Friday, August 25, 2006

Handphone Cheats and Careless Folks

After reading the article, you will know what it means.
(Name has been excluded to protect myself, not the shop owner, BUT
Location is revealed partially to protect future victims)

xxxxxxxxxx Pte Ltd
(Lucky Plaza Basement, Near 7-eleven)

Maybe it has been circulated by their rivals where they sales are low.
Maybe it is just opportunity they see and yet the victim don't.
Maybe it is the genuine case.

Whatever the Maybe,
If you are looking for bargains, don't feel offended if you got cheated.
Take a look at another perspective, if you are willing to go to those main
shops,
SingTel, Starhub or M1. Will you suffer the same fate?

It's because you wanted advantage, but lost, so you blame the other party
for taking advantage. What kind of loser is this?

At this day and age,
one must know the amount of risk to take
in exchange for the amount of benefits.

If there is a law which says business must operate lawfully and honestly.
You don't need receipts.
You don't have scams reported.
You don't even need police.
The justice judge may be out of job.

I sincerely feel for you, BUT
you have to understand :
- the world is unfair and will never be fair.
- the world is ugly, the people are worse.
- the world is round, the fate goes around.

- The article can be seen as long-winded
The article can be seen as descriptive -

>>>>> Article Extract >>>>>

> Hello Friends,
>
>I just want to share with you a terrible experience we had when we
>traded-in my mother-in law cellphone at the CYBER JIN Pte Ltd (Lucky Plaza
>#B1-81,near 7-eleven) this weekend.
>
> The story goes like this; my Mom wanted to trade-in her old cellphone
>to buy a brand new N70. We accompanied her to the Lucky Plaza hoping we
>could get a good bargain. Then we found this store that agreed to buy my
>Mom's cellphone for $220 and would charge us only $550 (net) for an N70
>under the condition that we do both transactions (buy and sell) with them.
>So far, this store offers us the best bargain compared to other
>stores from the rest of the building.
>
>We agreed to their transaction proposal as we were then in a bit of a hurry
>(she was only a tourist and would stay in Singapore for only 4-days).
>However, when we were about to pay, the salesman suddenly told us "Why do
>you want an N70? This is a very bad phone. In fact this is one of the most
>problematic phones of Nokia." He immediately caught our attention and in
>fact gained our trust (imagine a salesman telling you that a product you
>are about to buy from him is not worth the money you are paying it for). He
>then proceeded to make his presentation about why
>we should not buy an N70 and even said "If you really want it I can sell it
>to you but please know that we've heard a lot of complains about it".
>
> Afterwards, he brought out an N6280, which he said was by far a better
>phone than the N70 at almost the same price (he even gave another short
>presentation of its advantages). Of course, since he already gained our
>trust, we found his presentation very convincing. We bargained for the
>phone and he said "I can give it to you at just $555 (net)".
>
>After being impressed by a convincing presentation, my Mom agreed to
>trade-in her old cellphone for $220, and buys the brand new N6280 for
>$555(This means that she just would have to shell out another $335). We
>told the salesman that we would pay by Nets and we gave him our card.
>
> While paying, he tried to sell to us a 64Mb mini-SD Card for $20. We
>said we did not want it (as my mother wouldn't use it anyway). We proceeded
>with the transaction, got our phone and asked for the receipt.
>
> The salesman said that the Nets certificate would be our receipt.
>Should we encounter any problem, we just look for him and he would be
>happy to assist us. Since we are in a hurry, we took our phone and nets
>certificate and left. While we were leaving, he handed us the 64Mb mini-SD
>Card and said "Take this as a free gift from me".
>
> After a long day of sight seeing and a little shopping, we finally got
>home and my mom finally had her first chance to test her new cellphone. To
>her surprise, the supposedly brand-new cellphone had contact numbers (some
>even had photo-contacts) of some people in its phone memory (meaning it was
>used and wasn't brand new!). We then checked the phone's serial number
>(IMEI#) and again to our dismay, we found out that the phone's IMEI#
>doesn't match the IMEI# listed in the box. We did a research to see what
>other things the salesman tricked us into believing and we found out that
>the 64Mb SD Card that he was trying to sell us for $20 was in fact part of
>the phone's original package (some other things listed as part of the
>original package as seen from brochures were also missing). Not just that,
>we checked the Nets certificate, and learned that he charged $355 instead
>of just $335 (so sneaky, we didn't even notice!). Worst of all, we found
>that the price of the N6280 from
> neighboring stores is just $450(net) while he sold it to us for a total
>of $575! (Including the extra $20 we did not notice that he charged us
>through Nets).
>
>Imagine how disappointed my Mom would be after knowing that she bought a
>cellphone that is not just $100+ overpriced but is also isn't brand new as
>we were made to believe (plus the fact that some of the components from the
>original package were removed and the that salesman charged more than what
>we had agreed).
>
>The next day, we went back to the store to complain and get a refund. The
>salesman said that he couldn't give us a refund. What he can do is to buy
>the cellphone we bought from him a day ago for $575, and give us ONLY $300
>(does he think we're that stupid!!!)... We did not agree and
>insisted a REFUND; during our discussion one of his colleagues shouted,
>"Give them a new box so that they would leave!!!" (He's so rude!) I don't
>know how stupid these people think we are if all we came for was to get a
>new box.... I told them that if they wouldn't refund our money, we would
>report this matter to the police. They just gave an insulting grim and said
>"Go ahead, we'll see you in court" and then one of them lit a cigarette
>(inside the shop), and smoked in front of us and along the hallways of the
>mall (while wearing that insulting smile) as if
>telling us that he is not scared of the police. In fact, he can smoke in a
>"No Smoking Zone".
>
>While we were leaving (to complain to the police) we came across an Indian
>couple who owns souvenir shop nearby and told us that this (our incident)
>happens almost every week. The Indian lady said that this store always gets
>complains from tourists but are always able to get away with it because
>tourists usually would just go away. She also said that this store avoids
>(if they can) giving receipts to unsuspecting customers to cover their
>fraudulent transactions. She suggested that if we can, we should complain
>these people to the authorities because they make Singapore look bad. We
>went to the security department of Lucky Plaza and the security people
>helped us contact the police. The Lucky Plaza security people also admitted
>that this always happens but it's just not their jurisdiction so they
>really cannot do anything about
>these incidents other than making a report to the police. The security
>people also advised that it is illegal for a store not to issue a proper
>receipt detailing all transactions to a customer. This means that the Nets
>certificate that we have (although having the store name and address) is
>not a valid receipt after all.
>
>The police came, talked to us and told us to wait for them at the security
>counter of the mall while they went to the store and talked to these
>people. We told the police that we want a refund because we were cheated
>and do not trust these people or any of their products anymore.
>
> We also reported that the store did not issue a proper receipt. The
>police went to the store, talked to the manager and came back to tell us
>that the manager's suggestion was to give us a new N6280 (one that matches
>the IMEI of box and the unit!!!) so that all of these would be settled. We
>told the police that we want a refund and we don't want to do any business
>with them. Then, the Police suggested that we file our complaints to CASE,
>because they are not the right person for these kinds of situations.
>
>As of now, we are gathering all evidence we can that could help when we
>file our complaint to CASE. We are hoping that the Nets certificate that we
>have will suffice as one of our evidences. We are no longer interested of
>the refund, what we want now is to teach these crooks a lesson so that they
>will stop cheating other people.
>
> Let this email be a warning to you and your friends. Always check a
>product very well (research if possible) before buying and always make sure
>you get a 'detailed receipt' of all your transactions.
>
>Never fall prey on these predators waiting for unsuspecting customers.

>>>>> End of Article >>>>>

What's the point? Why mask?

Use your brain, use your brain, your brain, BRAIN!

First you mask first 12 digits...



Next you mask the last 4 digits...



Combine these two useless receipts and you get a >>

PAPER CREDIT Card.

(If you haven't notice, they are from the same restaurant)

Are they really putting in effort? Or not enough?
Or are we there yet?
Is there a need yet?

Anyway, increasingly, the online stores are beginning to check
the additional digit behind the credit card.
We called it the "hidden" 3 digits.

Are we feeling safer already?

Anyway, how much can "they" robbed you from your credit card?
Hor?

Since you "robbed" the bank for 55 days.
You can also allow others to rob you,
but not for 55 days, for eternity... Hahahha


If you want,
do it right,
If you don't,
don't bother,
half fu*k jobs,
doesn't bring you anywhere.

(This applies to all, not just CC companies)

Sunday, August 20, 2006

Canon IXY 800 (IXUS 800)

You have to admire the technology, Image Stabiliser.

I have just got a Canon IXY 800 (SD 700 IS Digital)





- 4x Optical Zoom, (digital zoom are plain useless)
- Image Stabiliser, (say good bye to flash overkill photos)
- Fun feature - colour swap!

These are the highlights that I want to share with you folks.
Simply amazing!
I have used quite a number of digital cameras for a while.
(Many thanks to all my friends for parting with their beloved cameras for me)

And I know it's time for me to get one myself. With the recent introduction of image stabilisation technology, it's time to hunt for a simple, light, memory friendly, reliable and quality camera.

Cameras that I have short-listed: (CAM - Storage - SGD)
- Panasonic FX01 - SD/MMC - $600+
- Casio Series, Z60, Z600 - SD/MMC - $500-600+
- Sony T30 - Memory Stick - $700+
- Canon IXUS 800 - SD/MMC - $749


As you can see, most
Image stabilization cameras cost around half a grand, so it's prudent to choose the best one. You can compromise on shots, but not on cameras. So, this is considered an invaluable investment that captures the moment and replays your history.

With simple point and shoot (PnS) digital camera, there are only two credible players.
Canon and Nikon. (Nikon was not chosen due to the absence of image stabilisation)
Then there came Sony. All long, I have considered Sony to be paying for the "BRAND".
With Steady Shot introduced, it totally changed my perception. Frankly speaking, "Steady Shot" is currently the best image stabilisation technology around. But still, memory storage was expensive as compared to the highly popular SD world.

So therefore looking at big picture, Canon IXUS 800 is still my ultimate choice.
I'm lovin' It!!!

Thanks a lot Terese for the long long journey. :P
And all the rest of the purchases.

To let you have a taste of what color swap can do...
It can turn green peas into BROWN ones...
Hahahah... Just for leisure shoots...



Original Photo Color Swapped
(Photos are original from the camera, only cropping is done)

But once, I had a friend who told me about photos you see on the net.
You do see beautiful pictures by lousy or not so popular cameras,
It's not the photographer is good, is not the camera is good,
it's the person who did the photo editing, that is GOOD.

Photography comes in a package.
You need to know how to SHOOT and EDIT.
Beautiful photos don't come easy.

- We thank god when it's Friday
Do we blame them when it's Monday? -

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Parenting Tips, not just about Tits

Dear lifetime contractual parents out there,
(and those without contract plans parents, looking out for NEW plans with
FREEBIES and discount)

If one ain't going to take care of your own kids, don't
blame it on the maid or his peers from leading him/her astray.
You only got yourself to blame...
(Don't sign over the bikini line of the contract and terminate contract,
penalties applies)

Why? If you need to juggle, juggle it well.
Don't do half-fuc* jobs, wanna bring up kids, bring them the best.
(words has been censored to protect the young, and my refined status -
Hahahah)

Best doesn't always mean LuXuRiOuS gifts and rewards.
Generally, people are always thinking of substitution.
"I didn't spend enough time with my kids,
so I can repay by":
- giving them extra pocket money
- buying them new hand phones and gadgets
- fulfilling their materialistic needs

GOD DAMN you !!! (YOU this kind of parent)
If money would to be so powerful,
why not pay someone to do your job
and you can nurture your children with your REAL love.
I doubt you know the meaning of LOVE, so just drop dead.
(Don't cross the road with hope to be knocked by a car,
you are just bringing more misery to another innocent party,
why can't you learn???)

So in the first place, if you cannot afford to cope,
don't crave for tits nor ticles, if wanna have them, have some control...
if too shy to buy control, let me know, I'll get some for you...
(Never trust SELF CONTROL - 8 out of 10 lose control)

- Damn LAME ah, BUT
Don't blame the TITS -

Ok, read on for more pricking story:

>>>>> Begin of extract >>>>>

SPENDING QUALITY TIME WITH YOUR CHILD IS THE BEST GIFT
------------------------------------------------------
Letter from Nelson Quah

I refer to Frances Ong Hock Lin's article, "Real gifts of a road warrior
parent" (Aug 14).

I agree with her that parents should not replace or substitute themselves
with gifts that will have a negative impact on their children. Instead,
they should always strive to build a healthy relationship with them.

This problem is not only restricted to parents who have to travel overseas
in the course of their jobs. It also happens to parents here who spend
most of their time at work, outsourcing their parenting duty to maids.

Feeling guilty for not spending time with their children, they will try to
make up for it by lavishing large sums of cash as an allowance for them to
spend at shopping centres and fast-food outlets.

These kids are left on their own with little guidance. Many could end up
mixing with bad company, causing headache and sometimes heartaches to
their parents.

Perhaps, it is time for busy parents to ask themselves if they are happy
with the type of relationship they now have with their children. If not,
it is within their power to take the first step towards improving it.

>>>>> End of extract >>>>>

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

The PADANG - Bring your pandan cake

Hey people...

The best way celebrate national day is to be present at the padang...
But the performance is over, the fireworks are over, the prime minister...
WHO CARES? (Oops, lucky this is not the main stream paper, yea?)

Nevertheless, there is a encore performance, totally vu-ja-de.
NOTHING to do with [N]on [D]elighful [P]arade.
(Because I wasn't allocated tickets to this non delightful event,
blame it on myself, that I did not have the luck of the 8 TOTO winners
to buy black market tickets...)

BUT, a special event by Class 95.
Please, no kiasu-ism allowed.
It's meant for the romantics...
It's meant for the family bonding...
It's meant for the potential date...
It's meant for the lovey dudey couple...
It's not meant for the "uncontrollable" BABIES, please.

Thank you for your cooperation.

A bang for your buck
(No need bucks at all, except the ever increasing transportation cost)
Free Movies!!!
==============
X-Men III: The Last Stand (Don't worry, you can sit down and watch them
STAND)
Mission Impossible III: But I saw him wearing the Impossible is Nothing
shoes.

Here is where you can find out more details.

http://www.class95.sg/main2.htm

Date: Saturday, 19 August 2006
Time: 6.30pm
Venue: The Padang

Proud Class 95 Listener.
Cause there's only one CLASS.

- [C]heerful [L]ovable [A]ffectionate [S]exy [S]ingaporean -

Friday, August 11, 2006

Terror Threats

With all these terrorist around...
The way we live will be so... different...

Imagine shopping at crowded place, u risk losing ur life rather than the last piece of discounted blouse.

With liquids being banned on flights, we are going to suffer from dehydration.

Without hand carried luggages, all Gucci & LV hand bags will not attract anyone in the luggage deck of the plane!

HAaaa...

This tiny entry is brought to you by AvantBlog using my Dell Axim 51v.

- No fancy...
Just simplicity -

Monday, August 7, 2006

An Every Year Affair

Now they have shed the light...
It will come every year, whether you like it or not...
You have no choice, they are the cheapest form of transport...
Every year 1 cent, 10 years only 10 cents mah?

So every year, does our SALARY gets increased as well?
At least, at the same rate of 1% minimum???

In case you haven't take into calculation, it's PER TRIP.

So what is the best alternative to taking the public transport?
NONE. (Oh, ya you can suck THUMB)
All I can say is, their stock will keep on rising.
- This statement is not an inducement to buy -

BUT don't you think the frequency level is not optimized whenever we need it? Eg. During office peak periods? Why do we always have to SQUEEZE?

We can only see what PTC can do to alleviate the situation.


Sometimes how I wished Singapore has not progress so fast,
I miss the good old days of fun which has been exterminated in today's fast advancing technologies.


There's no time for you to take a break.
Even the infamous kit-kat is dead now, right?



>> Extract >>

SBS Transit and SMRT apply for bus, train fare hikesPosted: 01 August 2006 2054 hrs
It is confirmed. Both SBS Transit and SMRT have applied to the Public Transport Council to increase their bus and train fares. The application came just hours before the deadline to do so expired at the end of Tuesday. The proposals for the fare hikes, if accepted by the PTC, will be announced next month and will kick in by October. This year, there has been a slight change in the dates. The deadline to apply for adjustments was pushed back from May to August because the PTC said it needed time to implement changes to the Act, such as introducing new service standards. Fuel costs have been rising for the two big bus companies, by as much as over 40 percent just in the last year. SBS Transit says that diesel is its second biggest cost item after manpower. So it has decided to ask for a fare increase after much deliberation. With the formula imposing a 1.7 percent cap, SBS Transit says that most adults travelling on its buses and trains would see a one-cent to two-cent increase in fares. If the maximum is approved, that will yield SBS Transit almost $10 million a year. SMRT is also planning an increase averaging two cents, affecting mainly adult and senior citizen stored-value EZ-Link cards. In many ways, the fare increase was widely expected. When the new formula for calculating fare increases kicked in last year, the government said small and regular increases were preferred to big jumps every few years. So, fare adjustments will probably be annual affairs now. And both SBS Transit and SMRT have already hinted they would do so. Both companies also say that they are mindful of the problems the fare increase would impose on the not so well off. Hence student fares and concession passes will be unaffected. Both companies will also have funding schemes for the lower income groups to offset any burden posed by fare increases. But will commuters accept these arguments? <<>>

<<>>
"They have the reason for raising their fares. Because of the oil.....they have to have a coverage. So I think it is ok," said a commuter. "First, it was the oil price increase, and then the bus fares, and then the taxi fares. It all came so suddenly. It's not the amount, it's like all at once. It kind of adds up for us," said another. "What will be, will be. But when fare increases, there will be upgrading of services and it's useful for upgrading," said a third commuter. "Students, older people and the poor people would probably need more help," said a fourth. The new head of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Transport, Cedric Foo, told Channel NewsAsia that the companies should also consider discounted rates for poor school children, off-peak rates for retirees and issuing a limited number of free passes for the unemployed who need to commute for job interviews. - CNA/ir

>> End of Extract >>