Yahoo article - Do you really need travel insurance ?

In the past, every time our family travel, they will for sure buy travel insurance. Now that I also sometime will go on vacation, they will also ask me if I had bought any travel insurance, if I didn't get one, will for sure will get nagging from my mum. But is it really compulsory ? I start to think the money that I spend on travel insurance is like wasted. It's only if something happen to me when I'm overseas then it will be able to be use. If I will be in the country for a few days only, maybe it's not that important at all ?!?!



Cut and paste - https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/really-travel-insurance-160000512.html

Do You Really Need Travel Insurance ? 

By Joanne Poh | MoneySmart – Thu, Feb 5, 2015 12:00 AM SGTShare

• 
  

Travel Insurance sounds like something meant to fleece kiasee people of their hard-earned cash. Many of us pay for travel insurance before we get on that plane. But why don't we buy travel insurance when we cross the Causeway to JB for a massage? 

Heck, you're more likely to get into an accident dodging angry drivers on the AYE or PIE than strolling the streets of Tokyo or Paris. In addition, if you have a medical insurance policy here in Singapore, you might recall your agent having told you something about being able to make claims for overseas medical costs.

For every cautious, over-insured traveller you'll meet, you'll find a footloose and fancy free backpacker who "doesn't believe" in insurance. So how necessary is travel insurance, really?

How much does it cost?  

Most people don't think twice about what goes into that plate of Char Kuay Trow. Neither do they think about what they're actually paying for when they buy travel insurance. 

While there might be variations, most standard travel insurance policies offer coverage for the following : 

- Medical costs incurred overseas and upon your return, including hospital stays

- Costs of evacuation and repatriation if you need to be sent back to Singapore 

- Compensation for travel delays or disruptions that aren't your fault 

- Compensation for cancellation of your trip 

- Compensation for delayed luggage 

- Compensation for loss of personal belongings or money, including lost luggage and passports. 

Unfortunately, probably won't be allowed to make claims for millions if you decide to see some celebrity doctor. Insurance companies usually impose upper limits on how much you can claim so make sure you don't take liberties when incurring costs. 

Typical limits for a basic plan are $250,000 to $500,000 for medical expense oversea and $10,000 to $20,000 a day for hospital stays. 

Travel insurance for a week-long trip to Thailand might cost about $25 to $30 for the most basic version, and rise to around $65 to $80 for the most comprehensive plan.

Can your existing health insurance policy do the job?

For many people, it's the medical component of the travel insurance policy that they're the most concerned about. Sure, it might be annoying to have to wait for a delayed flight or have your luggage delayed, but neither of them is going to bankrupt you. 

And if you already spent one entire afternoon with your insurance agent trying to pick a medical insurance policy, why do you still need travel insurance ?

If you have a medical insurance policy, it's likely you'll be able to make some slams for medical expenses incurred overseas. But you'll have noticed that your existing policy contains some gaps that will end up in your having to fork out money. 

If your medical insurance policy covers you only if you stay at least one night in a hospital, you might be out of luck if you have to see a doctor for emergency treatment that doesn't warrant a hospital stay. For instance, while you might just stay home for a few days to recuperate back in Singapore, have a fever can wreck your entire holiday if you don't see a doctor for medication. 

Furthermore, while a visit to the polyclinic in Singapore might cost just $10, without the time to rely on an overburdened healthcare system overseas, you might find yourself paying top dollar for private healthcare. 

If you are travelling to a remote area, falling sick or getting into an accident may mean being evacuated by helicopter or something similarly dramatic, or even flown back to Singapore. The cost of evacuation and repatriation is often not covered by traditional health insurance plans.   

Basically, the crux is that there are certain things travel insurance covers that medical insurance doesn't. And while the like hood of these things happening is very remote, the costs can be insane. 

How to cut costs 

Not all travel insurance policies are created equal. This means that if you don't want to pay too much, you can opt for a more basic plan that costs less. This means the maximum amounts you can claim in each category will be lower. You also won't receive coverage in certain area such as pre-existing health conditions.  

Getting covered for a week long trip costs the same amount as one or two touristy souvenir T-shirts. And you'll probably look better without the T-shirts anyway. But it's important to make sure you're getting the right coverage even if it's for a short trip, so head on over to MoneySmart's Travel Insurance Comparison Page for a fast and effective way to get your travel insurance needs sorted.  

Korea life - day 189 (week 27) / 2D1N daejeon part 2

Korea Life - 30 Aug (Day 189 Week 27)

Last night we didn't got to do foot spa because of the operation hours, so this morning we woke up early to go and do foot spa. By the time we arrived, there was quite a lot of elderly had already started soaking. We were the only few that are in our twenties, felt a bit odd but we decided to just ignore and enjoy ourself. Only 3 of us went to do the foot while other 2 was back in the hotel sleeping, they even made us wait for them for 2 hours then they appear in front of us. Because it's Qi's friend, I can't show angry face or else she will feel sorry.

We headed to the traditional market that  we saw last night when we were looking for the sky walk. Turns out that the traditional market is one of the biggest traditional market in Dae Jeon.

Daejeon Jungang Market (대전 중앙시장)  

Website = http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/SH/SH_EN_6_2.jsp?cid=1665599 

How to go = Daejeon station (line 1) Exit 1

It's quite similar the the traditional market - Gwangjang market - that is in Seoul. We walked for a while and stop one of the store to have bibimbip but the rice is barley rice which I don't like but I still had half and I left the rest for Qi to help me to finish it. Then we went to look for the popular bread shop that is only available in Daejeon.  

Sung Sim Dang Bakery (성심당)

website = http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/FO/FO_EN_6_4_4.jsp?cid=1797254

At first had problem to find the place but luckily we had google map that led us back to the right track and finally find the main branch of the bakery. Turned out it the store that we found, wasn't the main branch, it was the branch that sells cakes. The cakes all looked soo delicious that I can't resist myself from buying despite of the price, in the end we all bought one each!! It's only after we finish buying the cakes and walked out of the building then we noticed the shop next to it was the shop that we were looking for !! So once again, we went in and shop for breads again !! We bought the most popular red bean bun and plan to eat on the bus when we are heading back to Seoul. 

Left with some time before we need to head to the bus terminal, so we went to the underground shopping mall is located nearby. The underground shopping mall was much bigger than the underground shopping mall in Seoul! But I was not really in the mood for shopping as the things selling there are not very that nice and fashion as Seoul. However still walked around and take a look first then went to sat down and wait. All of us were so tired that we just sat at the beach and wait for time to past. But like no matter how we waste, the time still past super so slow, so we just decided to just head to the terminal and ask if we are able to change the timing to a earlier timing back to Seoul. And we are able to change with FREE OF CHARGE. -__- || Should have come and change even earlier !!

 Reach Seoul much earlier than we planned. Seeing the sunset via the park near our place, Qi and I decided to sit down at the park to eat our cake while the kids were running here and there, before heading back home to the super small area that we call home.  

Korea life - day 188 (week 27) / (Daejeon) 2D1N daejeon part 1

Korea Life - 29 Aug (Day 188 week 27)

Qi's mum will be leaving for Singapore today and we will be heading to Daejeon for a short 2D1N trip before the school re-open. Headed to the airport with Qi as she also need some help with the baggages and everything. Chat with her a bit on the bus as I know she's quite sad that her mum and aunt is heading back to Singapore so soon.

We didn't have much time before they could check in so we just had fast-food for lunch and just walked around blindly. Before sending them in, Qi already can't stop crying. For someone like her to stay away from home for so long, it's really difficult for her to say goodbye. She at first didn't wanted to say goodbye but she sent them into the department hall. After she calmed down, we went to look for the stand to depart to Dae Jeon.

Instead of meeting Qi's friend at Seoul's terminal bus station, Qi and I took the airport bus straight to down to Dae Jeon (although the bus ticket from airport to Dae Jeon is slightly more expensive than departing from Seoul's terminal bus station.) Once we arrived at the Dae Jeon, we walked out of the bus terminal to take another bus to the centre of Dae Jeon to meet up with them.

The bus ride took us another 20 min and we saw Qi's friends waiting for us at the opposite bus stop so instead of waiting for it to turn for one round, we just alight and close the road to meet up with them. Headed to check in into the hotel that we will be staying for the night after meeting up with them. Because all of us have not eaten lunch yet, so we headed to a restaurant that is located nearby our hotel (heard was quite popular ) for late lunch then look for the skywalk street.

Took the subway and followed google map and we found this place. Was quite disappointed as we thought it will be beautiful and can also do some shopping, but turn out that there are timing to the light show and by the time we arrived there, the show was almost ending already !! (there are the timing to the light show - http://www.skyroad.or.kr ). So we only stayed there for 30 min only and went back to the free outdoor foot spa located nearby our hotel.

found from Google image 

Even thought it was very dark (not a lot of lamp pole around ), there are still a lot of people sitting around soaking their legs. We read the instruction then start to soak our leg but we haven't soak for 10 min and we were told that it's closing soon, we should get going!! Turn out that the place wasn't 24 hours. So we decided to come back again tmr morning around 8 plus in the morning as there will be fill with people later of the day (and we will need to head back to Seoul too.)  

Korea life - day 187 (week 27) / (Seoul) Musical

Korea life - 28 Aug (day 187 week 27)

People who have been to Hyehwa in Seoul, would know that there is posters of musical everywhere.
I'm not really into musical as musical are always much more expensive (in Singapore), but ever since seeing the numbers of musical of the poster, it make me want to spend money to go and see at least one show.  

And recently the poster of the musical <<Dracula>> are everywhere and it caught my attention that I really wants to take out my money to go and see. At first no one wanted to watch me so I thought of giving up and don't go, but after thinking to myself "just because no one willing to spend the money to watch with me and I give up just like that." And after reading this news - http://www.allkpop.com/article/2014/06/musical-dracula-release-interview-and-posters-of-jyjs-junsu - it's act out by JYJ Junsu, this make me want to watch even more !! so even though the ticket price is slight expensive but I decided to watch the musical alone!!!

Images from Yahoo. 

Today is the day of the musical. Made Kimbap and went out to look for the place earlier than the musical. Surprising the place is quite easy to find (i just follow the people who I think will be going to the same place as me, hehe). The Seoul Arts Center's Opera Theatre is very big and amazing. They even have water show for people to enjoy. Luckily I did pack kimbap as the food that they sell there are too expensive for a poor student like me.

I walked around the theatre and saw lot of people were just busy taking picture with poster and buying things., They even sells books and CDs of the musical itself, I was so tempted to buy the book but it was totally written in Korean. With my current Korean standard, it will be a waste of money if I really buy it. Not only that, they even rent telescope for people who are interested. I entered the theatre hall 20 minute before the show starts and just sat down and wait for the show to start.

The show started on time. Although I don't really understand what it is it saying but the actions and the actings are much better than watching movie. Even though there is a 20 minute interval but I only step out of the theatre after the whole show ended. OMG ! And even after I stepped out of the theatre (after the whole show ended), I still can feel the excitement of the show, think I'm hanged to musical from now on !! Think I won't mind going to another one more musical!!

Korea life - day 186 (week 27) / (Seoul) Family vacation day 5

Korea Life - 27 Aug (Day 186 week 27)

Last night before we headed back to rest, we bought bread for the rest as this morning we won't be going out for breakfast. Did some last minute packing and we check out from the hotel. They left their luggage at the lobby (they have this luggage storage service) and helped me to send my things back to my place first.

This is the first time they saw my room, they didn't said much but I know what they are thinking. I just kept trying to send to out of my room and let take a ride to school. So we went to exit 1 to take the shuttle bus up to SKKU, then we slowly walk down to the side gate to eat a bowl of Wicked snow dessert first then we took the taxi to eat Ginseng Chicken soup at Gyeongbokgung station.

The Ginseng Chicken soup is the popular store that Qi brought me here the last time, and this time is the same as that time. Queue is long but didn't really have to wait for too long and they have place for elderly to sit down and wait as we queue outside. They have 2 different kind of seating, the traditional kind which is siting on the floor, the other one is siting on chairs. When is our turn, we request for chair seating because my grandma would have problem to stand up after that. Because I had ate once which Qi, I teach my family how to eat the ginseng chicken soup the correct way, and the customer was siting next to us, just kept looking at us and follow our action as they have no clue how to eat at all !!

Still have some time left, so we just walk around then headed back to collect their bags and we went to take the airport limbo bus to airport. In the end, we reached the airport too early, and we cannot check in yet. So we just randomly walk around and when the time is up, then headed to check in. Turned out that their luggages were too heavy, and had to take some thing out or else will have to pay fine. Took out some things to hand carry although don't really want too.

After sending them in, instead of taking the subway back, I just took the airport limbo back to home. For the next few days, I have some time to myself as Qi's Mum is still in Korea and my classmate are still not back in Seoul yet. Have to decide what to do myself...

Korea life - day 185 (week 27) / (Seoul) Family vacation day 4

Korea Life - 26 Aug (day 185 week 27)

On request by my Grandma so we went back to Migabon for breakfast again. Today schedule is to 2 places only - Insadong, Lotte Mart and Namsan Tower

Took the taxi to Insadong, I thought they will be interested in it but because they had enough shopping at Namdaemun so we didn't stay there as long as I thought. Since they have no interested at Insadong anymore so we headed to Lotte Mart.

Many people will confirm has a lot of things to buy back for friends and company so I brought them to the biggest supermarket in Seoul to buy the snacks. I just intro them all the things that I like and the things that I normally will buy. In the end, they bought too many things so we took the taxi back to our hotel again !!

Since there is a lot of time left, we rest a bit first then took the taxi up to the cable car area of Namsan N tower. For the first time I didn't need to queue up to get board the cable car (because we were there early, around 4 plus). We walked up while our grandma and mother took the lift up to the top level, they were waiting for us at the top level to board the cable car together. With the short queue to take the cable car, thought that there is not much people around but turn out that I was totally wrong !! So many people were there taking picture and even having meals.

Once we alight from the cable car, steps were waiting for us already. Although this is one of the reason why at first I didn't want to bring my grandma here in the first place, but because she like this kind of places. I kept asking her is it all right, let rest a bit them continue, but she will just reply me is ok. Even though hearing her say is all right, I still feel bad to make her walk so much steps. She can walk straight path slowly but she will need to use more strength if she need to walk steps. Luckily she really love the views and kept asking us to take picture for her and wants us to take with her too. We found a spot like the others to sit down and enjoy the views.

We left the place before night fall, and it was a good idea as when we were getting off the cable car, we saw there the staff were getting ready the queue for people who is coming. Took the taxi straight to Jonggak for BBQ pork dinner. We were super lucky as the rain only started to fall when we had boarded the taxi, although there was slight traffic jam, but it didn't bother us and we just kept chatting on the way.

I bought them to the BBQ pork restaurant that I always bring people over, and they also enjoy it a lot. Kept asking me why never bring them over on the first day instead as they won't have request for it everyday! Don't want to go back with a full tummy, we went for a walk around Jonggak then we send Grandma and mother back to the hotel first then both me and my brother went to Myeong-dong for a walk first as it was still slightly earlier.  

Yahoo Article - 5 things you can do to save your eyesight

In the past when I was working in Singapore, my work require me to stare at the computer screen for the whole day. Now that I'm working in Jeju, although it don't really need me to stare at the computer screen for the whole day, but there is still a need to stare at it. And there are times that we will be surfing the net, it has the same amount of time that we stare at the screen as we stare at the screen at work. With me already wearing glasses, I just hope that my degree won't get any deeper. Don't know if below article could me to improve my eyesight.

Cut and paste - https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/stare-screen-day-5-things-175808051.html

Do You stare at a screen all day ?
Here are 5 things you can do to save your eyesight 

By Kevin Loria | Business Insider - Sat, Jan24, 2015 

Most of us are aware that staring at a screen all day makes our eyes feel dry, tired, and irritated - with potentially harmful longterm consequences - but we also know that our jobs frequently require us to sit in front of a computer.

Our smartphone, televisions , and tablets also end up consuming a fair amount of our leisure time, piling on more eye-exhausting (and damaging) time.

We've even got a new term that describes this phenomenon and its eventual consequences: digital eye strain, sometimes called "computer vision syndrome." That describes the eye discomfort as well as the total destruction of posture that we experience after being positioned in front of a computer all day.

And while yes, it'd probably be best for our eyes, bodies, and minds if we all spent the majority of the day outdoors on our feet, we all know that isn't going to happen anytime soon.

So here are 5 things you can do to counteract the physical problems caused by staring at your computer, recommended by medical experts at the Vision Council and in medical reviews on the topic: 

• Blink. - When we stare at screens, we forget to blink, which dries out our eyes. It's hard to remember, but trying to make sure you keep blinking can help. Eyedrops are another simple and useful way to keep eyes from getting too dry. 
• Increase the size of text when needed. - Staring at small text can make you squint and put your face closer to a screen, leading to fatigue and headaches, among other issues - so boast text size and colour contrast to make things easier to read. 
• The 20-20-20 rule. - After 20 minutes of work, take 20 seconds to look at something 20 feet away. Your eyes have muscles that help them move and focus on different objects, but if we stare at a screen the same distance away for hours at a time, those muscles have a hard time adjusting once we move again. This is what we can cause that end-of-the-day fuzziness, so prevent it by looking around every so often.
• Limit blue-light exposure in the first place. - This can be a tough one, but there are a few things that can help. Simply taking breaks from the screen is useful, by scheduling meetings or organising some of your work so that it can be done on paper. In some cases, antiglare filters, computer glasses, and apps that block some blue light can help as well. 
• Position your monitor in the right place. - Keep your computer monitor about 35 to 40 inches away (further than you might expect), with the centre of the screen about 5 inches below eye levee. This positioning is associated with the lowest levels of visual strain, and it'll also prevent the neck and back pain that come along with computer vision syndrome. 

Korea life - day 184 (week 27) / (Seoul) Family vacation day 3

Korea Life - 25 Aug (day 184 week 27)

Todays first stop after breakfast was Namdaemun. Although they kept saying that they is nothing much to buy but we spent few hours there, buying souvenirs even when I told them that I will be bring them to Insadong to buy souvenir. Since they want to buy, I have no reason don't let them buy, so I just follow them around (for the first time). Went back to put down thing and rest for a while then later will have to head out again

Going to meet Qi straight at the rail bike entrance as my grandma wouldn't be able to stand all the walking of Chuncheon even thought the view is very nice. Was thinking of taking the ITX to chuncheon so I told them to take their time, but when I checked with the hotel guy to help me to check the timing of the ITX to Chuncheon, he said there is no ITX to the station !! I nearly black out! why all of the sudden there is no ITX to chuncheon ? So I only left with one way there, which is taking the subway for 2 hours.  

Heard that we might need to take the subway for 2 hours, my grandma suggested that we take the cab there. I was like "It's very far away, it's going to cost a lot", my grandma very cool said "never mind, I pay.". My brother who was beside me ask me to just follow what my grandma said, take the cab all the way to Chuncheon. In the end the whole ride costs 90,000 KRW, I felt speechless, sad and angry. (Trust is it's really a day that I don't feel like talking about again.) Although it is a good thing we took the cab as grandma fell asleep in the cab when we were on our way, but this is the first time I spend so much on taxi fee, feel like a fool.  

LJ was late once again and we had to keep calling her and rush her to faster come. They had to run as people had already started boarding the bike. I sat in front with my Mum while my brother sat at the back with Grandma. The scenery are as beautiful as the last time I saw, but this time were much tiring that the last time. Maybe because the last time was 4 young adult cycling, today is only me and my brother were cycling so it's much more tiring. Thank god, Grandma like this ride a lot, she asked me to bring her here again the next time if she coming to Korea again.    

After the ride, we took the shuttle bus back to the starting point and took the subway back. Take to a nearly station then change to take the cab back. Dinner for tonight was Korean fried chicken which is located 2 block away from our hotel. By the time we could really rest, was already almost 12am. What a tiring day ...

Korea life - day 183 (week 27) / (Seoul) Family vacation day 2

Korea Life - 24 Aug (day 183 week 27)

Yesterday wasn't able to eat this because I can't find the place, is only when we finished then we saw the store (LOL lor ), therefore today we headed to Migabon for breakfast. But when we arrive at the entrance of the store, I nearly fainted !! The store is located on the second floor and there is no lift !! I felt bad early in the morning, already kept making Grandma walk here and there. Glad that at least she love the congee served or else I would have scold Qi the moment I see her later!! Since there is no other place we could go, so we headed to Noryangjin station earlier

Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market (노량진수산장)

Add : 688, Nodeul-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 서울특시 동작구 노들로 688 (노량진동)
Operating Hours : almost 24 hours (open all year around)
How to go : Noryangjin Station (Subway line 1), Exit 1. Walk 100m over the bridge

Noryangjin is one of Korea's largest seafood markets. The vibrant, abundant year-round market is connected to Noryangjin Station by a bridge. Over 830 seafood items are available for wholesale and retail purchases. Visitors can purchase fresh seafood and get it sliced into sashimi at one of the restaurants in the market.

However turns out that we arrived at the station too early !! We still had to wait for Qi and LJ, but luckily that Qi also arrived at the Noryangjin station early. My mum and grandma had a chat with Qi's mum and aunt while we were waiting for LJ. Ask LJ to meet us inside of the station, in the end she went out and waited for us. So we had to spend some time to look for her and her friend that can really depart for the fish market.

The fish market is really super big that we were so amazed by it, we can't stop taking picture!! It took us like 5 min later than was able to go down to the market itself to go closer to the stores. The bad thing about this place is that there is no lift and the floor are all wet, I was so afraid that my grandma will fall down! Kept holding to her arm tightly and slowing take every step. After seeing most of the store, we decided to start buying some seafood to eat. We choose a store that was able to speak Chinese as it will be easier for the elderly to communicate too. By the time we finished purchasing everything, the final price was not really as cheap as I thought I will. I don't think I will go back again (by myself) but if got friends like to go, of course I will still bring that there.

After the heavy meal, we headed to express bus terminal to do some shopping. Too bad I don't have the chance to shop as my grandma and Mum has no interest at all in the shopping here. My brother don't have the mood to shop too since my grandma and Mum kept following everywhere we went. So in the end, we just went to have coffee and just sat there and wait for time to past. Why did I went there when my grandma and Mum has no interest in shopping ? Because I want to bring them to the bampo bridge to see the water fountain show !!

But when we were walking toward Banpo bridge, Bloodly hell, it started to rain !!! We still went to Banpo Bridge and look for a place to sit down and waited for the show. In the end, they really cancel the show due to the rain !! So sad !!! Came all the way, wanted to show that the nice water show, in the it was cancel !! Feel so waste of time !! And because of that, 8 plus already we still haven't eat dinner yet ! We took the cab back to the hotel and we let the elderly stay indoor to wait while my brother and I went out to buy food back for them. There wasn't much left for us to choose, so we bought Bibimbip and fast-food.

Yahoo Article - The best laptops you can buy

Sometime when I'm using my MacBook Air laptop, I hope that I had bought a window bases laptop as some thing can't use Macs' computer to do. But after reading below article, appealingly MacBook Air laptop is one of the better laptops compare to other brand. Maybe I should stop complaining and start to learn how to use my laptop will be even better.

Cut and paste from - https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/best-laptops-buy-180412862.html

The Best Laptops you can buy 

By Lisa Eadicicco | Business Insider - 13 hours ago

• Sha

Picking out  a laptop isn't easy. It's hard to really understand whether or not a computer is right for your needs until you've actually used it for a while.

Maybe it's a bit more clunky than you thought when you carry it in your bag during a commute. Perhaps the screen is too reflective for your liking when you're watching Netflix. And, worst of all, what if the battery life is much shorter than you expected?

We've researched some of the best laptops on the market and combed through reviews to at least give you some of the best options to choose from.

The MacBook Air is gorgeous, super slim, and light. 

The MacBook Air is still one of the best laptops you can buy. Not only is it razor thin and light, but it offers excellent performance and battery life too. In its review, PCMag wrote that it got more than 10 hours of battery life out of the MacBook Air. It comes in 11 and 13-inch screen sizes, but if you plan on using it primarily for work we'd suggest the larger option.

One thing of note: Apple is reportedly going to release a new version of the MacBook Air in a few months. You may want to wait to see about that if you can afford to wait.

Price : starting from $899 

The MacBook Pro with Retina display has a beautiful screen and more ports than the Air. 

If you want a Mac laptop with a better screen, check out the MacBook Air with Retina display. There's a $300 difference between the entry level 13-inch MacBook Air and MacBook Pro of the same size, and the extra cash gets you a faster processor with better graphics, a sharper screen, and more ports such as an extra Thunderbolt port and a spot to plug in an HDMI cord. 

Price : Starting from $1,299

Dell's new XPS 13 is just as portable as the MacBook Air, and its a bit cheaper. 

Dell's new 13-inch Windows laptop comes with an impressive 3200 x 1800 touchscreen with an "infinity display," which basically means it has really thin side bezels. It's a great option if you want to stick with Windows but want something that's an thin and light as a MacBook Air. The company claims it'll provide 12 hours of battery life, although it's too soon to know for sure since the notebook just launched.  It's $100 cheaper than the 11-inch MacBook Air and $200 cheaper than the 130inch version. 

Price : Starting from $799 

Lenovo's ThinkPad X240 is one of the best business laptops out there. 

The ThinkPad X240 is a little heavy, but if you're usually using it at a desk for work it's an excellent business laptop. It has a comfortable keyboard and a fingerprint señor to keep your information safe. Based on reviews from ZDNet and PCMag, Lenovo offers plenty of different configuration options and a set of two batteries that can last from 15 hours on a single charge. The only downside is the screen isn't as sharp as what you'd get on a competing device, since it only has a resolution of 1366 x 768. 

Price starting from $854

Toshiba's Chromebook 2 is super cheap and has great battery life. 

Toshiba's newest Chromebook is among the best out there. It has a beautiful screen, great battery life, and it feel comfortable in your lap. The design is sturdy enough to withstand being tossed in your bag during commutes without getting scraped up. If you mostly use your laptop for doing light work and browsing the web, this is a great choice. 

Price starting from $250 

Dell's Inspiron 17 5000 Series is a reasonably priced laptop with long battery life. 

Dell's Inspiron 17 5000 Series is an affordable general purpose Windows laptop with a sharp screen, solid performance, and long battery life, according to PCMag's review. Slthough it's relatively cheap at $449, its aluminium design makes it look more attractive than your typical sub-$500 notebook. Try this one if you need a Windows laptop that offers better performance than the HP Stream but don't want to spend too much money. There's also a touchscreen model if you want to spend an extra $200  

Price starting from $449 

The HP Stream is one of the cheapest laptops you can buy. 

You don't have to spend a ton money for a new Windows laptop. The HP Stream comes as cheap as $200, and includes a free one-year subscription to Microsoft Office Personal. For a $200 laptop, the HP Stream is pretty good: the keyboard is decent, the battery life will get you through a day or two with mixed usage, and it's so light I nearly forgot I had it in my bag. If you really don't want to invest much in a laptop, opt for the Stream or a Chromebook. But if you choose the Stream, you'll have to sacrifice high-quality audio and a sharp display.

Price starting from $200 

Acer's 13-inch Chromebook has a sharp screen and is super cheap. 

If you're looking for a dirt cheap Chromebook with a great screen and long battery life, go for the Acer Chromebook 13. It's one of the few Chromebooks in its price range that comes with a 1080p full HD screen (Toshiba's does, but the HD version if $50 more than Acer's), and Engadget's review says it lasts for a long time on a single charge. If you're in the market for a Chromebook, this is a worthwhile choice.

Price starting from $292 

The Asus ROG G751JT is the best gaming laptop you can buy. 

 Asus' ROG G751JT is a beast. The wire cutter crowned it as the best gaming laptop since it combines powerful hardware, premium build quality, and the ability to play most graphics-intensive games on high settings. It's also got a gorgeous screen and a seep, comfortable keyboard.

Price starting from $1,749 

The Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro has a gorgeous design that's super flexible. 

Lenovo's Yoga 3 Pro is one of the company's thinnest and lightest laptops yet. The screen is gorgeous, according to CNET's review, and it comes with a flexible hinge that lets you bend the screen all the way back. The downside, however, is that the battery life isn't very long. Consider this one of you want a nice looking laptop that can accommodate different form factors. If you plan on using it a lot for presentations and think you'll be near an outlet most of the time, this might be a god choice. 

Price starting from $1,296 

Korea life - day 182 (week 26) / (Seoul) Family vacation day 1

Korea life - 23 Aug (Day 182 week 26)

First day of our family vacation. Start the day early as Grandma needs to eat breakfast first then can start the day. Although the hostel do provide breakfast but we went out to Myeong-dong to have breakfast. I planned congee's breakfast as it will fix my grandma's taste-bud more than english breakfast. Wanted to go to the store that Qi introduce me to try but I can't find it so just randomly chose a congee store and went in.

The store itself was located on the second floor but because they have lift, so I have no issue with that (Or else I will feel bad, make grandma walk so much steps.) The amount that they serve were quite big that we can't even find a bowl ourself. After that filling breakfast, we shopped around Myeongdong and introduce some of my favourite shop to them too. We bought so many clothes from Spao as my mum and brother find the price there were very cheap too.

Google were to have lunch after all the shopping and saw that there is a bibimbip store next to Spao which has quite good reviews. It is a store that just sell bibimbip only, so we all had different kind of bibimbip. Stone pot bibimbip, normal bibimbip, raw beef bibimbip.. Price although slightly expensive but because is located in Myeongdong, the price are normally around this range.  

We went back to the guesthouse to rest for a while since we have so much shopping bag and grandma need a nap before we can go on. An hour later, we took the bus to Dongdaemun (didn't took the subway is because not many exit has lift and there are too many steps in the subways for my grandma, therefore the best option is bus or cab.)

But because my grandma and mum have no interest in shopping and they just kept following us so both me and my brother no longer have mood to do shopping so we went to have dinner. Went back to slept early, to get ready for tmr.

Yahoo article - Top 30 things to be thankful for if you live in Singapore

One full year away from home make me understand that the place you call home are always the best. Even through I have no problem staying oversea for long period but I will still like to call Singapore as home. Therefore below this article made me once again thankful that I'm a Singaporean.


Cut and paste from - https://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/singaporescene/top-30-things-to-be-thankful-for-if-you-live-in-013838692.html

Top 30 things to be thankful for if you live in Singapore (and you're reading this)

Would you like to ....

• Have a stronger immune system ? 
• Lower your blood pressure?
• Be happier and more joyful? 
• Be more optimistic? 
• Be more generous? 
• Be more compassionate? 
• Feel less lonely ? 

Scientific studies have found that you only need to do one thing: Be grateful.

In the spirit of the holiday season, I thought it'd be a good idea to remind ourselves of what we have to be thankful for. 

My work is all about helping teenagers to become happy and successful - and gratitude is a big part of that. So I've listed 30 things to be grateful for if you live in Singapore, and if you're reading this article. 

1. Cheap and good food : Singapore has plenty of it. 
2. 24-hour eateries : You never need to go hungry. 
3. Greenery : Trees abound. You forget how nice this is until you visit other countries where there's little greenery.
4. Singlish : We don't usually think about how unique and amazing this language is!  
5. No natural disasters : This is something we - or at least I - often take for granted. 
6. Racial and ethnic diversity : This is one of the most special things about Singapore. 
7. Religious freedom and tolerance : It's nice how we all get along pretty well. 
8. Internet access : You're reading this, which means you have Internet access. (You're in the privileged 40 per cent that does.)
9. You have a smartphone or a computer : These powerful tools are only available to a minority of the world's population. 
10. Connectivity : Referring to Points #8 and #9, you can communicate with people around the world instantaneously. 
11. Opportunities for generosity : Referring to Point #10, you can potentially add value to millions of people through a blog post, video or podcast. The Internet allows us to be tremendously generous!
12. You can read : 774 million adults can't, so let's appreciate this gift. 
13. In all likehood, you went to school : Referring to Point #12, this probably means that you've had an education (121 million children are out of education) 
14. Libraries : Singapore has more than 25 National Library Board libraries, where you can read thousands of books for free. 
15. Endless ways to learn and improve : Referring to Points #8 and 14, if you want to learn about almost anything in the world, you can. You can improve yourself as long as you have the drive to.
16. Clean drinking water : You have access to clean drinking water (780 million people don't.)
17. Electricity : You have electricity in your home (1.3 billion people don't.)
18. Clean streets: Thank you to all the hardworking people who keep our streets clean, every single day! 
19. Nice public housing : In most other countries, you wouldn't use "public housing" and "nice" in the same sentence. 
20. Safety : It's (generally) safe to walk the streets after dark. 
21. Changi Airport : Our airport is so nice that people go there to hang out. There are few airports in the world where people do that. 
22. Parks and beaches : We have plenty of well-maintained parks and beaches. 
23. Clean government : No matter what your views are on the government, you'll probably agree that, at least, it's not corrupt. 
24. Air-conditioned shopping malls : If you want air-conditioning, you can walk into any shopping mall. And we have a lot of shopping malls. 
25. Air-conditioned public transportation : 97 per cent of public buses are air-conditioned, and so are our trains 
26. MRT and LRT : The train system works well (in general), and the network is expanding. Getting around is becoming even more convenient. 
27. People line up at MRT stations : People line up when waiting for the train. I remember the time when this wasn't the case ! 
28. We "chope" seats usinng packets of tissue paper : This practice is more remarkable than we give it credit for. 
29. "Aunties" and "Uncles" : We call every somewhat old person either "Auntie" or "Uncle". Visitors to Singapore find this curious, which reminds me that it's a fascinating practice.  
30. You're alive : This is the most important one, because it means that you can make a difference to someone today. As Maya Angelou once said, "As long as you're breathing, it's never too late to do some good."

I don't deny that we all face problems and callings daily. But that doesn't mean we can't be full of thanksgiving. 

So for the rest of this month, I encourage you to write down just one thing a day you're grateful for. I can almost guarantee that you'll see an improvement in your mood and overall well-being.