tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5936824494677611302024-03-13T23:42:56.328+08:00Blogger's Best TipsMy collection of health tips, nutrition tips, career tips, car tips, etc. from books, newspapers and magazines.Newspapers Junkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17395041948710902685noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593682449467761130.post-65600452979016380182010-06-01T13:33:00.034+08:002010-10-17T13:54:09.501+08:00A second lifeBesides selling your stuff to the rag-and-bone man, there are businesses that offer a good price for your unwanted things.<br />
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<strong>Gadgets and Home appliances</strong><br />
Earn: From $100 to $300 for a two-year-old laptop or from $200 to $400 for a 42-inch LCD television, depending on the brand and model. A 10-year-old 36" Sony TV can fetch at least $40. A year-old fridge or top-loading washing machine in working condition earns you between $20 to $100, depending on the size. Provide buyer Jason Tan with the model number and brand of your appliance for an accurate quote. Or he can assess the items at your home, give you a quote and cart it away immediately. He takes furniture too - great if your're moving house.<br />
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Sell to: Jason Tan, tel: 9001-6482, email: recycle_green@hotmail.com<br />
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<strong>Maternity clothes</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.maternityexchange.sg/">www.maternityexchange.sg</a><br />
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<strong>Baby products</strong><br />
Earn: To get a quote, email The Toy Rental Club with pictures of the items you want to sell. They take used items like strollers, baby car seats, breast pumps and mini toy kitchenettes. Small toys like dolls and stuffed teddies are not eligible. However, if they are fully stocked, they may not want your stuff at the moment so you'll have to try again another time.<br />
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Sell to: The Toy Rental Club, tel: 6276-7602, <a href="http://www.toyrentalclub.com/">www.toyrentalclub.com</a>. Email: enquiries@toyrentalclub.com<br />
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<strong>Travel guides</strong><br />
Earn: 85 per cent of the listed price for old guidebooks. Guidegecko sells brand new travel guides, and has a section where you can sell your old copies. There's no need to upload pictures of your book, just list the title, ISBN number, and book and shipping prices. They take a 15 per cent commission. The website moderator will send you an email when there is a buyer, but you need to ship the book to the buyer directly.<br />
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Sell on: <a href="http://www.guidegecko.com/">www.guidegecko.com</a><br />
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<em><span style="color: #cc6600;">Extracted from: Simply Her magazine (Jun 2010)</span></em>Newspapers Junkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17395041948710902685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593682449467761130.post-34655445181799929862010-01-20T09:00:00.000+08:002010-03-29T13:49:49.917+08:00Step up and cut the flabWhile lines form for treadmills and stationary bicycles in gyms, the stairclimbing machine is often the neglected wallflower in the cardio room.<br /><br />But experts said that if you master the stairs, you’ll reap dividends in tight abs,<br />butt and thighs. One study of 10,269 Harvard alumni found that those who climbed at least 55 flights of stairs a week had a 33 per cent lower death rate.<br /><br />Another study found that daily stair climbing among young women with sedentary lifestyles resulted in a rise in good cholesterol.<br /><br />Dr Hank Williford of the American College of Sports Medicine said steppers are a good fit for women.<br /><br />"They’re not bouncing around like with a treadmill and, still, they can increase their bone-marrow density and prevent osteoporosis."<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#cc6600;">Extracted from: Today newspaper (4 Jan 2010)</span></em>Newspapers Junkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17395041948710902685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593682449467761130.post-42923506557220087772010-01-02T13:46:00.003+08:002010-01-02T13:49:45.772+08:00Official travel websites<b>Malaysia</b><br />Penang: <a href="http://www.visitpenang.gov.my">www.visitpenang.gov.my</a>Newspapers Junkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17395041948710902685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593682449467761130.post-74178476375210528992009-05-01T09:00:00.006+08:002010-04-03T13:54:03.706+08:00Exam tips1. It's important to plan early and properly. Do it now.<br /><br />2. It's wise to draw up a timetable first.<br /><br />3. Your time-management schedule should be designed to fit your needs and personality.<br /><br />4. Be realistic about how and where you're going to spend your study time.<br /><br />5. Prioritise your tasks to ensure that the most important things will get done first.<br /><br />6. Remember to allocate more time for subjects you're not good at.<br /><br />7. Once the master plan has been drawn, remember to follow it.<br /><br />8. Use a diary to record any additional plans and schedule.<br /><br />9. Evaluate your progress constantly. Be flexible and make adjustments to the plan.<br /><br />10. Make your study area pleasant so that you can study in comfort.<br /><br />11. Identify your peak performance period and take advantage of it.<br /><br />12. Don't just study hard. Study smart.<br /><br />13. Give yourself "mini" tests when you're revising. Get friends and family members to help.<br /><br />14. Take time to relax and get enough sleep and rest.<br /><br />15. Avoid cramming marathons. Take a break, get out and exercise.<br /><br />16. Be ready for the big day. Have an early night before and be positive.<br /><br />17. If you're desperate for time, pay more attention to topics that will earn you the most marks.<br /><br />18. Don't panic during your exams, take time to read the questions carefully.<br /><br />19. When taking your exams, try to keep to the time allotted for each question.<br /><br />20. If you fall behind time, instead of writing half an answer, jot down your answer in note formNewspapers Junkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17395041948710902685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593682449467761130.post-69664854240254788612009-04-04T09:30:00.003+08:002010-04-04T11:43:28.831+08:00ViaSingapore.com<span style="font-weight:bold;">New Travel Booking Site: <a href="http://www.viasingapore.com/">ViaSingapore.com</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What:</span> A real-time search engine that combs over 100 websites for the best travel deals, which allows users to comparison shop and book flights, hotels and packages.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Best for:</span> Visitors who want to travel within Asia using Singapore as a stopover. Also good for people looking for cheap airfare.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">How is it different from Zuji?</span> "Most websites offering airfares don't include low cost carriers like Jetstar Asia. However, ViaSingapore includes these carriers, as well as full service carriers, which gives travellers more choice," says a spokesperson.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#cc6600;">Extracted from: 8 Days magazine</span></em>Newspapers Junkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17395041948710902685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593682449467761130.post-29921248429066457792009-04-01T08:44:00.005+08:002009-05-14T07:58:18.956+08:00Ideal desk layoutReorganise your workspace to work more efficiently.<br /><br /><strong>Stationery</strong><br />A compartmentalised unit stows everyday supplies neatly. Place it on the side of your dominant hand.<br /><br /><strong>Files</strong><br />Put oft-used files on your desk. If you have many files, collate them on a chair-level shelf or cabinet that you can reach without having to stand up or bend down.<br /><br /><strong>Tech tools</strong><br />Keep your phone, mobile and PDA in one spot, and place them near a power point so you can recharge them easily. Observe which side you tend to hold your phone - most people hold the receiver to their left ear. If that's most comfortable for you, save the space left of your computer for these gadgets.<br /><br /><strong>Inspiration</strong><br />Stick up a meaningful quote to keep you focused and motivated.<br /><br /><strong>Calendar</strong><br />For small cubicles, pin a calendar on the partition facing you. Flip calendars work best for medium and large desks - place it in front of you rather than at the side. You should be able to see the numbers from where you're sitting.<br /><br /><strong>Document tray</strong><br />Keep it within reach so you can sort new documents immediately. A four-tier tray works best - label them Inbox, To do, To file and Junk.<br /><br /><strong>Pen holder</strong><br />Place it on the side of your dominant hand. Have just two to three pens handy - it's all you need; store everything else in the drawer.<br /><br /><strong>Drinking mug</strong><br />Place your flask and cup in the furthest corner - this forces you to rest your eyes when you have a drink. Keep tea bags and snacks in the drawer.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#cc6600;">Extracted from: Simply Her magazine (Feb 2009)</span></em>Newspapers Junkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17395041948710902685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593682449467761130.post-27326807419923771452009-02-03T09:11:00.011+08:002009-05-09T11:21:00.027+08:00Comfort zoneStay healthy, happy and productive at work and avoid deskbound strains with these tips.<br /><br /><strong>In the hot seat</strong><br />- Sit with your feet comfortably flat on the floor and elbows level with the keyboard.<br />- Keep your arms parallel to the floor.<br />- Recline chair slightly to reduce pressure on the lower back.<br />- Push your hips very close to the back of the chair.<br />- Declutter the area below your desk so you have room to stretch your legs.<br /><br /><strong>On the phone</strong><br />- Avoid holding the receiver between the shoulder and the ear as it strains the neck.<br />- Use a headset if you use the phone frequently.<br />- Make sure the phone is within easy reach to avoid over-stretching.<br />- Use both thumbs to type messages on your mobile phone to minimise the strain on one thumb.<br /><br /><strong>Using the keyboard</strong><br />- Type lightly. Heavy pounding stresses the fingers and may result in elbow pain.<br />- Adjust the keyboard so it's in the middle of your body.<br />- Type with straight wrists; adjust the height of the keyboard if your wrists are bent when typing.<br />- Use a desktop rather than a laptop for prolonged typing - it has a bigger and higher screen and more well-spaced keys.<br /><br /><strong>Monitor safety</strong><br />- Make sure your monitor is placed at least an arm's length away.<br />- Keep the top of the screen at or slightly below eye level.<br />- Tilt the screen slightly so the base is closer to you than the top.<br />- Place the monitor perpendicular to the window if you are relying on natural light.<br />- Keep your head straight when working - tilting it causes neck strain.<br /><br /><strong>Take a time out</strong><br />- Follow the 20/20/20 rule - work for 20 minutes, take a break for 20 seconds and look 20 feet (6 metres) away.<br />- Mix sedentary and mobile tasks. Sitting still for long periods inhibits blood circulation.<br />- Stretch your neck, shoulders, wrists, arms and back occasionally.<br />- Make it a habit to blink every two to four seconds - this ensures your eyes are constantly lubricated, and prevents strain.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#cc6600;">Extracted from: Simply Her magazine (Nov 2008)</span></em>Newspapers Junkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17395041948710902685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593682449467761130.post-49167486010950975772009-02-01T08:31:00.005+08:002009-03-28T09:18:16.520+08:0010 tough questions interviewers askKnowing the answers is half the battle won.<br /><br /><strong>1. Tell me about yourself</strong><br />Restrict your answer to a minute or two. Cover your education and work history, and emphasise your recent career experience.<br /><br /><strong>2. What do you know about us?</strong><br />You should be able to discuss products or services, revenues, reputation, image, goals, problems, management style, people, history and philosophy. Show that you have done some research, but do not act as if you know everything about the place.<br /><br /><strong>3. Why do you want to work for us?</strong><br />You can say that your research has shown that the company is doing things you would like to be involved in, and that it is doing them in ways that greatly interest you.<br /><br /><strong>4. What can you do for us that someone else can't?</strong><br />Talk about your record of getting things done, and mention specifics from your resume or list your career accomplishments. Say that your skills and interests, combined with a history of getting results, make you valuable. Mention your ability to set priorities, identify problems and use your experience and energy to solve them.<br /><br /><strong>5. What do you expect to be doing in this role?</strong><br />Think in terms of responsibilities and accountability. Make sure that you really do understand what the position involves. If you are not certain, ask the interviewer; he may answer the question for you.<br /><br /><strong>6. How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution?</strong><br />Be realistic. Say that, while you would expect to pull your own weight from the first day, it might take six months to a year before you could expect to know the organisation and its needs well enough to make a major contribution.<br /><br /><strong>7. Do you think you are over-qualified or too experienced?</strong><br />Emphasise your interest in establishing a long-term association with the organisation, and say that you assume that if you perform well in this job, new opportunities will open up for you.<br /><br />Mention that a strong company needs strong staff. Observe that experienced executives are always at a premium. Suggest that since you are so well-qualified, the employer will get a fast return on his investment.<br /><br /><strong>8. What is your management style?</strong><br />Possible styles include:<br />- Task-oriented: "I enjoy problem-solving, choosing a solution and implementing it";<br />- Results-oriented: "Every management decision I make is determined by how it will affect the bottom line";<br />- Paternalistic: "I'm committed to taking care of my subordinates and pointing them in the right direction."<br />- Participative: "I prefer an open-door method of managing, and getting things done by motivating people and delegating responsibility."<br /><br /><strong>9. Why are you leaving (did you leave) your present (last) job?</strong><br />Be brief and as honest as you can without hurting yourself. If you were laid off in an across-the-board cutback, say so; otherwise, indicate that the move was your decision. Do not mention personality conflicts.<br /><br /><strong>10. What do you think of your boss?</strong><br />Be as positive as you can. A potential boss is likely to wonder if you might talk about him in similar terms at some point in the future.<br /><br />When you are well-prepared to field tough questions, you will not only give thoughtful answers but will seem calm and self-assured - qualities that the interviewer will give you extra points for.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#cc6600;">Extracted from: The Straits Times newspaper (24 Jan 2009)</span></em>Newspapers Junkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17395041948710902685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593682449467761130.post-13901992882773343962008-12-17T09:17:00.002+08:002009-03-29T11:22:25.302+08:00Torque shop #6<strong>Every time I get out of the car, I get an electric shock when I touch the driver's door. Is there anything I can do to stop this?</strong><br /><br />This is usually caused by a build-up of static electricity generated by your clothes rubbing against your car seat fabric. It is rare in a humid place such as Singapore, but it can happen.<br /><br />Certain types of fabric cause more static electricity than others.<br /><br />To avoid it, keep your hand on the metal doorframe as you are getting out, until you are fully out of the car. You may also hold your metal car key in your hand to let the electricity discharge through the keys.<br /><br /><strong>Automobile Association of Singapore</strong><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#cc6600;">Extracted from: The Straits Times newspaper</span></em>Newspapers Junkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17395041948710902685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593682449467761130.post-68802372104351799882008-12-15T09:05:00.002+08:002009-03-29T11:13:03.072+08:00Torque shop #5<strong>When I switch on the air-con in my two-year-old Korean car, water drips onto the floor of the front passenger seat. Although my mechanic blew compressed air through the evaporator drain to clear any clogs, the problem still persists. What could be wrong?</strong><br /><br />As water condensation from the humid air outside passes through the air-con system's evaporator core, which is within the dashboard, water drips off the evaporator to the bottom of the plastic evaporator housing. The water droplets then exit via the evaporator drainage tube.<br /><br />Your problem is due to a leakage of moisture-rich air around the evaporator core. The air thus delivers condensation further into the ductwork, which is not designed to drain off the condensed liquid, leading to water dripping onto the floor.<br /><br />To repair this, you have to remove the evaporator and reposition or replace the evaporator seal. This is to ensure that all incoming air passes through the cooling fins of the evaporator core, leaving no pathway for air to bypass the core and reach the ductwork.<br /><br /><strong>Automobile Association of Singapore</strong><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#cc6600;">Extracted from: The Straits Times newspaper</span></em>Newspapers Junkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17395041948710902685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593682449467761130.post-30298988851772072192008-12-13T09:01:00.001+08:002009-03-29T11:04:40.447+08:00Torque shop #4<strong>My car and tyres are in good condition, yet the car's rear end feels "loose" when I drive over humps. Could the rear stabiliser bar be damaged?</strong><br /><br />It is unlikely that the stabiliser bar is the cause of the problem, as its function is to stabilise your car during cornering.<br /><br />The fault is likely to be worn rear-shock absorbers. You could also check your car's suspension joints and bushings for damage or wear.<br /><br /><strong>Automobile Association of Singapore</strong><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#cc6600;">Extracted from: The Straits Times newspaper</span></em>Newspapers Junkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17395041948710902685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593682449467761130.post-63581925219364723022008-12-11T08:57:00.001+08:002009-03-29T11:00:49.691+08:00Torque shop #3<strong>Why do most modern cars use disc brakes instead of drum brakes?</strong><br /><br />Disc brakes are safer than drum brakes, especially for stability when driving in wet weather.<br /><br />Generally, when drum brakes get wet, they require far longer stopping distances than disc brakes.<br /><br />And if one of the front brakes is wet when you brake, the vehicle tends to veer to one side.<br /><br />Disc brakes, however, are costlier than drum brakes. Which is why rear brakes in most budget cars are still drums.<br /><br /><strong>Automobile Association of Singapore</strong><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#cc6600;">Extracted from: The Straits Times newspaper</span></em>Newspapers Junkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17395041948710902685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593682449467761130.post-11225724327405208122008-12-09T08:52:00.002+08:002009-03-29T10:56:46.865+08:00Torque shop #2<strong>Whenever I start my car, it makes a loud squealing noise that stops after a while.<br /><br />I had the air-conditioning belt checked and, as it wasn't worn, the workshop put some belt dressing on it.<br /><br />Although the squealing sound stopped for a while, it is back now and is worse than before. What should I do?</strong><br /><br />It is likely that your car's air-conditioning belt needs to be replaced.<br /><br />Once it begins to make squealing noises and the side of the belt is glazed, no adjustment or treatment can stop the noise.<br /><br />Also, check the air-con belt pulley surface for excessive wear.<br /><br /><strong>Automobile Association of Singapore</strong><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#cc6600;">Extracted from: The Straits Times newspaper</span></em>Newspapers Junkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17395041948710902685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593682449467761130.post-71460482685406798852008-12-07T08:46:00.002+08:002009-03-29T10:50:57.730+08:00Torque shop #1<strong>Every time I drive over a bump, I hear banging and knocking sounds from my car's front suspension. Why is this so?</strong><br /><br />This is most likely caused by the rubber bushes at the top of the front suspension mounts. When they are worn out, the top of the suspension knocks against the inside of the suspension strut tower. You will need to have them replaced.<br /><br /><strong>Automobile Association of Singapore</strong><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#cc6600;">Extracted from: The Straits Times newspaper</span></em>Newspapers Junkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17395041948710902685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593682449467761130.post-6472930054133046802008-12-05T08:38:00.005+08:002009-03-24T13:30:27.344+08:00Get more life out of your laptopWhenever you're always working on the go, the last thing you want is for your laptop to go dead at the moment you need it most and there's no power outlet in sight. So how do you keep your laptop running for as long as possible?<br /><br /><strong>Control the brightness</strong><br />Adjust the screen brightness to the lowest level you can tolerate. You can also configure the display to be turned off when it's not in use. This is different from using a screensaver, which still requires the display's backlight to be on.<br /><br /><strong>Cut down external devices</strong><br />Disconnect all external devices, like USB gadgets, optical drives, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections. Remove or shut them down when not in use.<br /><br /><strong>Work from the hard drive</strong><br />Although you may not be actively using them, the CD and DVD drives still consume power. Programs that are run from a CD or DVD can be copied to and run from the hard drive instead, which consumes less power than an optical drive.<br /><br /><strong>Go easy on the PC</strong><br />The more things you do, the more battery power you consume. Passive activities like email and word processing consume much less power than playing a game or DVD.<br /><br /><strong>Stay out of extreme temperatures</strong><br />Don't expose the battery to heat or freezing temperatures; don't leave it baking in the car boot while you go out for lunch. Temperatures can affect battery performance. It's best to keep at room temperature.<br /><br /><strong>Take care of your battery</strong><br />Don't leave a charged battery unused for long periods of time. Once charged, you should at least use the battery at least once every two to three weeks. If you're not using it, remove the battery pack from the laptop.<br /><br /><strong>Carry a spare power source</strong><br />Invest in a spare battery pack like the Arigo Mobile Power marketed by Fesv International. This universal extended battery pack can present a new lease of life for your laptop and other digital devices. There's a new version that comes with a built-in USB port as well as eight DC connectors; it works with most portable electronics in the market.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#cc6600;">Extracted from: The Straits Times newspaper</span></em>Newspapers Junkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17395041948710902685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593682449467761130.post-12416496530853747082008-12-03T08:54:00.001+08:002009-03-09T13:36:42.464+08:00<strong>Step 1: Find your preference.</strong> Sleep on a thin mat on the floor for about a week or two. If your back feels fine, your preference is for a hard mattress. If you experience pain and discomfort, you need a softer one.<br /><br /><strong>Step 2: Switch to a softer mattress.</strong> However, it shouldn't be so soft that it sags in the middle and does not provide adequate support, which may also cause pain.<br /><br /><strong>Step 3: Place the soft mattress directly on the floor</strong> to increase the support if you find it too soft (this is usually the case if it is more than 15 years old).<br /><br /><strong>Step 4: Change to a firm mattress that is made of visco-elastic material</strong> if both the soft and hard mattress don't work out. Do try the mattress before buying.<br /><br />Tempur mattresses are made from visco-elastic material, which offers optimal support and comfort.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#cc6600;">Extracted from: Simply Her magazine (Jul 2007) - Ad by Tempur</span></em>Newspapers Junkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17395041948710902685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593682449467761130.post-62389254618755369922008-12-01T08:45:00.002+08:002009-02-28T09:53:37.962+08:00Choosing a good mattress<strong>Step 1: Find your preference.</strong> Sleep on a thin mat on the floor for about a week or two. If your back feels fine, your preference is for a hard mattress. If you experience pain and discomfort, you need a softer one.<br /><br /><strong>Step 2: Switch to a softer mattress.</strong> However, it shouldn't be so soft that it sags in the middle and does not provide adequate support, which may also cause pain.<br /><br /><strong>Step 3: Place the soft mattress directly on the floor</strong> to increase the support if you find it too soft (this is usually the case if it is more than 15 years old).<br /><br /><strong>Step 4: Change to a firm mattress that is made of visco-elastic material</strong> if both the soft and hard mattress don't work out. Do try the mattress before buying.<br /><br />Tempur mattresses are made from visco-elastic material, which offers optimal support and comfort.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#cc6600;">Extracted from: Simply Her magazine (Jul 2007) - Ad by Tempur</span></em>Newspapers Junkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17395041948710902685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593682449467761130.post-3140698344495775862008-11-29T09:33:00.002+08:002009-02-28T09:44:11.914+08:00Quick and easy tips for healthy hairYour hair can be your crowning glory if you treat it right!<br /><br />1. Healthy hair, like healthy skin, starts from within. Begin with your diet. Eat lots of green leafy vegetables and juicy fruits, plus dairy products like milk and fresh yogurt. In Ayurveda, fresh coconut is also considered excellent "hair food". Indian women like to sprinkle grated coconut over salads, diced fresh fruit and rice.<br /><br />2. Use hair-friendly spices in your cooking, like cumin, turmeric and black pepper. Besides adding flavour to food, they nourish hair.<br /><br />3. Everyday stress is said to have a negative effect on hair health and colour. Minimise work and home pressures, and relax and sleep well to help the natural process of rejuvenation.<br /><br />4. Never use a brush on wet hair, no matter how rushed for time you are. Remove tangles with a wide-toothed comb. Excessive blow-drying leads to brittleness and split ends. When possible, let hair dry naturally.<br /><br />5. Once a week, massage the scalp with Rene Furterer Complexe 5 Regenerating Extract to regenerate the scalp and strengthen hair for more body and shine.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#cc6600;">Extracted from: Simply Her magazine (Jul 2007) - Ad by Rene Furterer</span></em>Newspapers Junkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17395041948710902685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593682449467761130.post-42296594773497827072008-11-27T08:58:00.004+08:002009-02-28T09:32:54.793+08:00Tips for the perfect brewStore loose tea in airtight opaque containers like tea tins or ceramic canisters, not in the fridge.<br /><br />Use boiling (100 deg C) water for black tea and cooler (70-85 deg C) water when brewing green tea. Using water that's too hot will burn fresh leaves, and leave a bitter aftertaste.<br /><br />You should steep tea leaves for 20-30 seconds on the first infusion, adding about 5 seconds to subsequent infusions.<br /><br />Make an exceptionally smooth tea using cold water. Add two tablespoons of tea leaves (or use the bottle tea bag) to a pitcher or pet bottle, and four cups of cold water. Leave overnight in the fridge, then strain the leaves.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#cc6600;">Extracted from: Simply Her magazine (Jul 2007)</span></em>Newspapers Junkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17395041948710902685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593682449467761130.post-15167261015997762022008-11-25T08:35:00.003+08:002009-02-24T12:58:15.462+08:00Don't drink and drive<strong>What happens when you drink?</strong><br />Alcohol seriously impairs a driver's judgement, coordination and reactions. The more drink he consumes, the slower his reflexes and ability to maintain proper control of the vehicle.<br /><br />There's no fixed yardstick as to how much you can drink before you're over the limit. Different drinks contain different alcohol content by volume. Other factors depend on your body size, gender, metabolic rate and how well you tolerate alcohol.<br /><br />When alcohol-enriched blood passes through the lungs, some of the alcohol diffuses into the air in the lungs. A breath sample taken from deep-lung air therefore has a certain alcohol content, which can be analysed by a breathalyser. A breathalyser's readings give microgrammes of alcohol (ug) per 100ml of air.<br /><br /><strong>What's the law?</strong><br />According to the Traffic Police, under the Road Traffic Act, a person can be convicted of drink driving in two instances.<br /><br />If the driver is found with more than the legal limit of 35ug of alcohol per 100ml of breath, or more than 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, the driver is deemed to have broken the law, and it does not matter whether he has control of the vehicle or not, when caught.<br /><br />Even when the alcohol level is under the legal limit, the driver can still be convicted if he gets into an accident because he doesn't have proper control of the vehicle.<br /><br /><strong>What's the penalty?</strong><br />First offence: Fine of between $1,000 and $5,000 or up to 6 months' imprisonment.<br /><br />Second offence: Fine of between $3,000 and $10,000 and up to 12 months' imprisonment.<br /><br />Third and subsequent offence: Fine of up to $30,000 and up to three years' imprisonment.<br /><br />Anyone convicted of drink driving will also be disqualified from driving for at least one year, even if he or she has not caused any traffic accidents.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#cc6600;">Extracted from: The Straits Times newspaper</span></em>Newspapers Junkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17395041948710902685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593682449467761130.post-25170825856959648902008-11-23T09:19:00.003+08:002009-02-24T11:35:00.604+08:00Ways to upgrade and improve your carOne way to protect your car interior and upholstery while easing the load on the air-conditioner is to put up heat and UV-resistant window film. Check that the film is compliant with Land Transport Authority (LTA) guidelines.<br /><br />Send your car for a professional grooming package that takes care of the interior as well. It saves you the hassle of getting your hands dirty. Some vehicle workshops even offer deodorising and sterilising treatments that get rid of germs and odours.<br /><br />If you can feel every bump and hump your car is going over, the shock absorbers might be worn out and need to be replaced. Not only will the ride be more comfortable with new shock absorbers, but the better handling response also means that your car is able to react more quickly in an emergency.<br /><br />Car spoilers are aerodynamic additions that are normally mounted on top of a car's trunk or positioned under the front bumper. Spoilers can make a car stand out and also improve the car's performance. The rear spoiler provides a downforce for better stability at higher speeds.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#cc6600;">Extracted from: The Straits Times newspaper</span></em>Newspapers Junkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17395041948710902685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593682449467761130.post-81893870075325301212008-11-21T08:56:00.004+08:002009-02-24T11:18:55.551+08:00Drive safely<strong>Even if you have many years of experience behind the wheel, it always pays to be extra careful while driving.</strong><br /><br />Drive at a moderate, steady speed for optimal reaction time. Reaction time to changing road conditions decreases at higher speeds.<br /><br />Observe the speed limit in school zones and be extra careful especially during peak hours when there is much more human and vehicle traffic.<br /><br />Taligating is a dangerous habit as it reduces the reaction time a driver has if the car in front of you brakes suddenly.<br /><br />Don't road hog - This refers to driving slowly on a lane meant for faster traffic and thus causing a slow-down in traffic movement.<br /><br />Defensive driving will prepare you to react to other drivers' actions. It involves looking out for brake lights, sudden lane changes and merging traffic. It also allows you to pre-empt the unexpected.<br /><br />If the steering wheel veers right or left when the car is travelling in a straight line, the wheels may be misaligned. Get them checked as soon as possible.<br /><br />Avoid changing radio stations or CD tracks while driving. Have all these properly set up before you start the journey.<br /><br />When driving, put your focus on the road conditions. Never drink and drive, or use your handphone while driving.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#cc6600;">Extracted from: The Straits Times newspaper</span></em>Newspapers Junkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17395041948710902685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593682449467761130.post-65864016163476242332008-11-19T08:46:00.003+08:002009-02-24T10:56:18.088+08:00Some tricks to keep your new car in tip-top condition longerTake time to read the manufacturer's manual to get a better understanding of your car's unique requirements, such as the optimum level of tyre pressure.<br /><br />It may be worthwhile sending your car to a grooming centre for a good polish job as this will help preserve the life of its paint work.<br /><br />Replace worn-out wiper blades regularly as they are likely to scratch the windscreen if they are structurally damaged.<br /><br />Keep leather seats well-maintained: Wipe with a damp cloth and moisturise the leather once every three months. Do not use cleaning detergents that are abrasive or contain chemical components.<br /><br />Try to fill up the petrol tank completely to prevent it from being corroded.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#cc6600;">Extracted from: The Straits Times newspaper</span></em>Newspapers Junkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17395041948710902685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593682449467761130.post-64651144528708874552008-11-17T08:38:00.004+08:002009-02-24T10:44:55.918+08:00What's your drive?Take a look at your lifestyle habits and find the vehicle that suits you best.<br /><br /><strong>Saloon</strong> - At its most basic, the saloon is a passenger car with two rows of seats and adequate passenger space in the rear compartment for adult passengers. That's suitable for most families.<br /><br /><strong>Coupe</strong> - Coupes are often hard-top sports cars or sporty variants of saloon cars, with doors commonly reduced from four to two, and a close-coupled interior offering either two seats or 2+2 seating (space for two passengers in the front and two occasional passengers or children in the rear).<br /><br /><strong>Four-wheel drive</strong> - This is a vehicle with a transmission system where engine torque is applied to all four wheels of the vehicle. This increases traction, and is useful for off-road driving or during bad weather.<br /><br /><strong>Hatchback</strong> - This is a car design where the whole rear panel (trunk, lid and back windows) are replaced by a rear hatch. Usually the rear seat can be folded down to accommodate luggage.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#cc6600;">Extracted from: The Straits Times newspaper</span></em>Newspapers Junkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17395041948710902685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-593682449467761130.post-45675341151520659122008-11-15T09:28:00.003+08:002008-12-01T14:38:14.229+08:00Wash your car the right wayWash your car at least once a week to remove surface dirt like dust, mud, grease spots and bird droppings. If the comtaminants are not removed quickly, they can stick to the paintwork permanently. Wash and rinse one section at a time, working from top to bottom.<br /><br />Never substitute car-washing products for dishwashing liquid or household cleaners. The latter are likely to be too harsh and contain harmful detergents, abrasives and additives that can strip off the wax and damage the paintwork.<br /><br />Wash your car in a shaded area or in the cooler parts of the day. Washing in the hot sun may cause uneven drying, which can leave residue and streaks on your car. After the final rinse, wipe away excess water with a clean terry cloth to prevent watermarks from forming.<br /><br />Wax your car at least twice a year to protect it from damage and to maintain colour and shine. Waxing helps remove paint oxidation and surface dirt, while adding a protective coating. It can play down or remove minor damage such as surface scratches and light contamination, and provide a high-lustre finish.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#cc6600;">Extracted from: The Straits Times newspaper</span></em>Newspapers Junkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17395041948710902685noreply@blogger.com0