Yesterday, Chrysla and I went to the office to collect the pool passes. At the same time, I also told them about our intention of discontinuing with the lease. In the past, each apt unit is issued with 3 pool passes. One is for the family staying here, two are for guests. Now, they issue each family member a pool pass. Adults are issued with while passes while those 14 or youngers are issued with red passes. Now, we can't bring the gals nextdoor for swimming anymore. Only their parents are allowed to do that. In addition, they do not isse any more guest passes. This means that the pool is only for tenants. If Chrsla's friend, Kayla, comes to our home to play again, she can't go swimming with us. Good thing we're moving in end aug. :)
Oh yeah, Kayla will have a sleepover tonorrow. We're going to Six Flags Theme Park on Monday. The road trip takes about 2 hours. Hopefully, it will not be too crowded. But i know it's just my big fat hope.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Reply to sis on selling of furniture
Hi sis,
So far, only sold the coffee table. The sofa and dining table, the ladies did not get back to me. So I'll take it that they do not want it anymore. I think you have seen the pictures of Andover Place. The living and dining area is not very big. Moreover, we still have a piano and 2 desktops. The piano and my desktop pc will be place in the living + dining area while Chrysla's pc will be placed in her room. As such, we wish to sell them so as to have more space in the living + dining area. For the dining table, I don't think we can really sell at such a high price due to the chairs. They're kind of shaky. We're actually waiting and see when one or two will tear apart. So far, out of the 6 chairs, only 1 chair is sturdy. Anyway, we change our mind on the dining table and we'll keep it but maybe some of the chairs need to be thrown away. As for the couch, we love it very much but it's kind of big and occupies a lot of space. We'll raise the price of the sofa and sell it again. When I checked through the Craigslist of Boston, I discover there are many people who post in free items, most are left on their curbs. That's pretty generous of them.
So far, only sold the coffee table. The sofa and dining table, the ladies did not get back to me. So I'll take it that they do not want it anymore. I think you have seen the pictures of Andover Place. The living and dining area is not very big. Moreover, we still have a piano and 2 desktops. The piano and my desktop pc will be place in the living + dining area while Chrysla's pc will be placed in her room. As such, we wish to sell them so as to have more space in the living + dining area. For the dining table, I don't think we can really sell at such a high price due to the chairs. They're kind of shaky. We're actually waiting and see when one or two will tear apart. So far, out of the 6 chairs, only 1 chair is sturdy. Anyway, we change our mind on the dining table and we'll keep it but maybe some of the chairs need to be thrown away. As for the couch, we love it very much but it's kind of big and occupies a lot of space. We'll raise the price of the sofa and sell it again. When I checked through the Craigslist of Boston, I discover there are many people who post in free items, most are left on their curbs. That's pretty generous of them.
Malicious code that makes your computer visit illegal Web sites.
Just saw this article on MSN website. I thought it is rather interesting and would be great for you guys to be aware of this. In fact, I have been hit by computer virus before that led me to a porn site. What happened was I was at a website trying to download the video clip. My computer was infected by the virus once I allowed the download of the clip. Worse of all, when I did any search in google, the search always returned with a few porn site included. Good thing I manage to find ways to get rid of it. By the way, the usual way of getting rid of the virus will not get rid of the virus at all.
On Monday, a Massachusetts court dismissed child-pornography charges against Michael Fiola, a state employee. It was alleged that the 53-year-old had accessed the illegal material at work, but an extensive forensic investigation (PDF) of his computer revealed that viruses and other malicious programs—25 of them, to be exact—were the culprits. Why would someone create a virus that downloads child pornography?
So other people could secretly view the porn. Fiola's computer had been taken over remotely by "botnet" operators, who lowered its security protections and may have sold child-porn enthusiasts access to the machine. This enabled people to view illegal images and videos by storing them in Fiola's Temporary Internet Files cache, as opposed to their own computers. Fiola remained oblivious to the tampering because the bot operators made sure they didn't slow down the computer too much by consuming lots of memory.
However, not all of the porn on Fiola's computer arrived as a result of human activity. According to the forensics report, his workstation was often processing 20 to 40 pornographic Web pages per minute, a rate no human could sustain. This suggests that Fiola's computer was used as part of a larger "click fraud" scheme involving legal porn sites. Under a pay-per-click advertising arrangement, Web content providers profit whenever a user clicks an ad on their page. Unfortunately, this system isn't too hard to manipulate: An unscrupulous webmaster can hire a botnet to make infected computers click on his advertisers' links. The most lucrative click-fraud schemes are those that target the best-paying ads, many of which are pornographic. And because some bots are able to navigate the Web without first opening an Internet browser window, affected users are often oblivious to any misconduct.
It's not impossible to catch a botnet in the act. The IT department in Fiola's office suspected him of illegal downloading when they clocked his bandwidth at four times that of his colleagues. But Fiola's computer lacked adequate virus protection—the software he used wasn't functioning properly—so he could not have detected the activity on his own. - by Tony Romm
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Selling our furniture
Chrysla's is starting her very first day of her summer holidays. We did not do much today. But she went over to our neighbor nextdoor. The gals helped her to straighten her hair using the hair straightener. Haha! No much change though.
I'd put up our couch (with hide-a-bed), coffee table and the dining table up for sale in Craigslist. The responses were quite fast. So far, I had responses for all of them. Two of them requested for the furniture to be shipped to them through mover company, and they would pay via bank cashier check. However, I did not abide with them as there're a lot of scams involving faked money order, bank cashier check and so on. The Craigslist site actually advise all sellers to sell to locals only, meaning cash transaction with the buyers coming to your home for collection. They also advise all sellers not to disclose their social security number (quite similar to CPF) and bank account numbers. If not, the buyers are the ones who will be in financial problems.
The couch was sold at $125 but the buyer is a single mom with 3 kids. She will only be able to pay $60. We agree to it. However, till date, I still have not heard from her friend since her friend is the one who correspond with me. As for the coffee table, the heavy and sturdy "fellow" is sold for $40. Now, it should be having a relaxing time in its new owner's home.
The selling price for the dining table is $60 and someone will take a look at it tomorrow. She may or may not want it.
I think Craigslist is rather useful. There's craigslist for singapore too....maybe i should check it out and see if the furniture in sister's shop can be put in there.
I'd put up our couch (with hide-a-bed), coffee table and the dining table up for sale in Craigslist. The responses were quite fast. So far, I had responses for all of them. Two of them requested for the furniture to be shipped to them through mover company, and they would pay via bank cashier check. However, I did not abide with them as there're a lot of scams involving faked money order, bank cashier check and so on. The Craigslist site actually advise all sellers to sell to locals only, meaning cash transaction with the buyers coming to your home for collection. They also advise all sellers not to disclose their social security number (quite similar to CPF) and bank account numbers. If not, the buyers are the ones who will be in financial problems.
The couch was sold at $125 but the buyer is a single mom with 3 kids. She will only be able to pay $60. We agree to it. However, till date, I still have not heard from her friend since her friend is the one who correspond with me. As for the coffee table, the heavy and sturdy "fellow" is sold for $40. Now, it should be having a relaxing time in its new owner's home.
The selling price for the dining table is $60 and someone will take a look at it tomorrow. She may or may not want it.
I think Craigslist is rather useful. There's craigslist for singapore too....maybe i should check it out and see if the furniture in sister's shop can be put in there.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Gymnastics Award Event
It's Chrysla's gymnastics school award event yesterday evening. Not only did it mark the end of the gymnastics season, it also marked the end of operation of Palaestra Gymnastics Academy. Palaestra is now renamed as Legends Gymnastics. Yesterday, Kathy (ex-owner) was there. I guess they invited her for as a closure to Palaestra. Not only that Steve, the ex-coach, also came back to support the girls. He was warmly welcomed by the girls. They just kept on calling his name. Too bad, Amelia and Brenda did not come back. How I wish they're still with the girls.
The award event started with the girls of different levels, doing floor routines. After the completion of the floor routines, each girl (who did not participate in any completion) got a trophy to award them for their effort. As for the competition teams, the girls were given a plaque each. The plaque has a team photo with the names and the scores for their MA state meet this year.
It ended with bouquets of flowers given to 3 coaches coz they're leaving Palaestra. After that, we're free to take pictures in the gym and also to have our dinner.
I kind of prefer last year event when Kathy gave out awards like the girl that is the most hardworking and so on..... I cannot really recall.
Chrysla' s sleepover while we went out for dinner. We also watched the movies "The Happenings". It's rated "R" and that was the best time to watch the movie.
The award event started with the girls of different levels, doing floor routines. After the completion of the floor routines, each girl (who did not participate in any completion) got a trophy to award them for their effort. As for the competition teams, the girls were given a plaque each. The plaque has a team photo with the names and the scores for their MA state meet this year.
It ended with bouquets of flowers given to 3 coaches coz they're leaving Palaestra. After that, we're free to take pictures in the gym and also to have our dinner.
I kind of prefer last year event when Kathy gave out awards like the girl that is the most hardworking and so on..... I cannot really recall.
Chrysla' s sleepover while we went out for dinner. We also watched the movies "The Happenings". It's rated "R" and that was the best time to watch the movie.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Chrysla's 5th Grade Award Ceremony
There's an Award Ceremony for the 5th graders in Chrysla's school this morning. We went straight to the gymnasium (hall) for the ceremony. So coincidental that we met Kaylor's dad, grandma and her younger sister. Actually before we got the programme sheets, we really have no idea what kinds of awards there would be. It's encouraging to see awards like academic bowl, effort, perfect attendance, good citizenship and maths competion and of course their graduation certificate.
One good thing is that the awards are for all classes. That's really helps to keep the morale up.
Chrysla got three awards for effort, perfect attendance and Continental Math League (2nd prize). There's even a mini medal for the Math League.
Will upload the pics amd the video much later. Very sleepy now.
This video is the slideshow that Chrysla's homeroom (form) teacher, Ms Collins, had put together for all the parents to see.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Andover Place (Riverview Commons)
We are at Riverview Commons just now. Anyway, they have changed the name to Andover Place. According to the property manager, only one apartment unit (renovated model) will be available at that time. The floor area is 949 sq ft, slightly smaller than Palm Gardens, and the it's been through renovation. Hence, the kitchen has a counter top that's kind of similar to Windsor Green. The carpet also looks better than the classic model (no prior renovation). The monthly rental is $90 more than the classic one. JS and I discuss about it and decide to go ahead and make a reservation. The apartment unit is located on the first floor. Oh yeah, the unit no. is 111. Not bad..huh... We will move in on the 1st Sep which falls on a Sunday.
After the paper work, we ask him to show us the model apartment again. What a pleasant surprise we get when we are at the lobby. They've just renovated the lobby and the hallway. It used to be dim and now it's so brightly lit with the hall lamps. It's definitely not as classy as Windsor Green but it makes you feel welcome. There's a keypad at the entrance. The visitors can type in the phone numbers of the tenants and the locked door will be activated. This is also something new that they've just installed.
Right now, they're also renovating their clubhouse and the fitness center. It should be ready when we move in Sep. Some how, JS and I feel that we're blessed. We'll only move in after all the renovation is done.
Just click on Andover Place to take a look at the photos. You'll be shown the one bedroom apartment model (renovated model).
And compare with the classic model.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
This musicoftheuniverse user has really interesting videos. This is one of them.
Click on his user name to see other videos.
Very Hot
Today is real hot. It's about 93 deg F (33 deg C). Hence we decide to go for swimming to cool ourselves. We go to the pool together with the girls next door since their mom's busy cleaning the home. Finally, we're at the pool and Gavin n I get inside the pool. Oh goodness me! It's so cold! My hands are kind of numb from the cold water. I really don't understand how the others can stand the cold. Anyway, I swim across the breadth of the pool a few times so that I won't feel the coldness. It works......but only for a while. In the end, we have no choice but to leave the pool after half an hour. Sigh.....just too cold....
Tomorrow we'll be going down to Riverview Commons for registration. Most probably, we will have to move during late Aug. I know it's ghost month but it's a better choice. If we move in Sep, we can only move from the 2nd week onwards (1st week is for them to clean the apt). That's not a good time considering Chrysla will be starting new school term around that period of time.
Tomorrow we'll be going down to Riverview Commons for registration. Most probably, we will have to move during late Aug. I know it's ghost month but it's a better choice. If we move in Sep, we can only move from the 2nd week onwards (1st week is for them to clean the apt). That's not a good time considering Chrysla will be starting new school term around that period of time.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Friday, December 29, 2006
Kancamagus Scenic Byway
Just went for a one day trip to Kancamagus Scencic Byway at New Hampshire on 28 Dec (Thu). It is about 2 hours drive away. It is one of the most scenic routes through the White Mountains. The length of the Byway is 26.5 miles (42.4 km).
Luckily, our Christmas gift (sent by elder sis) from Singapore arrived on 27 Dec. Well, that's because the digital camera is inside the parcel. If not, we will not be able to take any pictures.
Another good thing that happened was that it snowed at White Mts. So we are able to play with the snow. Chrysla even lie down on the snow and make a snow angel. Haha!
Scenery at White Mts are spectacular and simply breathtaking. Took quite a number of pics.
Anyway, those who are interested can check it at this link:
Kancamagus Scenic Byway weblink
Luckily, our Christmas gift (sent by elder sis) from Singapore arrived on 27 Dec. Well, that's because the digital camera is inside the parcel. If not, we will not be able to take any pictures.
Another good thing that happened was that it snowed at White Mts. So we are able to play with the snow. Chrysla even lie down on the snow and make a snow angel. Haha!
Scenery at White Mts are spectacular and simply breathtaking. Took quite a number of pics.
Anyway, those who are interested can check it at this link:
Kancamagus Scenic Byway weblink
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Dear Tom, Chinsu & Archie
You are right. Chrysla has grown up a lot... even as her parents, we are so sad that to see her grow up. So what we do is to watch her video clips...hee... we have her video clips esp those in usa...... we miss our little princess too....
Hope everyone is fine at home.
Merry Xmas & a Happy New Year.
Hope everyone is fine at home.
Merry Xmas & a Happy New Year.
It's been a while
Has been a while since my last post. Life at Massachusetts is great... nice to see such beautiful scenery..... which is very different from the scenery in Arizona....
Winter is almost here but it is already very cold over here..... it can be as low as 25 degrees F (-4 degrees C). It is so cold that I have to put on gloves..... seriously dun understand why some people can just be out at the streets without putting on any gloves...
Try to take pictures but too bad.... our camera seems to have some problems.... can only see some dark shadows on the screen.... haha! But my elder sis is very nice.... she bought a camera for me in singapore..... says that it is on offer...... so now jus hv to wait for her to send the camaera.... plus other goodies such as mamee snacks for Chrysla which is bought by her cousin Rainer using his own pocket money. Hee....
Recently have also just order some stuff online.... chicken rice mixture..... sambal chilli sauce......nonya steam fish chilli sauce and so on. One is about US$4 ++. So we can have chilli steam fish and oso sambal chilli prawns....
Chrysla is doing very well in sch.... oso doing quite well for her gym n piano...... even now Gavin has started to learn to play the piano.....of coz using the keyboard..... we did go n check out the electric pianos but it is not cheap..... it costs around at least ard US$2k to buy a reasonable electric piano. But if we intend to go back singapore next yr..... we will hv to postpone the plan on buying a piano for her.
Winter is almost here but it is already very cold over here..... it can be as low as 25 degrees F (-4 degrees C). It is so cold that I have to put on gloves..... seriously dun understand why some people can just be out at the streets without putting on any gloves...
Try to take pictures but too bad.... our camera seems to have some problems.... can only see some dark shadows on the screen.... haha! But my elder sis is very nice.... she bought a camera for me in singapore..... says that it is on offer...... so now jus hv to wait for her to send the camaera.... plus other goodies such as mamee snacks for Chrysla which is bought by her cousin Rainer using his own pocket money. Hee....
Recently have also just order some stuff online.... chicken rice mixture..... sambal chilli sauce......nonya steam fish chilli sauce and so on. One is about US$4 ++. So we can have chilli steam fish and oso sambal chilli prawns....
Chrysla is doing very well in sch.... oso doing quite well for her gym n piano...... even now Gavin has started to learn to play the piano.....of coz using the keyboard..... we did go n check out the electric pianos but it is not cheap..... it costs around at least ard US$2k to buy a reasonable electric piano. But if we intend to go back singapore next yr..... we will hv to postpone the plan on buying a piano for her.
Xmas Greetings
Howdy everyone!
First of all, we wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Love,
Gavin, Alice n Chrysla
First of all, we wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Love,
Gavin, Alice n Chrysla
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
New Car
Well, here are some pictures of our new car. This is our very first time owning a brand new car. Gavin is sure to dote on it....... guess probably more impt than me....haha!
Monday, October 2, 2006
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Latest 2 photo albums
Hi everyone,
Just uploaded two photo albums. One is our road trip 2006 and the other is our apt, Forest Acres Apt.
And too bad, the children's day is on sunday and not monday....haha! If not, teachers will have a
long weekend.......
Oh yeah..... for those who don't know what the word 'sotong' mean........ it is actually a malay word... means squid...... it oso has another meaning ----- blur....
Love,
Sotong Alice
Just uploaded two photo albums. One is our road trip 2006 and the other is our apt, Forest Acres Apt.
And too bad, the children's day is on sunday and not monday....haha! If not, teachers will have a
long weekend.......
Oh yeah..... for those who don't know what the word 'sotong' mean........ it is actually a malay word... means squid...... it oso has another meaning ----- blur....
Love,
Sotong Alice
Monday, September 4, 2006
Happy Belated Teachers' Day
Hi teachers from Singapore,
Wishing everyone of you a Happy Belated Teachers' Day. Was on road trip from Arizona to Massachusetts and did not really have any chance to post any articles.
Hope everyone of you enjoy your precious long weekend... hee....
Cheers
Alice
Wishing everyone of you a Happy Belated Teachers' Day. Was on road trip from Arizona to Massachusetts and did not really have any chance to post any articles.
Hope everyone of you enjoy your precious long weekend... hee....
Cheers
Alice
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