Bamboo Charcoal King

Heard from a friend that placing Charcoal at home is good for health as it aids to block off Electromagnetic radiation, removes odour and is ideal for people who are allergic to dust mites.

As SGson is allergic to dust mites and is sleeping in the studyroom with no "protection", SGFemale bought 2 packs of Bamboo Charcoal to place it in the room.




Some info from the net:

Bamboo charcoal is 100% natural , healthy , practical product, and is chemical-free.

What are the functions of Bamboo Charcoal ?

- Bamboo charcoal deodorizes, dehumidifies, prevents mildew formation, anti-bacteria, anti-dust mites and insect.

- Released far infrared rays and negative ions, promotes blood circulationg and metabolism.

- Water purifier and release natural minerals.

- Absorbs electromagnetic waves.

- Environmental friendly and recyclable.

More informations at:
http://www.bamboochartalk.com/

- SGFemale

Birthday Celebrations

On SGFemale's birthday eve, the SG family had dinner at Jurong Point at a newly opened casual European Dining - Ambush. We ordered a main dish each and a side dish for sharing.

After dinner, we shopped around for a while then proceed to the basement at new wing to get a cake for SGFemale. SGson wanted to personally decorate a cake for his mummy, so we went to a cake shop called The Icing Room.

The Icing Room is a place for do-it-yourself cakes. They will provide you with a fresh cream fruit cake, some colourful sugar flowers and some coloured pipings cream for decoration and wordings.

Isn't it a good idea?

You can personally decorate the cake in your own way and surprise your loved ones.

As SGson is too young and he couldn't draw and write so well, SGMale decorate the cake on his behalf. The 3 of them had so much fun there!!!!

We cut the cake the next day which is SGFemale's actual birthday, 3 of us finished the whole cake as our breakfast.

Hm... It was nice and soft. Yummy!

We had dinner with our friends at Two Chefs Eating Place at Commonwealth, these are the dishes that they ordered before we arrive.

Butter pork ribs

We all loves their butter pork ribs!!!!

Marmite Chicken - very crispy and nice


Their 'signboard dish', tofu, nice with rice.

Stir fried veggies - so-so


Black pepper crabs

We don't really like their black pepper crabs, still prefer the ones at Jumbo Seafood.

However, we enjoyed the dinner and went for some coffee session and chit chat.

- SGFemale

A disgusting experience!!!

* WARNING !!!

Pls do not read this blog if you are eating at this moment !!!
===============================================================

While having some snack and coffee on the sofa, watching TV for relaxation. SGFemale turned her body to reach out for the cup of coffee she make and left it beside the display cabinet top which is just about 20cm from her eye-level angle.

SGFemale got a shock and almost screamed out loud!!!!

Beside her is a dead, bloody and disgusting lizard glued to the tape of a dropped-off cabinet protector!!!

SGFemale quickly stand up and run away from the sofa.

Sitting about 1.5m away from the dead lizard, SGFemale tried to calm down and watch quietly! SGFemale thought to herself, should she dispose this disgusting lizard or to wait for SGMale to come home then he will do it.



SGFemale is so scared and afraid of lizards, whenever she saw one or a few on the wall or ceiling, she would be running and screaming away..... And this time, it was right before her eyes and she was home alone with this dead disgusting lizard. She thought for a while, due to hygiene needs for the family and SGson, she decided to dispose it herself.

With some courage, SGFemale forced herself forward toward the lizard, with the help of some tissue paper, she tried to pull the whole lizard out but in vain cos it was glued to the tape and cabinet tightly. No choice, SGFemale use her fingernails with the tissue papers on top of it, and scrape the lizard off bit by bit.....Run to the kitchen and throw the bundle of tissue papers down to the rubbish chute!!!!

I did it! I did it! I did it myself !!!!

SGFemale's heart is still beating very fast........


- SGFemale

Birthday present (Part 2)

While both SGMale and SGFemale were in Paris......

SGMale: Dear, see if you like anything here, I shall get it for you for your birthday gift.

SGFemale: No, no need cos I already have a gift (D&G watch) from you before we came to paris.

SGMale: But you don't have a LV bag!!!

SGFemale: It's ok!!!

SGMale: Come on, it's a good bargain to get it in Paris, moreover I knew you hope to own for one long ago. I insisted we get one here.

SGFemale: Don't waste money lah.... Should save cos I haven't got a job yet.

SGMale: Nvm, just get it, cos we might not be coming back to Paris, it's really a good steal to get it here than in Singapore.

SGFemale: Ok, since you insist. (Hee.....) (SGFemale feeling touched and happy in her heart)

After an hour, and after some hesitation, and after seeing so many designs, SGFemale finally settled with a LV Damier Canvas Tate PM.


Yes, it was a bargain. It costs Euro 615, and after 12% tax refund, it is Euro 541.20.
Euro 541 is SGD $1141.51, and it is sellling at SGD $1440 in Singapore.
A total saving of SGD $300.

SGMale also bought a LV Men's Wallet for himself.

Note for SGMale: Thanks for the 2nd birthday present, dear!

PS: today is the eve of my birthday!!!!
Stay tune for any updates of SGFemale's birthday celebrations!!!!

- SGFemale

Going around the world

Some people love to see the world, experience cultures of every kind and type. Mingling with people from another part of the world. Well...SGMale and SGFemale are such people and very soon perhaps SGSon too...haha. =P

Countries we have been to so far till date [Oct 2009]:

[Malaysia ]
- Johor Bahru [2000]
- Kukup [2008]
- Kuala Lumpur [2002]
- Malacca [2008]
- Genting [2009]
- Pontian [2008]
- Penang (SGFemale) [1982]
- Langawi [2002]

HongKong [Dec 2003]

Japan [Jan 2003]
- Osaka
- Ginza
- Shinjuku
- Yokohama

Taiwan [Jul 2004]
- Taipei

Korea [Apr 2008]
- Seoul
- Jeju

China

- Jiangnan [ Shanghai, Wuxi, Nanjing, Wuzhen, Suzhou] [Jun 2007]
- Yunnan [Shangri-la, Dali, Li Jiang] [Oct 2008]

Thailand

- Phuket [2002]
- Bangkok [SGFemale - 2000]

Indonesia

- Bintan [2008]
- Batam [2005]

Europe

- Germany [Oct 2009]
- Switzerland [Oct 2009]
- France [Oct 2009]

We are hoping to visit North America countries like Canada and US and Hokkaido in Japan and of course Australia by 2011. And ultimately some countries in Africa and also some countries like Brazli, Peru and Argentina at South America by 2013.

-SGMale

Savings vs Financial investments

Sometimes I wonder how much can a person save?

Fresh grad with a normal degree tyically gets about $2200 a month.

And let's do simple math to see how much can be saved off this amount:

1. Food ( based on 2 meals a day, assuming dinner is at home ) - $5 x 2 = $10 x 22 days = $220.

2. Transportation ( Assuming MRT and occassional Taxi rides ) - [$3 x 30] + [$10 x 5 (taxi) ] = $140.

3. Shopping ( new clothings, jeans, magazines, gadgets ) - $200.

4. Bills ( Handphone, Internet, Cable TV etc ) - $250.

5. Insurance - $100

6. CPF - $440

7. Allowance to parents - $200

8. Entertainments ( kaorake, movies, clubbing etc ) - $300

9. Misc ( 4D, charity, titbits ) - $50


So after doing simple sums, that person will only be left with $300 take-home pay ( after CFP deduction ). And so potentially $4600 = [ $300 x 12 ] + [$1000 AWS ) can be saved in a year assuming that person save about 1K off this AWS. That person will have about $25000 on his bank account if he diligently save the same amount every passing year including yearly increments.

lets presume that person ( guy ) was already 22 years old when he started work with $2200 as monthly salary, five year later he would have $25K as saving. Should he get married and own a house, renovation and furnitures would definitely wipe his saving clean not mentioning about the amount of money he needs to come out for the wedding dinners and honeymoon.

Morale of the story is that one would defnitely need to be financially educated at a young age so that he would know how to invest those saving of his and turn those $25K saving into at least $50 - 100K. And many people have proven that it can be done with proper guidance and prudence on investment bonds and securities/stocks.

SGMale is amazed at how money can work hard for us even while we are sleeping given a proper investment portfolio, proper training and guidance.

Work smart, don't work hard!

-SGMale

Birthday present (Part 1)

YES!!!!

SGFemale received her very 1st birthday present one month in advance.

SGMale got the hint !!!

As SGFemale have to stay home last Saturday for a gathering with her 2 friends (L & I) . SGMale went to the Comex shows himself at Suntec City.

SGMale returned home with a paperbag with a box of "don't know what". It was then after SGFemale's friends left then he told her about his great buy - a multi-media player. SGMale started to install his "new toy" and at the same time, "promoting" it to SGFemale.

Then SGMale mentioned casually that there's a D&G watches sale at Suntec, having a discount of up to 70%. SGFemale replied that D&G wasn't so popular now!!! Then, SGMale said he had bought a D&G watch for her. SGFemale doesn't believe him until he showed it to her.

It is a very beautiful and "special" watch, with a very unique colour.

This is really a surprise.

SGFemale like it very much!

Thank you, dear!

- SGFemale

Is the economy really picking up?

We have hear over the news that the worst part of the economic downturn is over and Singapore is into its recovery mode now.

Well, SGMale never expect the recovery news to turn into something so immediate. This month alone, two of my colleagues have found a better job and have hence tendered their resignation. So what am i waiting for? Hm...well...SGMale has been wanting to take a long long break after all these years of working but since SGFemale is still out of job, this break has to be postponed again.

By the way, SGMale may be forced to take his break soon as the company that he is assigned to and worked for the past 3 years have been bought over and there will be postitions made redundant after the transition periods are over.

So...SGMale is in fact adopting a 'wait and see' attitude now and is NOT looking for a job at all..;P

-SGMale

Info-tech Shows

IT shows. Sitex shows. Comex shows. PC shows.

Quarterly shows that are ever so familiar & popular with people who love playing around with gadgets, especially those working in the Information Technology industry.

Hundreds of exhibitors will feature a dynamic and comprehensive line-up of the latest and hottest consumer technology gadgets from new next-generation digital televisions, wireless HD, coolest new multimedia phone, ultra mobile PCs, Digital Imaging, Wireless Technology, Portable Entertainment, HDTV, Plasmas, Gaming, MP3, Networking, Digital Media, Audio & Home Entertainment/Lifestyle Products, Broadband Technology, Multimedia, Security, Software, Consumer Electronics to a plethora of accessories all on display.

SGMale used to buy things that are on sale and also those that are very very cheap ONLY during the show. Given the current state of the economy, SGMale is no longer so 'generous'. He starts to think about 'Is it a need or a want?', what's the impact if i get it during the next show?

SGMale has becames a more 'mature' consumer. Since SGFemale is still on a 'Tai Tai' status, SGMale has to be more thrifty than ever. For example, instead of spending at least $900 - $1500 on a wall-mountable Blu-ray player, SGMale got a multi-media player ( for $229)that can play off multimedia of any formats ( MP3, Mp4, AVI, DIVX, RSS among all other blu-ray encoders..etc ).

SGMale applied for Amex card so that he can start getting 10 times as many reward points compared to other credit cards which he intend to cancel. To SGMale, he is going to use just one card for all future purchase of big ticket items.

SGMale also got a few watches from one of the showroom that sells branded watches. Latest model of D&G watches that are selling at hundreds of dollars were selling at 60 - 70% discount. SGMale was lucky for being able to 'squeeze' in to the very crowded and packed showroom and grab a few very good buys.

In order to have the best bang for our bucks in times like this, it is better to think thrice before buying anything..haha!

-SGMale

Counting down to my birthday

Another counting down......

Would people still be counting down to their birthday?

Of cos, they would, if they are still young.

Would ladies after their 30s be counting down to their birthday every year happily?

No, yes or maybe ?

SGFemale would be.

She would be happy to count down.....

She is always looking forward to her birthday every year, 29th, 30th, 31st, 32nd and 33rd......

Next month, SGFemale will be turning 34 years old.

Oops! Other ladies are all worrying about people knowing their ages and here SGFemale is revealing her age openly.

Well, it's a fact and everyone will grow "old"!

So whenever people asked SGFemale about her age, she would just say it.

SGFemale remembered clearly that last year during her birthday day, she and SGMale were flying off to Yunnan and Shangri-la. This year, she will be spending her birthday in Singapore, not in Europe, the romantic city. If only we depart on 7th Oct, not only can she celebrate her birthday in Europe but also get to visit Dubai as well.

Ok, nevermind, we are still young, we can go there next time, with our "grown-up" son.

Note to SGMale:

Where are we celebrating my birthday this year?

When can I have my present?

What is my birthday present?

LV bag from Paris? (just joking?) I already received my "countless" present from you during our KL trip (Guess hat, Coach bag, 4 pcs of Mickey T-shirts and a skirt), so no need to get present.

However, if you "rich man" insisted, SGFemale is most welcome.

* A birthday cake is MUST-have, so that our son can blow the candles, make sure you get 34 pcs of candles, hahaha.....;)






Suggestion of gift IF YOU INSISTED:


OR


OR



* Cash and cheque would be highly recommended, cos SGFemale is not working at the moment, cash is running low....;)


SGFemale feel that her lower part of this blog will soon be deleted or ignored by SGMale, hee...
PS: I am just joking, the trip to Europe is already the BEST gift, as we could still go holiday and also a "high-end holiday" when I am still unemployed with this poor economy.




- SGFemale

No more Dubai

Yes, we are counting down to Europe, and it's just Europe!

No more Dubai!!!!!

Apparently, that guy who sold the tour package got it wrong, there's no free 3 days 2 nights land package for Dubai, for those departing in Sept. And in our group of 30 paxs which is departing in 25 Sept, we are the only 2 paxs that have been "package" with the Dubai land package. They just called us on this Wed stating that, it's their internal miscommnication!!

We were both MAD ANGRY and DISAPPOINTED !!!

What they can do is to compensate $80/pax !

For those going on Oct, and for the same price we are paying, they got to go to Dubai!

What a joke!!!!

Does the 3 days 2 nights land package for 2 worth only $160???

We booked the tour because we feel that with the kind of price we are paying, and with Dubai, it is really worth it. And now ??? No Dubai !!!

We have been thinking and thinking!!!! Should we brought the case up to CASE or to just cancel the trip?

If we brought the case up to CASE, firstly, it's very troublesome and the departuring date is approaching soon..... secondly, even if they can handle it on time, do they have enough time to book the hotel (Dubai) and flight (extension of 3 days) for us?

If we cancelled the whole package and get a full refund, it would be a great disappointment cos we have been counting down and looking forward to the tour.

So we went to the travel agency and see if there's anything they can do for us.

After an hour and 15 mins of discussion with the person-in-charge, we were both satisfied with their compensation and decide to go ahead with the tour.

For the next few days, SGFemale will be washing the new winter jackets and pants that we bought specially for this trip!

Hopefully, this incident will not affect our mood during the tour cos the guy who we negotiate the compensation term with will be leading this tour!!!

- SGFemale

Working as a Temp (Part 2)

SGFemale received another call from the agency again this Monday (7th Sept), asking if she was able to work as a temp receptionist for 2 days (8th and 9th Sept).

SGFemale agreed after hearing the job's details cos again it was quite near to her house.

The company is to provide a safe, prompt and efficient response to oil spill incidents.

They claimed : The key to effective response lies in the expertise of people to solve problems and understanding the issues surrounding oil spills and the preparation of equipment. We pride ourselves on the quality of our people and the reliability of our equipment to meet response needs.

Now, SGFemale must say, working there is quite simple, just answering and transferring of calls, sorting and distributing of letters. So most of the time, SGFemale was quite bored, there's isn't many calls to answer (about 10 to 15). SGFemale was sitting there doing nothing and earning "easy money".

Haha......

- SGFemale

Working as a Temp (Part 1)

To kill time and to earn extra while waiting for a permanent job to come by, SGFemale started to work as a Temp last Thursday (3rd Sept).

SGFemale received a call from the job agency last Wednesday evening to ask if she is available the next morning to work in a lab. It was a last minute and urgent assignment. After hearing the details of the job, SGFemale agreed.

The work place was very near to our house, and SGFemale always imagine herself working there as a perm, she longed to have the chance. And yes, she had the chance now, even as a Temp, she's happy and contented.

The company being the biggest and best confectionery in the world, they make and sell three kinds of confectionery, chocolate, gum and candy. They operate in over 60 countries and have about 50,000 employees. They claimed that everyday millions of people in the world enjoy their brands.

Personally, SGFemale and SGMale are also the fans of this brand and their products.

Despite the tiring work load, SGFemale enjoyed working there, the nice and clean enviroment, and most of all, nice and friendly colleagues. One other fact that SGFemale must mention, the ladies there really have good team-work and having good relationship with one another unlike other places with lots of politics.

Sigh....

It was only an assignment of a day.

- SGFemale

* For some reasons, SGFemale can't disclose too much details regarding this assignment.

Kid's talk - counting

3 of us were sitting at the living room together, accompanying SGson to watch his fave Thomas and Friends DVD.

SGMale: Dear, our son can now count from 1 to 29 in English, he "showing off" to me while in the car back home this evening!

SGFemale: Wow... that's good, show me. But how come till 29 only?

SGMale: We will demo it again and you will understand.

SGMale: 1, 2....

SGson: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29

SGFemale: That's all???

SGMale: No, that's not all.

SGFemale: Then what's after that?

SGMale: Bao bei, what's after 29?

SGSon thought for a while then answered.

SGson: 20/10 (Twenty-ten)

SGFemale laughed loudly, hahaha.....

SGFemale: Why "twenty-ten"?

SGson: Cos twenty-eight, twenty-nine so "twenty-ten".

Conclusion: Kids are really so cute and innocent.

- SGFemale

Kid's talk - sleeping together

While putting SGson to bed , he looked up at SGFemale and asked her a few questions.

SGson: Mummy, I grow up already so must sleep alone by myself ah?

SGFemale: Yes, bao bei.

SGson: Mummy, I cannot sleep with you?

SGFemale: No, you are a big boy already so must sleep by yourselves. ok. Be a good boy and go to sleep.

SGson: ok, mummy, good nite.

SGFemale: Good nite, baobei.

SGFemale kissed SGson on his forehead and when she was about to leave the room, SGson called out to her again.

SGson: Mummy, then you must sleep with papa ah?

SGFemale: Yes, and go to sleep now.

SGson: But papa is an adult, he could sleep alone, I am small, mummy must sleep with me.

SGFemale didn't know how to reply him.

SGson: Can 3 of us sleep together then?

SGFemale: No, it would be very crowded for the 3 of us to sleep together.
(actually, it's still ok for 3 to "squeeze" onto our king-sized bed, but we just want to start training him to sleep alone in the next room.)

SGson: Ok, mummy. I will sleep now. Good nite, mummy!

SGson kissed SGFemale's cheek, and SGFemale left the room.
But when she closed the door behind her, she heard SGson calling her again.

SGson: Mummy, it's very dark and I am scared, can I sleep with you?

SGFemale ignored him and went into the master bedroom, cos she knew that it's never ending, cos SGson is very long-winded and like to repeat again and again (f0r the same question).

After 15 mins, SGFemale went over to check on SGson, he was already asleep.

* Can you imagine SGFemale sleeping on SGson's toddler bed, both mother and son on the small toddler bed? Don't laugh cos it does happened!!!!
SGMale was shaking his head when he saw that, hahaha!



- SGFemale

2nd Free Night Redemption: Crowne Hotel - Changi Airport

This time round, we decided to stay at the Crowne Hotel situated at T3 Changi Airport. We decided to bring along our son with us. He was very happy that we bring him along although it took away quite a bit of our time just by 'managing' his monkey acts ( jumping, touching, running and what have you..)









We were lucky that the hotel allowed us to check in at 12pm since there is a room ready for us. The hotel decor is very eco-friendly and we were glad that we choose to stay here. The room was spacious and there is a see-though toilet right beside. After unpacking, we rest a bit, watch a bit of documentary from the starhub channels and took a bit of bread we bought the night before to satisfy our hunger. We left for lunch at 2pm. We went to the food court at T3. SGMale ordered some tim-sum and SGFemale order a bowl of Mango ice dessert. We got a char-siu bao for our son as usual..;P

After lunch, we wandered around aimlessly and we ended up at the Crocs sale which was held right opp the TCC cafe. It was much of a sale as there isnt much varieties to choose from. We did not get anything. We returned to our room and 3 of us took a nap till 6.30pm. We then washed up and took MRT to Tampines 1 Mall. We had dinner at Manpuku [ Japanese Restaurant ]. It shares the same kind of concept as that of Marche where you are given a credit card to record all your purchases and you are supposed to surrender the card and pay up when you leave the place.







After dinner, we shopped a bit before making our way back to the hotel room. We washed up and our son slept at 10pm. SGMale and SGFemale manage to catch up 2 episodes of their HK dram series before they succumbed to the sleeping bugs.. We had breadfast inside our room and after washing up, we checked out at 11am. We left for home after depositing our son at my mum's place so that we can do wash-ups and household chores.

In retrospection, we have decided NOT to bring our son along for the next 2 stays so as to maximise our wonderful experiences at the hotel..kekeke!

-SGMale

Lottery Scam Email

Hahaha.........
SGFemale thought that she would be rich soon........

When she received an email from Microsoft Cooperation Management Worldwide, they claimed that SGFemale is one of the 25 winners of their "Mega Jackpot Lotto Winning Programs", and that she had won USD$1,900,000. WOW!!!!! Then SGFemale started to day-dream for a while........... After 10 mins, she smsed SGMale and told him about it. SGMale said that it must be a scam email lah...... SGFemale agreed with SGMale, cos she know that she wouldn't be so lucky!
SGFemale checked the web and found out that it's true.

Heng ah!!!! SGFemale didn't reply the email with her details!

Below are info from the web:

Lottery Scam Email: MICROSOFT COOPERATION MANAGEMENT WORLDWIDE"MICROSOFT CORPORATION WORD LOTTERY UNITED KINGDOM", "Dr JOHN GERRI (Chief Claim Agent)"

Did you know that Microsoft has a lottery? And that they give away huge amounts of money to people simply for having "an active online email account"? This is news to Microsoft, too. If you received an email from "MICROSOFT CORPORATION WORD LOTTERY UNITED KINGDOM." at "MICROSOFT COOPERATION MANAGEMENT WORLDWIDE" telling you that "your email address won in the second category" or something similar, and to contact "Dr JOHN GERRI (Chief Claim Agent)" to collect your winnings, it is a scam. Microsoft has never had any lottery (and we're pretty sure they never will). Bill Gates has made that pretty clear. And, while we're on the subject, Microsoft is not, does not, and will not ever send you to DisneyWorld. They don't "test the internet", nor sponsor email lotteries to "promote use of the internet". Nor do they have lotteries to "promote MS Word" or "the launch of Vista", Hotmail, or other products.

The scammers may change the names and details, but it is still a scam!
Below is the example of the fake lottery scam claiming to be from the "MICROSOFT COOPERATION MANAGEMENT WORLDWIDE".

Although the most important clue is that no legitimate lottery will ever email a winner, there are many other signs that this is a fraud. We have highlighted some of these in the email below, not the least of which are:

Microsoft does not have or sponsor any lottery.

Email address ballot: There is no such thing as a "computer ballot system" or "computer email draw". No one, not even Microsoft has a database of email addresses of the type or magnitude they suggest.

"No tickets were sold": You care to explain where the money comes from? Perhaps the lottery money fairy? Why would a lottery give away money to "email address randomly selected by a computer ballot draw system"? This is CLEARLY nonsense: you MUST, repeat MUST buy a ticket to have a chance of winning any lottery!

Terrible spelling, punctuation, syntax and grammar - Scammers apparently don't know how to use spell checkers. We assume they dropped out of school before that class. They use almost excessive and random CapItaLiZAtion. They often can't even spell "February" or know that "22th" ought to be "22nd". These scammers usually write at the 3rd grade level. Being non-native English speakers, they also often get first names and surnames (last names reversed), so you will frequently see names like "Mr. SMITH JAMES.", instead of "Mr. James Smith", along with the peculiar usage of periods (full stops) and spaces or the lack thereof. Real lotteries also proofread their emails and look and read more professional.

Using free email account: The scammer is writing to you from a FREE email account (Yahoo, Hotmail, Excite, AIM, Gmail, etc.). Don't you think a real organization would use it's own email, it's own domain and website?

Keep Confidential - Real lotteries THRIVE on publicity - they don't want you to keep anything secret - the publicity causes people to buy more tickets. there is NO risk of "double claiming" because they can validate where the ticket numbers were sold. The scammer want you to keep quiet because they don't want the police or ConsumerFraudreporting to hear about them! It should read: "For our own security, you are advised to keep your winning information confidential until we have finished scamming you!"

Email notification: NO REAL LOTTERY SENDS AN EMAIL TO NOTIFY WINNERS. Period. Full-stop. End of story. There mere fact ALONE that you received an email saying you won a lottery is proof that it is a scam.

Here is a typical scam lottery winning notification.
Master list of sample lottery scam emails
How to recognize a lottery scam
What to do if you think you have been the victim of a lottery scam
How the lottery / sweepstakes scams work


- SGFemale

David Eddings is dead

SGMale was truly devastated when he come to know about it in the internet. This amazing authors of over 20 fantasy novels left the world on the 3rd of Jun 2009. All his novel fans will missed him dearly. They will never have the chance to read his work again! ;(

His wife died in the year 2007 after finishing a couple of the latest books which she co-authored.

SGMale is a huge fan and owns 95% of books written by him:

The Belgariad and The Malloreon

The Belgariad is Eddings' first fantasy series; The Malloreon is the sequel. The books follow the adventures of Belgarion, Polgara, Belgarath, and their companions.

The Belgariad series
Pawn of Prophecy (1982)
Queen of Sorcery (1982)
Magician's Gambit (1983)
Castle of Wizardry (1984)
Enchanters' End Game (1984)

The Malloreon series
Guardians of the West (1987)
King of the Murgos (1988)
Demon Lord of Karanda (1988)
Sorceress of Darshiva (1989)
The Seeress of Kell (1991)

Books related to The Belgariad and The Malloreon
Belgarath the Sorcerer (1995) (Prequel) with Leigh Eddings
Polgara the Sorceress (1997) (Prequel) with Leigh Eddings
The Rivan Codex (1998) with Leigh Eddings

The Elenium and The Tamuli
Main articles: The Elenium and The Tamuli
The Elenium and its sequel The Tamuli feature the Pandion Knight Sparhawk and his comrades.

The Elenium series
The Diamond Throne (1989)
The Ruby Knight (1990)
The Sapphire Rose (1991)

The Tamuli series
Domes of Fire (1992)
The Shining Ones (1993)
The Hidden City (1994)

The Dreamers series
Main article: The Dreamers (novel series)
The Dreamers series tells the story of a war between the Elder Gods and their allies and an entity known as the Vlagh.
The Elder Gods (2003) with Leigh Eddings
The Treasured One (2004) with Leigh Eddings
Crystal Gorge (2005) with Leigh Eddings
The Younger Gods (2006) with Leigh Eddings

Standalone fantasy novels
The Redemption of Althalus (2000) with Leigh Eddings, is a standalone novel about a thief who mends his ways.

Non-fantasy
High Hunt (1973) - a story revolving around a hunting expedition that spirals out of control.
The Losers (1992) - a story about a man struggling to rebuild his life after an accident.
Regina's Song (2000) with Leigh Eddings - a thriller about a woman after the murder of her twin sister.

Rest well David! Your legend will live on forever!

-SGMale

Gastric Flu

SGFemale has been vomiting, having diarrhea, body aches, headache, dizzy and nausea since last evening. Accompanied by SGMale and SGson, she visited the family doctor and was diagnose with gastric flu.

This is what SGFemale found out in the web:

Gastric flu is not really flu, but is actually an infection in the intestines that can be caused by different viruses and it is contagious. After contracting the virus, symptoms and signs of gastric flu can appear within hours or within three to six days. The symptoms of gastric flu can vary from case to case, however there are some common symptoms.


Vomiting
Vomiting can be one of the primary symptoms of the gastric flu. Vomiting may be the only symptom, or it can be accompanied by other symptoms.

Diarrhea
Just like vomiting, diarrhea is another one of the primary symptoms of gastric flu. It can occur alone or with vomiting and other symptoms.

Nausea and Abdominal Pain
Nausea and stomach pain generally accompany most cases of gastric flu. They generally precede diarrhea and vomiting, or they can occur alone.

Flu-Like Symptoms
Gastric flu has many of the common symptoms of the regular flu. These include fever, body aches, chills, headache and fatigue. The gastric flu does not have any of the respiratory symptoms of the regular flu.

Duration
Gastric flu can last from one to five days. Some severe cases can last longer.

Treatment
There are no medications to cure gastric flu. It will have to run its course. People with the stomach flu can take medications to reduce fever and body aches. They should also drink small amounts of fluid often to prevent dehydration.

So, SGFemale have to rest at home during this weekend to "restore and charge her energy".

-SGFemale

Up to some mischief again!

SGson was up to some mischief again!!!!

Whenever SGFemale gave some apple to SGson, he would never fail to surprise her.

This was happened!

Pic 1: SGson bite the slices of apple given to him into bites and showed it to SGFemale.

Pic 2: SGson made some teeth-markings on every slices of apple.

When asked why he did it, he said: so that Papa won't eat my apple !!!!

Hahaha.....

What a cute and innocent reply!

==================================================================

Pic 3 & 4: SGson hiding inside a "cave".

- SGFemale

Counting down to E.U.R.O.P.E

E - Excited
U - Upgrade
R - Romance
O - Overcome
P - Prevention
E - Extravagant

Yes, do not envy us...we are going to Europe...finally..after all these years of anticipation..;D

Excited - Of course we are excited. SGMale and SGFemale can't wait for 25 Sep to come...

Upgrade - Yes, this is an upgrade from our usual 8 days vacation to 12 days

Romance - SGMale and SGFemale are going to rekindle their romance for each other duing this trip

Overcome - Yup, we did encounter diffculties when it comes to getting someone to look after our son. Thank God, we have managed to overcome this problem... ;P

Prevention - Yes, we may be leaving our credit card behind and bring very little cash so as to prevent us from over-spending...heehee..

Extravagant - SGMale and SGFemale need to cut back on their expenses in preparation for this extravagant trip to very expensive places...

To sum up, this trip would probably be the last trip for 2 and we will try to make it a memorable one...

-SGMale

Thoughts on the run

As SGMale concludes his morning run near Chinese Garden MRT station, he noticed a few foreigners ( mostly couples) taking pictures of their friends in front of the MRT station.

First thought that came to mind was...what is so interesting about taking picture in front of a MRT station?? Then as I continue my run back home, it suddenly dawn upon me that..hey, SGMale and SGFemale have been taking pictures of many insignificant places and objects whenever they go for vacation oversea.

Haha..so it is an inevitable behaviour of all foreigners that they want to 'capture' a shot of building/things that are of interest to them, nevermind if they are being stared at by the locals. To them, those are the things that they may never get to see again in their life while the locals usually taking for granted since they have the luxury to 'appreciate' those things anytime.

SGMale and SGFemale will be going for vacation to Europe soon and God know how many pictures they are going to take this time...;P

-SGMale

An unexplainable sadness

SGFemale has been standing at her kitchen's window for 10 mins.

SGFemale heard some noise when she was in the study-room surfing net, she went to the kitchen to check. Oh... the wake which is located at the opposite block is having a "live band performance", as the cortege is leaving soon for Crematorium.

The band is playing the song "月亮代表我的心 (The moon represent my heart)" sang by the late singer Theresa Teng 邓丽君 who is also one of my favourite singer for oldies. The music played reminds SGFemale of Theresa Teng 邓丽君, SGFemale would always sing her songs when she went to Karaoke, 我只在乎你 (I only care about you), 月亮代表我的心 (The moon represent my heart), 千言萬語, 甜密密, 小城故事, 但願人長久, 再見我的愛人 (Goodbye, my love), 在水一方 and etc....

In order to listen to the music clearly, SGFemale shifted her notebook to the kitchen, and wrote this blog while listening to the on-going music. In her heart, she felt "sweet and sad", sweet as the music is "somehow romantic" when they played the song " the moon represent my heart", to SGFemale, this is a very romantic song and she likes it alot. SGFemale is also sad cos she felt sad for the decreased although she don't know him / her and there's just some unexplainable sadness in the music.

The music went on and on.....
Tears started to roll down from SGFemale's eyes.....

- SGFemale