My first experience buying Acer Travel Mate 6292 notebook at IT Fair gave a bad impression. The notebook was loud, with the CPU fan churning too much distraction. The keyboard felt hot to touch especially around the CPU area suggesting that it was over-heating. The usage of external cooler to dissipate heat was useless. After a while, I couldn't start the machine. The power button was useless and had to bring it to the Service Center. Got it fixed.
Then, after several month, the notebook wasn't powering up again. Luckily it was still under warranty (thanks to the extended warranty I paid during the IT Fair). The Service Center said the motherboard got burnt. They suggested that they could offer a buy back and upgrade option, e.g. I just have to pay extra money to get a brand new and better model notebook. I felt it was unneccesary wastage of money and decided to go through the revamp. A new motherboard was fixed to the machine.
The same loud fan and hot keyboard was still a nuisance. Anyway, got to use the machine for several months before the screen went black. It seemed that the backlight (inverter problem) or LED screen could be causing this problem, because as I plug my LCD monitor via VGA cable, I could use my notebook. Right now, the only way I can use my notebook is to take it as a desktop plugged to an LCD monitor. What a bummer. I could invest in an inverter or LED screen but have no idea how to test which is not working. The inverter costs sgd 19.00, while the LED screen sgd170.
I have Samsung machine which I have used for > 7 years. An NEC notebook which I have used for >5 years. Another Samsung notebook which I have used >4 years and another Samsung netbook >3 years. Having an Acer that broke down around 1 year sort of shunned me from ever trying Acer notebook again. I would try desktop, or home theater PC (HTPC) from Acer, but with caution. That is an unfortunate long lasting impression from first experience.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Wishlist @ Popular bookstore
Loved the popclub magazine. Very informative and in it, there is a section on stationery and electronics for sale. Here is my wishlist:
- Aurora LM3233H A3 laminator @sgd 58.00 (up sgd69.00)
- HP K2500 wireless keyboard @ sgd 19.70 (after additional 10% members discount)
- Brother HL-2270DW wireless mono laser printer @sgd 168 (up sgd228)
However, couldn't find the wireless keyboard at my local bookstore and didn't know where to look. Wish that the catalog could have provided bookstore branches that carried the items displayed.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Watami at Star Vista
Food was ok. Service was good. Pricey. For three people, chalked up a bill of sgd78++ (inclusive GST and service tax).
Loved the souped noodle. Tried the tempura set. Tried the hot bowl rice set. Drinks were ok. Got iced lemon tea and mango-orange juice.
Friday, July 4, 2014
Escalators in Singapore malls inconsistent
Today it's on the left side elevating and tomorrow it is descending. That is how escalators work in Singapore malls. Initially, I would get into trouble especially when I was inattentive. Several times, nearly meet with accident going the wrong side of the escalator.
Now, the reason for such changes could be strategic rather than random. By alternating the direction, the management of the mall will be able to regulate human traffic flow through the shops in the mall. Hence, no shop will be at a "dead end" with less traffic.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Today's online TV listing confusing
First time visit to online Today's TV listing. First impression, very confusing. The program duration is not really necessary because I can estimate the run time. Furthermore, the run time is definitely shorter than the overall program time (plus advertisement time). What is really lacking is the information about the date and day of the TV listing. Also, I can't backtrack what I have missed several hours or several days ago.
So, either the interactive webpage is not compatible to Mozilla Firefox or that the TV listing information requires improvement. Well, back to XinMSN.
So, either the interactive webpage is not compatible to Mozilla Firefox or that the TV listing information requires improvement. Well, back to XinMSN.
Friday, June 27, 2014
Why there is no plucking of fruits around HDB estate?
Some complained about the wastage of fruits near their estate. Others questioned the logic of prohibiting plucking of fruits. Many complained about the senseless prohibition.
To me, there is always a reason for prohibiting things in Singapore, e.g. the famous chewing gum ban, the no smoking within certain distance, no cycling at designated places, no littering, no loitering, no fishing with live bait, no playing football in void deck, no skateboarding in walkway, no open burning (except in allocated drums), no trespassing, no cluttering of personal furniture/belongings outside HDB flat, among others. Just because we might not get the meaning of the ban/prohibition at first, that shouldn't stop us from seeking answers (or deduce by reasoning).
As for the topic of this entry, why are we prohibited from plucking fruits from trees surrounding HDB estate? I can come up with several reasons.
First, if there is no ban, there might be mass-harvesting of these fruits by certain party (due to "kiasu" [afraid to lose out] culture). They could later sell these fruits for a profit (without any cost to them), while killing the livelihood of legitimate fruit sellers.
Second, the fruits hanging on the trees are not completely gone to waste. These fruits are food to the faunas in Singapore, such as birds (e.g. Alexandrine Parakeet [Psittacula eupatria] eating an unripe rambutan fruit [Nephelium lappaceum]) witnessed by me today!), squirrels (if they are there in your estate), insects, insect- and fruit-eating bats, and many more. Furthermore, once the fruits start falling and rot, they are compost to the surrounding vegetation.
Third, if it is illegal to pluck fruits from trees, there is no liability on the part of HDB if anyone should fall or injure themselves.
Fourth, to prevent illegal fruit sellers from harvesting these fruits (not belonging to him/her) and selling them (just to emphasize this point again).
Just a thought.
To me, there is always a reason for prohibiting things in Singapore, e.g. the famous chewing gum ban, the no smoking within certain distance, no cycling at designated places, no littering, no loitering, no fishing with live bait, no playing football in void deck, no skateboarding in walkway, no open burning (except in allocated drums), no trespassing, no cluttering of personal furniture/belongings outside HDB flat, among others. Just because we might not get the meaning of the ban/prohibition at first, that shouldn't stop us from seeking answers (or deduce by reasoning).
As for the topic of this entry, why are we prohibited from plucking fruits from trees surrounding HDB estate? I can come up with several reasons.
First, if there is no ban, there might be mass-harvesting of these fruits by certain party (due to "kiasu" [afraid to lose out] culture). They could later sell these fruits for a profit (without any cost to them), while killing the livelihood of legitimate fruit sellers.
Second, the fruits hanging on the trees are not completely gone to waste. These fruits are food to the faunas in Singapore, such as birds (e.g. Alexandrine Parakeet [Psittacula eupatria] eating an unripe rambutan fruit [Nephelium lappaceum]) witnessed by me today!), squirrels (if they are there in your estate), insects, insect- and fruit-eating bats, and many more. Furthermore, once the fruits start falling and rot, they are compost to the surrounding vegetation.
Third, if it is illegal to pluck fruits from trees, there is no liability on the part of HDB if anyone should fall or injure themselves.
Fourth, to prevent illegal fruit sellers from harvesting these fruits (not belonging to him/her) and selling them (just to emphasize this point again).
Just a thought.
"Tissue paper seller" in Singapore
To help or not to help beggars
by sbssolution
It’s illegal to beg in Singapore. To go around such restriction, people uses tissue paper to exchange for money. There isn’t any price tag for the item and everyone can contribute any amount. There has been an increase in “tissue paper sellers” lately. The people selling them are either the elderly or the handicapped. Luckily, no one uses baby or children to beg here. What is worrying is that, begging trend will grow if not controlled. In addition, it could attract unscrupulous party to exploit the generosity of the public. They could start by recruiting more people fitting their criteria to populate the street, shopping mall, tourist attractions, and more to solicit for money.
The government tried to stem the “tissue seller” trend by introducing license requirement to sell tissues. The unpopular move failed due to resistance from the public, and hence the problem still persist.
Not long ago, there were fake monks soliciting alms in the form of money in Singapore. Fortunately, uninterested response from the public to donate prevented these fake monks from flourishing. In order to control begging similar response from public will be needed.
To those who thinks giving money to beggars are alright, it’s the least proactive means to help these people. Givers are not helping them in the long run. Instead, they create a reliance and dependency (if not addiction) of beggars to handouts. There is no sense of achievement nor pride to them who received handouts. These beggars are akin to zoo animals being reliant on handouts, stripped of the sense of usefulness (and pride, I’m emphasising). Giving money to beggars are the lazy way out.
I’m respectful to those who are taking the time to volunteer and do social work. They are the real help. Instead of giving money to those who flunked/failed at money management, social workers help by managing the difficulties faced by the people in need. These volunteers take charge in aspect of medication, housing, necessities, and emotional needs. These volunteers know the government machineries that cater for needy people. These volunteers are able to direct needy people to the right kind of help. They make sure every money spent gives the maximum return.
Again, to those who gives to beggars. How are you to be sure that the money you have given doesn’t land on a gambling table? How are you sure that the money will be spent on the following month’s house repayment? How sure are you that the money will be well managed? You don’t. You just felt better because you “gave”.
Last, it isn’t difficult to search for Singapore social volunteer homepages and register with them. It isn’t difficult to search for Salvation Army homepage to register as volunteer. It isn’t difficult to contribute your money to the right coffer and people. Just start looking.
Just a thought.
To add to the above:
Singapore Association of Social Workers
Singapore Red Cross
Touch Community Services
Reach Community Services Society
Scheme to help the needy cope with transport fare (Reach webpage)
Elderly and needy get help to prepare for GST hike (Touch Community Services)
ComCare Call line at 1800-222-0000 (through this line, concerned public highlighted the plight of jobless beggars to the relevant party for help). Visit this page under Ministry of Social & Family Development for more information regarding begging trend in Singapore and how the relevant agency controlled this issue.
What else you can do to help?
Volunteer in fields you are able to contribute, e.g. if you can give free tuition, why not? If you are able to spend time to play and talk with the elderly, why not? If you can help mobilize and accompany the needy during their visits to hospitals or checkups, why not? If you are able to write and contribute to highlighting the plight of the needy and the proper channels to contribute any form of assistance, why not write? If you have the expertise in counseling, why not give an ear and contribute your skill?
What you can do without
Showing negativity.
by sbssolution
It’s illegal to beg in Singapore. To go around such restriction, people uses tissue paper to exchange for money. There isn’t any price tag for the item and everyone can contribute any amount. There has been an increase in “tissue paper sellers” lately. The people selling them are either the elderly or the handicapped. Luckily, no one uses baby or children to beg here. What is worrying is that, begging trend will grow if not controlled. In addition, it could attract unscrupulous party to exploit the generosity of the public. They could start by recruiting more people fitting their criteria to populate the street, shopping mall, tourist attractions, and more to solicit for money.
The government tried to stem the “tissue seller” trend by introducing license requirement to sell tissues. The unpopular move failed due to resistance from the public, and hence the problem still persist.
Not long ago, there were fake monks soliciting alms in the form of money in Singapore. Fortunately, uninterested response from the public to donate prevented these fake monks from flourishing. In order to control begging similar response from public will be needed.
To those who thinks giving money to beggars are alright, it’s the least proactive means to help these people. Givers are not helping them in the long run. Instead, they create a reliance and dependency (if not addiction) of beggars to handouts. There is no sense of achievement nor pride to them who received handouts. These beggars are akin to zoo animals being reliant on handouts, stripped of the sense of usefulness (and pride, I’m emphasising). Giving money to beggars are the lazy way out.
I’m respectful to those who are taking the time to volunteer and do social work. They are the real help. Instead of giving money to those who flunked/failed at money management, social workers help by managing the difficulties faced by the people in need. These volunteers take charge in aspect of medication, housing, necessities, and emotional needs. These volunteers know the government machineries that cater for needy people. These volunteers are able to direct needy people to the right kind of help. They make sure every money spent gives the maximum return.
Again, to those who gives to beggars. How are you to be sure that the money you have given doesn’t land on a gambling table? How are you sure that the money will be spent on the following month’s house repayment? How sure are you that the money will be well managed? You don’t. You just felt better because you “gave”.
Last, it isn’t difficult to search for Singapore social volunteer homepages and register with them. It isn’t difficult to search for Salvation Army homepage to register as volunteer. It isn’t difficult to contribute your money to the right coffer and people. Just start looking.
Just a thought.
To add to the above:
Singapore Association of Social Workers
Singapore Red Cross
Touch Community Services
Reach Community Services Society
Scheme to help the needy cope with transport fare (Reach webpage)
Elderly and needy get help to prepare for GST hike (Touch Community Services)
ComCare Call line at 1800-222-0000 (through this line, concerned public highlighted the plight of jobless beggars to the relevant party for help). Visit this page under Ministry of Social & Family Development for more information regarding begging trend in Singapore and how the relevant agency controlled this issue.
What else you can do to help?
Volunteer in fields you are able to contribute, e.g. if you can give free tuition, why not? If you are able to spend time to play and talk with the elderly, why not? If you can help mobilize and accompany the needy during their visits to hospitals or checkups, why not? If you are able to write and contribute to highlighting the plight of the needy and the proper channels to contribute any form of assistance, why not write? If you have the expertise in counseling, why not give an ear and contribute your skill?
What you can do without
Showing negativity.
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