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http://singaporeseen.stomp.com.sg/singaporeseen/this-urban-jungle/the-dream-and-the-reality-every-guy%E2%80%99s-fantasy-colleague-versus-the-one-he-really I would like to recommend my boss to hire the following Dream Colleagues: 1. Emma Watson 2. Scarlett Johansson 3. Blake Lively As well as the first few ladies in the video! Link is SFW-ish.

Hmmm..... This is rather interesting As someone that can never sleep, and doesn't like to "rest" on planes (Iike to sit relatively upright) I seldom recline my seat. Also, when travelling for work - I do like to do at least some work on the plane. Reclining seats do make this very difficult - so the time on the flight is rather wasted... Whadda reckon?

47.4-45.6= 1.8hrs. So the number "1.8" is considered "fewer"? Any angmo powderful bros to comment? Anyway for working 1.8hrs lesser per week really nothing to shout about. It is only 1.8/5 = 21.6mins per day if you assume a 5-day work week. Heck, taking a dump, a big one that is, in the toilet for me already chow chow 20min liao... Furthermore this "improved" working hours situation is only an average gauge so may not be a true reflection of what most of us put in for work on a weekly basis. I do agree on the part that work-life balance seems to be more commonly practiced in local companies. A construction firm I know allows their staff to work alternate Saturdays off which is much, much better than what I experienced when I worked for one 15 years ago. Then it was alternate Sundays off and duty basis for PHs. I remembered it very well because being a sin jiao I was asked by my PM to be on duty full day during May 1 Labour Day when I reported for work that year. What irony... Singapore workers clock slightly fewer hours than 10 years ago Employed residents in Singapore worked 45.6 hours per week on average last year, a slight decline from the 47.4 hours per week a decade before. In a written parliamentary reply, Acting Minister Tan Chuan-Jin said this reflects a rise in part-time employment. SINGAPORE: Employed residents in Singapore worked 45.6 hours per week on average last year, a slight decline from the 47.4 hours per week a decade before. In a written parliamentary reply, Acting Minister Tan Chuan-Jin said this reflects a rise in part-time employment. He said studies have shown that excessively long working hours can have a negative impact on productivity, largely due to the adverse effects on workers' physiological and psychological well-being. Mr Tan was answering a question from Nominated MP Associate Professor Eugene Tan on the working hours clocked by Singaporean workers each year over the last 10 years, and whether the long hours play a role in low productivity level in the workforce. Mr Tan added studies also show that more flexible working arrangements that better promote work-life harmony can help improve employees' well-being and productivity. He said the government has put in place a range of initiatives to promote flexible work arrangements, including the WorkPro programme, which encourages employers to build progressive workplaces, including implementing flexible work arrangements. Mr Tan wrote: "We are heartened to see a rising trend of employers offering flexible work arrangements to their employees. In 2012, 41 per cent of establishments offered at least one form of work-life arrangement to their employees, up from 25 per cent in 2007." He added: "However, we believe employers can do more to offer flexible work arrangements to their employees, and we will continue to work closely with our tripartite partners to promote the adoption of flexible work arrangements and other progressive employment practices." - CNA/gn (source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-workers-clock/962570.html )

An article that contradict many 'established' tips . What do you think? http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/artic...eries-e-article Have you filled up your car lately and cringed to see how much a tank of gas sets you back? The average cost of a gallon of unleaded gas has climbed above $3, with predictions that international unrest may drive prices even higher. We still have to drive to work and/or school, so we look for ways to squeeze more miles out of that pricey tank -- but do those tricks you hear about amount to real savings? Here are six gas saving tips that don't actually work, and ways you can make the most of a gallon. 1. Turning Off the AC Air conditioning in your home does a number on your electric bill, so it must drain your gas tank too, right? Not so much. Auto testing at Consumer Reports proves that running the AC uses such a nominal amount more in gas, you may as well turn on the AC and be comfortable on a hot day. Rolling down your windows can add drag, zapping your car's efficiency; for best gas mileage, run the fan and keep your windows rolled up. 2. Filling Up When It's Cold Outside Get your gas in the evening or early morning -- the fuel is cold, and therefore denser. The truth about this myth is that you can barely register a temperature difference, since gas is stored in cool underground tanks, so fill up when you want. There are no savings to be had by waiting until it's cool out. 3. Increasing Tire Pressure To get the most out of your gallon of gas, you should pump up those tires, some say. While driving on underinflated tires can cost you 3.75% in fuel economy, overinflating tires can be downright dangerous, since it reduces your grip on the road and could cause an accident. Proper tire inflation is important for safety and longevity of your tires, but don't expect any significant gas savings there. 4. Pouring Additives Where there's a need, there's a product, but that doesn't mean it actually works. Our desire for better fuel economy seems answered by fuel additives and even bolt-on devices -- but they're a complete waste of money according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 5. Changing the Air Filter Taking care of your car is a good thing: You'll be able to drive it longer, and get the most for your money. Don't expect maintenance like changing the air filter to get you more miles out of the gas tank, though. Consumer Reports tests have shown that with today's computerized cars, clogged air filters don't actually reduce fuel economy. Take care of your car to make it last, but don't look at air filters to reduce your gas expense. 6. Keeping the Engine Running Starting a car sucks up fuel, some say, so keep the engine idling when possible. That's bad advice: today's fuel-injected vehicles are efficient and don't waste gas during start-ups anymore. In fact, idling can cost you up to half a gallon of gas an hour, so turn off the engine if you're not going anywhere. The Bottom Line There are a lot of myths out there when it comes to saving gas. So what does actually help improve your fuel economy? Instead of looking at your car to improve fuel economy, try changing the way you drive. Calm driving on the highway -- not zipping between lanes, tailgating or revving the engine so you quickly get up to speed -- can improve your fuel efficiency a whopping 33%. Remove any excess weight from your car to bump fuel economy another 2%, and drive sixty miles an hour (when the speed limit allows) on the highway for another 23% improvement in fuel efficiency. In the end, best fuel economy comes from a calm and safe driver, something that's a good thing regardless of the price we pay at the pump.

A survey by leading global travel search site Skyscanner has found that one in ten Singaporeans have lied to their boss to secure their vacation by claiming their holiday was already booked, while a further 9 per cent admit they have called in sick to work in order to get time off. The survey of 1,000 Singaporeans also found that nearly half (45 per cent) booked their time off over six months in advance to make sure their preferred dates were secured. According to research* from September 2013, Singapore has the longest working hours in the world, and the new survey results from Skyscanner shows that some employees admit to using crafty tactics to secure that all-important time off from their jobs. 6 per cent of respondents admitted pretending a family member was sick while 4 per cent said they had paid or bribed a colleague. Imaginary love was in the air for 4 per cent of workers who admitted that they pretended to their employer that they needed time off to take a honeymoon. Skyscanner Singapore Marketing Manager Ira Noviani said: "It's clear that many employees find themselves going head-to-head to book that coveted time off work; and with the end of the year holidays now approaching, many have admitted they will go to extreme lengths to do so." Lengths Singaporeans go to ensure holiday time off is approved** 1. Book six months in advance - 45 per cent 2. Lie to their boss and say the holiday was already booked - 10 per cent 3. Called into work sick - 9 per cent 4. Pretended a family member was sick - 6 per cent 5. Pretended it was for honeymoon - 4 per cent 6. Paid/bribed a colleague - 4 per cent 7. None of the above - 39 per cent Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/singapore/story/1-5-singaporeans-lie-get-time-work-survey-20131009

Motivation to work hard.....what happens when you run out of it. Under these circumstances how do you continue to motivate yourself: Superior curtails your opportunity for exposure and self improvement, Delegation of work not under your scope therefore results not reflected in your KPI, Company has strong preference for new hires rather than promoting existing staff Annual increment, if any, is less than inflation, Lacklustre job market has diminished chances of moving on, Has anyone got out of a similar rut? Pls share your inspiring paths.

If you go work when you're on MC, and something unfortunate happen to you during the course of work, are there any implications? Company insurance/hospital still applicable?

Hi all, I am staying in west cck area and work in the east at expo changi area. I gain quite abit of weight these past few years of course bcos of good foods and alway drive in the car no matter where I go even to market which is only 800m away. I had been thinking to buy a bicycle to ride to work instead of driving ... so to save cost as well as to lose some weight and keep fit.... but I worry to few things What are the best route to take to go from cck to changi expo? How to reduce the risk involve and reduce the nuisance caused to other road users? I'm a driver too and I do realise how dangerous it will be to ride on road....manyway I could avoid the road but still can reach changi??

i like No.6 & 7 [laugh]

i just want to pui him, no offence to the religion <_<

In a fast-pace society where we are constantly reminded of the need to strife hard to in order to bring home the bacon, I guess not many of us take heed of or truly have the luxury to embrace the concept of work-life balance... From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-...g-life-20130308 Don't let work get in the way of enjoying life BUDGET 2013 set out strategies to achieve quality growth and an inclusive society. However, the issue of work-life balance does not seem to be addressed. Incentives have been rolled out for workers to travel to work earlier to avoid the peak-hour crowds. But why should they do this when they cannot be sure of leaving the office earlier to spend time with their family and friends? They would ultimately end up spending more time in the office than before. Almost every working individual now has a smartphone synchronised to his work e-mail account, so he can check his e-mail messages any time and anywhere, even while on vacation. If someone does not do likewise, does that make him a less productive worker? Singaporeans seem almost afraid to go home on time after work. It is as if a hard-working employee is one who stays past the official working hours. In a poll by Jobstreet.com last year, nearly nine out of 10 workers surveyed worked beyond their official hours; 70 per cent chose to complete unfinished work in the office while the remaining 30 per cent brought work home. It also found that only 30 per cent of the respondents claimed that their companies had initiatives in place to promote work-life balance. More worryingly, 45 per cent indicated that their companies' work-life balance policies were just for show. The mentality of needing to be the first in the rat race has affected work-life balance here. Singaporeans have been taught the importance of doing well in school, so they can find a good job that would allow their families to live comfortably. Perhaps it is the fear of losing their rice bowls during the economic downturn that results in workers putting in many more hours at work to prove their worth. We should remember that productivity comes from working smart, not working hard. I urge the Government to introduce more compulsory measures for companies to achieve a better work-life balance. Everyone should also remember to take the time to do the things they love and not miss out on life's little pleasures. Donovan Chee Kwok Hoe

anyone have one of these at home ? can it be used on regular cotton t-shirts ? or cotton polo t-shirts ? what about running pants ?

If official weekly working hour is 44, so average of over 40 hours is normal, no? 60 hours will be quite siong though but glad to see there are more companies offering different type of time off for the staff. Saw the news last night on one of the minister's conversation with the youth (yah there are all kind of 'conversation' lately), some young adult actually express that the stress in work and suggested a 4-day work week! will singapore soon becoming France to have 35 hours work week?

Changing alimony laws will get women back to work: Source Straits Times Date 14 Dec 2012 IT IS perhaps timely to relook the long-standing alimony laws to encourage more women to return to work ("Keep kids in school till 7pm so mums can go to work?"; last Friday). In Scandinavian countries such as Sweden, alimony laws, along with other measures like extensive childcare facilities, serve to keep women in the workforce. Alimony is seldom granted except in certain circumstances where a spouse becomes financially needy upon a divorce. This sends a strong signal to women that they are responsible for their own finances after divorce. As such, most women continue working while having a family. In Singapore, however, the option of alimony is open to every married woman no matter how well off or highly educated she is. This safety net makes it less risky for her to quit her job to meet the needs of her family. Should her marriage fail, she can depend on alimony payment from her former husband to tide her over. Laws enacted to enforce alimony payment further strengthens the idea that staying home poses little financial risk. Alimony laws in Singapore were forged in the 60s when most women were homemakers. The economic situation of women has improved tremendously over the years. Many are now highly educated and pursuing successful careers. The laws need to move with the times. Access to alimony should be restricted to women from the low educational and income levels and when they could be in a dire financial situation upon divorce. This will send a strong message, especially to highly-educated women, that staying home would no longer be a viable option for them. Sulthan Niaz Source: Straits Times

As above, any knowledge? Is it the coil or something else. Can it remedy by DIY?

Work-life balance is something good-to-have and by all means introduce it island-wide if possible. But in view of the hectic schedules most of us have, it is not easy to achieve in reality even if our employers are open to it. Ultimately one must decide what is more important: to strike a good balance by seeking a less-stressing i.e. less-paying job or be adverse to the whole concept and continue slogging till you get what you want? From CNA: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin...1234058/1/.html S'poreans unable to enjoy work-life balance: survey Posted: 29 October 2012 1112 hrs SINGAPORE: Workers have identified overloading of work and high-pressure deadlines as the main reasons for not being able to achieve work-life balance in Singapore. A recent survey on work-life balance in Singapore found that nearly nine out of 10 workers surveyed worked beyond their official hours. Beyond working hours, 70 per cent chose to complete unfinished work in the office while the remaining 30 per cent chose to bring work home. The survey by recruiter Jobstreet.com also found that only 30 per cent of the respondents claimed that their companies had initiatives in place to promote work-life balance. 45 per cent indicated that their companies pay lip service to work-life balance with policies in place just for show. Respondents suggested corporate tax relief and enforcement of policies as steps that the government can take to encourage more companies to promote work-life balance at the workplace. About 650 workers and 135 employers participated in the survey that was conducted in September. - CNA/xq

Hi all, After reading many postings from members on what engine oil to use for your car, I happened to read through Automobile Association of Singapore (AAS) website and below is their recommendation. I hope it helps you to understand better: Just like petrol, engine oil is another vital liquid that no car can run without. As commonly referred to as 'lube' oil, this substance plays a significant role in limiting the engine's wear, influencing its fuel economy and even aids cooling to a certain extent. As with petrol, engine oil is available in several grades or viscosities. Also referred to as 'weight', these are denoted by numbers such as 5-W40. Generally speaking, older cars tend to require thicker viscosities such as 15-W50 while newer cars engines are built with finer tolerances and can use thinner oils such as a 0-W30 weight. What To Do To find out which oil suits your car, refer to the owner's manual or check with your car's dealer. There are many different brands on the market of varying qualities - price is usually a good indicator of how good an engine oil is, so shop around. What It Means The advantage of using a 'lighter' oil is that it flows more quickly to the engine's moving parts during start-up and a thinner oil also helps the engine's fuel efficiency as the moving parts within it have less resistance to work against. Another way of explaining this concept would be to imagine how much more energy you'll need to stir a bucket of thick liquid verses a bucket of water. Unlike petrol, cars are more sensitive to the engine oil that's put in them and as a general rule you should never mix different oils in the same engine. Engine oils also come in three basic categories; mineral, semi-synthetic and fully synthetic. While mineral is often the cheapest, fully synthetic oil is the most expensive as it lasts the longest. Oils 'break down' or loose their viscosity over time or distance driven. When this happens, the engine oil looses its ability to protect the engine. So long-lasting fully synthetic oil will ensure the best protection right up to your next service. Even though most synthetic engine oils claim to be effective way in excess of your car's recommended servicing intervals, you should still keep to the latter schedule to maintain your car properly.

Who here is die die must bang sai before going out to work in the morning? I normally try to wait until I have my first dump before I go work , else if halfway gek sai is sibeh jialuck, sometimes the sai wanna like jua chut lai make me loon until face white and cold sweat. Few times have to ask wifey wait in the car while I go her office building toilet bang sai. Last time never driver lagi worst, take bus 170 to work, knn traffic jam and sai also have to jam my sai, until I act weird weird and got spasm people think i got problem or what, only can choose bus stop near to petrol kiosk so can bang there. For the record I morning must bang sai at least twice, probably first time not totally unloaded as body not warmed up totally. Paiseh, a bit disgusting this topic but has been on my mind these couple of day so have to bang chut lai. and its affects the way I drive and I wonder if folks here also experience such nature calls.

u not much time to enjoy life..... wat's the point?

My friend was a bump before NS, after that he became more serious, re-did his O-level as a private student and finally got his diploma. He told people NS changed his life:- the disciplines, etc and confinement in camp gave him time to think about his future. I also have friends came out of NS same, or even worse, than before. My lessons in NS were very small:- field camp ------> appreciate basic comfort in civilian life, keng-kings colleagues in camp ----> how to spot keng-staff at work Not sure more positive or negative lessons which we can use in current work, or even just civilian life.

Hi All, my wife is a teacher and she is due soon. She have requested for HL and will countinue with her ML when she gave birth. Now the school wants her to set exam papers when she is on ML. Is it legal? Thanks for the advice

my fren's passport was stolen over the weekend when they went bkk... they have reported to malaysia high comm when they were in bkk but now my question is..can they still work in sg ? and what should be done? i tried calling ica hotline..but seems to be forever down...

http://www.thedaily.com/page/2012/06/24/06...age-fiasco-1-5/ NATICK, Mass.

Most people picked up new things eg hobbies already when they we're younger. Major new things may be things like looking after baby if they are new/first time fathers? What else? Hunting, or spotting wild life? Wild boars?