. There is no security at all. If it's a 2 week job, it's fine. Not when it's a year's worth of part-timing.

I must say, Kudos to MOM, for the funding for companies to be able to grant companies leeway to give better security to their part-timers. This makes the companies more attractive to job-seekers alike.

Now, the million-dollar question: Does it work for every other industry?

I'll say; not necessary. Probably for the service line, but not others.

JI Fugitive on the loose

Last week, the whole of Singapore was shocked at the news that a dangerous person who's connected with Osama-JI, broke away from Dunearn Prison, and is prowling somewhere, where no one knows. Maybe we will know, after he gets caught back into prison, soon.

He's a dangerous fugitive, where he's poor, broke and pai-ka (crippled). He has no friends, and is subjected to all the natural elements.

He's desperate.

So, if u see him, call 999.

I REPEAT: Call 999 immediately if you see him. You never know what a desperate person will resort to, if u happen to bump into him.

There's a possibility that he may mask himself, so STAY AWAY from SUSPICIOUS CHARACTERS.

Keep yourself safe. Be Mindful.