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
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
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
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.
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
Friday, September 11, 2009
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
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 
!!!
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.
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
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
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
Monday, September 7, 2009
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
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
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
Friday, September 4, 2009
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
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
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
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