5 Secret Features Of The Singapore Currency

Whether you call it SGD or Sing-dollar, Singapore Dollar is our country’s official unit of currency. It consists of paper notes and coins. Paper notes are divided into S$2, S$5, S$10, S$50, S$100, S$500, S$1,000 and the rare $10,000. While, the coins denominated in 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents and S$1. All these money hold their very own secret features.

Read through the post to find out more.

Image Credits: Aleksandr Zykov via Flickr Creative Commons

#1: I AM STILL STANDING

Grab a S$5 note from your wallet. Do you see the Tembusa tree printed on it? Believe it or not, that tree is still standing in the Botanic Gardens. It is believed to be at least 200 years old. Imagine the wonders it holds!

#2: THE STRONG SHALL PREVAIL

Ever wondered why polymer banknotes exist? For starters, these plastic notes are water-proof. Not only can a polymer notes survive a washing machine spin, but it can also survive being forgotten in your pockets for a long time. According to the the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), polymer notes last three to four times longer than their paper counterparts.

What is more impressive? Polymer notes have ingredients that are not available commercially. This is a way to prevent production of counterfeit notes.

#3: SELL NOT THY JEWELS

Rocking accessories made from or resembling Singapore coins sounds pretty cool! However, wearing these jewelries may land you at the wrong side of the law. Under Singapore’s Currency Act, it is illegal to “mutilate, destroy or deface” any form of Singapore currency. Be ware as offenders can be fined up to $2000!

#4: THROUGH THE MAGNIFYING GLASS

The seemingly unnoticable “line” at the top of every banknote is actually a microtext. You do not believe me? See for yourself! Get a magnifying glass from your father’s tools and take a closer look. At the top left-hand side of any note, the microtext shall state: “MONETARYAUTHORITYOFSINGAPORE”. Interesting way to hide your name, MAS!

#5: YOU CAN HAVE A REPLACEMENT

Have you accidentaly tear up one of your paper notes before? You are not the only one! A S$50 with a missing corner is practically worthless. Fortunately for you, you can exchange your note at the local banks.

What is the catch? Firstly, you must present at least two-thirds of the original note for a full refund. Lastly, you must provide evidence that you did not intentionally destroy your banknote.

Image Credits: Narin BI via Flickr Creative Commons

I hope that helps! 🙂

Sources: 1 & 2

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Free And Useful Tips For A Netflix Addict

Are you addicted to binge-watching on Netflix? I know I am!

There is no denying that the term “Netflix and Chill” is embedded in our Urban Dictionary. Netflix is one of the good things that happened to our modern generation. As we all know, good can always be better! Continue reading on to improve your Netflix experience.

#1: THE NETFLIX ROULETTE

Are you tired of getting suggestions related to your last Chick Flick marathon? Or, are you indecisive when it comes to finding the “perfect” movie for your first date? Today is your lucky day!

It is difficult to scan over 4,000 titles just to find an interesting series or film option. Fortunately, there is a digital tool that will help you randomize your searches. Flix Roulette can filter by director, actor, and keywords to help pinpoint a suitable series or movie. See for yourself!

#2: CLEAR YOUR HISTORY

Imagine promising to your spouse that you will re-watch Ant-Man together. The following night, you had to pull an all-nighter to finish an important assignment. As a reward, you decided to watch three Paul Rudd movies including Clueless, Knocked Up, and Ant-Man. How can you interfere with Netflix’s algorithm to spare your partner’s feelings?

Image Credits: Gage Skidmore via Flickr Creative Commons

Fret not, my friend. You can selectively delete your history. Simply follow these steps to remove any of your misdeeds.

#3: THE STREAM OPTIMIZATION

There are two ways to optimize your streaming experience without breaking the bank. Firstly, you can schedule your binge-watching sessions during off-peak periods. Trends have shown that fewer users are online early in the morning or very late at night.

Secondly, you may manage your streaming when buffering occurs. Access the Netflix stream manager by Shift + Alt or Shift + Opt (for Mac users). This will take you to buffering solutions and other streaming options. Unfortunately, you may have to sacrifice the picture quality to get a faster streaming rate.

#4: ELIMINATE THE MOOCHERS

As a kind individual, you may have unwittingly shared your Netflix account and password to your social circles (including ex-lovers). Their terrible viewing habits may hinder not only your streaming algorithm, but also cost you a lot. You can avoid these circumstances in one fell swoop! Simply go to My Account and click Sign out of all devices. Isn’t it neat?

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Have fun binge-watching! 🙂

Sources: 1 & 2

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4 Easy Ways To Dress For Success

According to several studies, dressing for the job you desire actually works. Anyone who owns a set of powerful suit can attest that the right clothing pieces can become a confident booster. Furthermore, a 2012 study published in the “Journal of Experimental Social Psychology” showed that subjects who wore lab coats scored higher on attention-related tasks than did those who did not.

On that note, here are some tips to help you dress for success:

DRESS CODE #1: FIND A COLOR THAT SUITS YOU

One of the quickest ways to update your wardrobe is to freshen your color palettes. Look into your closet and focus on the neutral and seasonal colors. Neutral colors help in optimizing versatility. Simply put, you will be able to maximize your buck by investing in pieces carrying these colors. Is black not for you? Perhaps you can try other neutrals such as grey and navy.

Finally, seasonal colors convey the sense of newness. Adding one or two seasonal colors to your work outfit can go a long way!

DRESS CODE #2: INVEST ON KEY PIECES

What better way to spend your clothing allowance than by investing on key pieces? As much as possible, women shall focus on picking out their handbags and men shall focus on picking out their watches. Why is this so?

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Designer labels are often correlated to financial success. Our materialistically driven society puts emphasis on these items and judge you based on that. Admit it! Pairing a designer handbag with a less expensive apparel can instanly elevate your look! The same goes for wearing a designer watch in a board meeting.

DRESS CODE #3: PLAY IT SAFE

Yes! Times have changed. However, some employers may still be wary of the candidates donning body piercings and inks. Their reaction towards these elements depends on the company’s policy, the industry you chose, and the interviewer’s age. It is best to play things safe.

Take out your visible piercings and cover up your visible tattoos. Doing so may manifest how serious you are in terms of the job you want.

DRESS CODE #4: KEEP THINGS NEAT

Our physical appearance play an important part in the impression that we leave, especially in job interviews. Keeping your hair up and makeup light can evoke a huge difference in how people view you. In lined with these, you must choose jewelry that are uncluttered (e.g., skip on the dangling earrings).

Let us move on to the men’s style. Wall Street stylist Jacci Jaye suggests that men should avoid wearing head-to-toe neon. Instead, she advocates wearing bold colors or patterns as accents. For instance, a colorful tie or pocket square can add a sense of playfulness without distracting anybody.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

In conclusion, there is truth to the saying: “dress for the job you want and not for the job you have”.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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4 Cheap Thrills In Bangkok

To usher in the New Year 2019, my friends and I are planning to visit three Southeast Asian countries including Bangkok (BKK). We are so excited to explore the cultural wonders of BKK. There is so much more to see than its shopping malls! For instance, you may visit these affordable places:

#1: WHEN IN DOUBT, CYCLE AROUND

What better way to get to know an unknown city than by roaming around the area by land? Strolling the area with your bare feet can only take you to the narby places. Try renting bicycles instead!

Bicycle tours are all the rage in Bangkok. Upon searching through the Viator’s website (i.e., a TripAdvisor company), I found a 2-hour bicycle tour consisting of six people. The small group shall pedal past many sights such as the Old Customs House and the Chinatown. The tour costs about S$25.

#2: TRADITIONAL PUPPET SHOWS, ANYONE?

Thai Puppetry may be a dying art but, the Artist’s House in Bangkok does its best to preserve this tradition. You can enjoy a beautiful folktale as told by intricately-made puppets for free. Shows run daily at 2 pm, except on Wednesdays. Puppeteers dressed in black pull the strings to control the vivid marionette puppets. Fully immerse yourself in the story to absorb their culture and creativity.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#3: PLAYER ONE, READY!

Adventure-seekers and alike will be pleased with the Escape Room Bangkok. Each room has its own backstory, which sets the tone of the game. This “stimulation” establishment offers a new type of adrenaline rush as it does not involve physical strength to win. Instead, participants must use problem-solving skills and teamwork to break free from a given room.

Whether you are trying to accomplish a prison break or to vanquish a paranormal being, each person shall pay about S$29.

#4: A SWEET STROLL IN THE PARK

Boasting its free admission is one of BKK’s top parks – the Lumpini Park. Lumpini Park has enough space for you to ride the bike, play basketball, take yoga classes, and indulge in the greenery. In the colder months, you are free to listen to the orchestral concerts held every Sunday.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Do you have extra money to spare? Well, you can take advantage of the many food stalls found in the parks perimeter. Amp up the delightful experience by riding their paddle boat. Just watch out for the monitor lizards as these are animals are scattered in the area!

Sources: 1 & 2

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How To Keep Your Sanity When Switching Careers

While others have to dive into a life-changing decision from working at a nine-to-five to working for oneself, my father had to do the opposite. Taking a step toward a career change was an exhilarating moment for him! As days passed by, he realized that he does not know how to start. He experimented with three different positions in the span of three years. Finally, he found his calling – a job at a globally renowned technology company.

Keeping your sanity while exploring your options can be challenging! May these tips help you with the career switching process:

DO YOUR RESEARCH

What opportunities are available for you to grab? Know these by doing your research. It is free to consider the alternative careers found online. You may also discuss your core skills and possible paths with your friends and relatives. Lastly, hunt for a vacancy through your networking contacts.

If you are having a difficulty with sorting out your ideas, try meeting a career counselor to reap a professional advice.

CHECK YOUR FINANCES

Do not ignore the contents of your bank account! Career Expert Kerry Hannon states that you must have “good financial health to help smooth[en] your transition”. You see, being in a suitable financial situation allows you to try new things without stressing over your salary.

Create a transitional budget through no cost tools such as Spendee and Microsoft Excel. Having a budget will give you a clear picture of what is within reach.

TRY IT OUT

If you are a person who prefers calculated or conservative moves over creative and unconventional strategies then, you can try things out first. You can identify part-time or volunteer activities related to your target field to test out your interests and abilities.

Are you passionate about working with animals? Consider volunteering at animal welfare organizations such as SPCA. Do you want to switch to publishing? well, try editing your current company’s newsletters first.

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

I am going to end this article with a thoughtful quote from Mr. Robin Kermode, a leading European Speech Director.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

“One of the hardest things with a change of career is believing that we can do this new task. We tend to think of ourselves as a photographer, an accountant or whatever. That’s what seems to define us. Now we have to re-define ourselves and begin to believe it deeply inside us. Once we believe it, others will too.”

Sources: 1 & 2

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