Singapore Consumer Interest Group

One of the best sports and mostly enjoyed sports of all time is Basketball. It is by far the most played game of all time because it is not just fun but engaging as well. This is the kind of sport that can be played with your family, friends or anyone you want. This is not just a mere sport but a good bonding activity. This has been a very popular sports for a very long time and many talented and skill players were known of this sports like Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Stephen Curry and a whole lot more.

The Singapore Slingers is one of the professional basketball team acknowledged in Singapore. The team participated in ASEAN competitions for basketball and every now and then gives pride to their home nation. Majority of people do love basketball not just because of its very active and adrenaline-filled game but as well as the reason that it teaches us important lessons in life. Here are five life lessons that basketball teaches you;

1. Life if a constant dribbling process

We dribble up and down in the course of time. There is nothing constant in this lifetime but change – change in the sense that we never remain on top and never remain down low for the rest of our life. Like in basketball, we dribble every single day, we strive to go up whenever were down, and when were up, we always take ready for the fall. Because life as we know it, never stays the same – sometimes were up, sometimes were down.

2. Keeping your eye on the ring – focus is everything

A good basketball player keeps a keen eye on the basket – on his goal to successfully shoot the ball in and score. Same way with our lives, if we want to be successfully in something, we need to keep our focus on our goal. Its human nature that we define what we want in order to create a certain goal in life. With having that goal, it gives us the motivation to continue and succeed. Giving up is never an option because we believe that if we want something we can do everything to get that – we are absolutely focus and determined to reach that success.

3. We sometimes need to pass things to our mates

No man is an island, that’s what they say and obviously it is true to its very sense. In basketball, when we are too caught up with opponents, we tend to pass the ball to our teammate to make sure that it is safe and stays on your team. Same thing in our life, when we are too caught up with problems, frustrations, shortcomings, hardships and any other things that we find too bothering, we hand it over and share it to our family and friends. It is very real because we do recognize the fact that though we are capable of overcoming it all, we also know that we need some motivation and guidance from the people around us to keep going and reach that goal in our life. So whenever you feel doubtful on passing and sharing things with your family – never hesitate because that is the reality of life.

4. It is normal to guard the things that matters.

In a basketball game, it is always normal that opponents try to grab the ball in the other players hand and take it away, but the defensive player will do everything with his power to protect the ball and keep it in his hands. Same way in our life – no matter how hard things may get, we do everything in our power to protect the ones we love, the things we have in life, every single thing that matters because it is human nature that we protect the things we value in life.

5. We all committed traveling in our lifetime

We tend to hold on for too long when it’s really time to let go. Travelling is a fault committed when a player holds on the ball for too long without dribbling or not even passing it to his teammates. This also happens in our life, we tend to hold on to something for too long because we think this are the things that matter, and when it’s time to let go, that’s when we realize that we are too caught up without even noticing things are going wrong. We considerate things so much that we forget that we need to let go of the things when we already know it is not and never meant to be.

Voice-over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a technology that lets you take a standard analog phone signal and turn it into a digital signal that is transmitted through the Internet. When engaging in a phone call using voice-over IP, the connection between the communicating lines is handled differently from how a traditional phone call is processed. To fully understand how VoIP technology works, let’s see the steps involved in transmitting voice from caller to the ears of the receiver(s).

1. Capturing the Voice
This is the step when the system acquires your voice. The sound itself is the compaction of air at different frequencies. The microphone, whether it’s the one attached to the headset or a standalone, captures the voice in analog format, which is represented in sound waves.

2. Digitization of Voice
In VOIP Singapore, the captured voice is converted into digital information through an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). In the analog format, the voice is continuous with an infinite number of values; when it is digitized, it has quantized values. The ADC does two tasks to the voice acquired, taking samples of sound signal and giving binary value to the sample, which determines the quality of the sound resolution.

Typically, voice sampling is done 8000 times per second, which is represented as 8 KHz. If each sample uses 8 bits, the bit rate is 64Kbps.

3. Compression of Voice Signal
This step is done to reduce the size of the voice signal in digital format so that it will require lower bandwidth in its transmission. Unlike in using pbx phones for business in Singapore, compression is done by a digital signal processor (DSP) and involves the reduction of the required number of bits to send voice signal. This step affects the quality of the voice, which is measured with the use of an MOS score.

4. Packet Signatures
The compressed voice signal is then divided into several packets of data that are sent over the network. The data from the DSP requires more information to make it complete before it reaches its destination. This information added to raw data is what we call the packet signatures. Packets are formed in three levels. Every time a packet is formed at a level, it is proceeds to the next level.

At IP level, packets are set. They contain data that lets them move over the network. Next, the packet data are further set into the unified datagram packet (UDP). The UDP protocol pushes the UDP packet to the network. Whether the packets get lost or reach the destination, there’s no control over that. At the last level, the missing reliability and control of UDP is supplied by the real time protocol (RTP). The RTP makes sure that the data reaches its destination, that they’re not delayed, that everything is synchronized, and that they arrive and assembled in order.

5. Transport of Packeted Data
The completed packets are now ready to be transported over the network through the VoIP using packet switching, meaning the packet data find their own routes over the network to reach their destination.

6. Packet Resolution and Assembly
After the packets are received at their destinations, they are put in order and reassembled back into their original data format.

7. Data Conversion and Output
Digital signals are converted back to analog format using a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The signals have to be converted back to its original state in order for it to recompress the air and reproduce the original sound. Earphones, headsets, and speakers perform this job. Your voice is finally replicated when it reaches the ears of the person you’re talking to over the line. The long process the packet data has undergone will likely cause a slight difference in quality.

VoIP Singapore is an amazing technology that shows great potential in reshaping traditional telephone networks not just here in Singapore but in the entire world as well. It has a little difference from PBX due to its technology. It is even expected that in the next decades it will come to replace conventional telephone lines due to its obvious benefits of being cost-efficient and more convenient. Its ability to make and receive calls from wireless hotspots, such as cafes, hotels, and airports is of great benefit for individuals who are always on the move.

With all our efforts to be healthy this year, having a healthy skin is as important. But instead of making one big commitment, there are a handful of smaller changes that we can make to maintain a healthy complexion throughout the year. Just make sure that you keep these 10 skincare resolutions in mind.

1. Change Pillowcases Twice a Week

You’ve heard this tip from your Singapore dermatologist before, but this is the year to take this skincare advice seriously. The amount of bacteria that builds up on your pillowcases is a sure-fire recipe for acne breakouts, so commit to refreshing your pillowcases weekly this 2016.

2. Wash Makeup Brushes Every Week

Just as pillowcases harvest bacteria, makeup brushes are a common source of it as well. So make it a habit to clean your makeup brushes on a weekly basis this year, and I promise you’ll see a difference not just in your complexion, but in the application of your makeup products as well.

3. Never Skip Washing at Night

After a long day at work or a night out with friends, it sure is tempting to skip on washing your face and head straight to bed. So why not resolve to sticking to a nightly cleanse this year, regardless of the circumstances. We suggest keeping facial wipes around for nights where you just want to do a quick fix.

4. Drink More Water

This may already be on your list of resolutions this year, but drinking more water can make a huge impact on your skin’s health. Try carrying a water bottle every time, so there’s no excuse for you to not hydrate.

5. Establish a Consistent Skincare Routine

With many of skincare products coming out in the market, it can be tempting to forgo of your routine just to try something new. However, Singapore dermatologists recommend creating and maintaining a consistent skincare routine for three months to truly see the results, before you decide to change up your skincare routine.

6. Avoid Skincare Products with Harsh Chemicals

Fillers and harsh chemicals that are typically found in drugstore cleanser products can strip the skin off its natural oils. Luckily, a good number of all-natural skincare lines are starting to become available in the market, along with various DIY face masks that uses simple ingredients like lemon and honey. Just make sure to consult with your doctor first before you go trying out any DIY face masks.

7. Take Necessary Vitamins

Just as how all-natural products offer amazing benefits to your skin, so do your daily vitamins. So stock a bottle of gummy vitamins in your cabinet, and include them in your morning ritual. Both your skin and your body will surely thank you for this.

8. Stop Picking at Your Blemishes

We know that it’s tempting, but we also know how picking at your blemishes can be damaging to the skin. So instead of picking on your acne every time, treat them right by cleansing the area and applying an acne-fighting product daily. You’ll be surprised at how quicker your skin clears up with this trick.

9. Allow Products to Sink In Before Applying Another One

When you’re in a hurry, there’s a chance that you may be layering your skincare products all too quickly. Understand that it’s important to let your serum absorb into the skin first, before applying your moisturizer. So make sure to give yourself those extra 30 seconds this year to ensure that each of your skincare products does its job.

10. Never Skip on Moisturizer

Even if your skin doesn’t feel dry at all, applying moisturizer after cleansing is a must. Just think of it like conditioning your hair. As you shampoo your hair, it feels clean but it still needs the conditioner to make it manageable and soft throughout the day; just as your skin needs the moisturizer to balance out the cleanser.

Ensuring that you have a healthy skin is as important as making sure that you have a good overall health. So do yourself and your skin a favour by making any of the aforementioned skincare resolutions, and keeping them throughout the whole year.

While you may not be expecting them to become your life-long friends, building a healthy and solid relationship with your colleagues is an important part of having a fun work life and a successful career. So, how do you accomplish this? Simply put the following tips at work, and you’ll surely be able to spark a bond between you and your co-workers both in and out of the office.

1. Work Hard

Let’s get real, nobody likes to be friends with a slacker. So if you’re thinking of building a stronger relationship between you and your colleagues, start by ensuring that your job performance is up to par. Complete the projects assigned to you on or ahead of time, and promptly respond to the messages of your team members. Always give your best at your job day in and out, because only a few people are eager to be friends with an office loafer who constantly shirks his or her responsibilities and passes the buck.

2. Lend a Helping Hand

On the same token, it’s hard not to like someone who’s constantly there to lend a helping hand. Being conscientious and helpful instantly makes anyone more likeable. So if you can, offer to assist a colleague who’s positively buried under work, or take a detailed notes in a meeting when he or she’s out sick. Not only is it a nice thing to do, it’s also a great starting point for establishing a solid and mutually beneficial office relationship.

3. Steer Clear from Office Gossips

Falling into the office gossip trap is easy, since it seems like a great way to actually solidify relationships at work. After all, that particular person must really like or trust you to take the time to approach you and gripe about another employee or your boss. However, you don’t need me to tell you that office gossips always return to bite you. So do your best to completely disengage in such things. After all, a relationship centred on office gossips isn’t something that you’d want nurture.

4. Participate in Office Events or Outings

Maybe you hate the idea of waking up early on a Saturday morning just to volunteer for an activity with your department, but office events are actually an amazing venue to know your colleagues outside the four walls of your workplace. So get out there, and take part in the events organized by your company. Through this, you’ll be able to connect with your co-workers on an entirely different level – and you might even be surprised at how much fun the event may turn out.

5. Organize an Event

Not all Singapore companies put together outings and events where employees participate in, but that doesn’t also mean that you and your colleagues just have to resign yourselves to your quick conversations by the copy machine. There’s nothing stopping you from organizing a laidback activity that gets you and your colleagues out of the office to experience some fun. So take the initiative to organize a happy hour after your work. After all, nothing brings people together like some good appetizers and a few drinks.

6. Look for a Common Ground

While it’s easier to form conversations about meetings, work emails and phone messages, looking into interests and passions that you share with your colleague is still a great way to establish a good office relationship with them. Whether you’re both dying to know what’s going to happen next on How to Get Away With Murder, or you’re both training for your first triathlon race, having something to connect over – aside from your shared hatred for expense reports – can help you build a solid work relationship.

7. Do Random Acts of Kindness

Establishing a good relationship with your co-workers doesn’t need to involve grandiose gestures. Simply taking time to do something for them is already enough to kick-off your budding friendship. You can pick up the favourite coffee drink of your desk mate, leave a birthday greeting card on the celebrant’s desk, or share a box of donuts on a Monday morning. These may be small deeds, but these gestures will surely leave a huge impact on your co-workers.

When you spend a lot of time at work, establishing relationship with your colleagues can make a big difference in your attitude in the office and your opinion of your job. Sparking these relationships, however, can seem a bit complicated and even a little awkward. Luckily, building solid connections with these people has become more than doable. So put the aforementioned tips into action, and prepare to be the most liked person in your office.

Singaporeans are keen on celebrating Christmas parties. Though it is not as grandiose as New Year parties, many hosts are still anxious in the hope of giving guests a memorable and one of a kind party. We can plan a simple Christmas party but if we want to invite more, we have to be particular about the preparations.

The good thing is that you do not need event organizers or planners to be successful – unless you are planning to throw a company Christmas party. With some tips, you can master the art of throwing a Christmas party or any party at that. Here are some secrets revealed for the best Christmas party – ever:

• Plan in advance: You do not just think of Christmas party and have it the next day. Planning a party takes time and it should be weeks or months before it. Where should be the venue? What meals should you prepare? Who will you invite? These things are simple yet very critical when left ignored.
• Give time to shop: You have decided who to invite, the meals and the venue, what now? It is time to shop. Invitation cards should be sent immediately so you will know who will join. If it is too much, you can make an online invitation that way it would be cheaper. If you decided to have it in the house, you have to shop for groceries and the decoration.

• Allot time to decorate: Now that you have the decoration, it is time to actually put it with perhaps the help of your family and the people around you. It doesn’t have to be grand, sometimes simple decoration is well appreciated. You also need ascertain the position of more tables and chairs.
• Start early: When the day has finally arrived, you need to start early. By the time guests arrive, 90% of the preparation should be done. Remember that your guests are there and no work is required of them unless they offer it or if you really need it.
• Do not forget the program: A little program won’t hurt the party. In fact, it will enliven it. Do not forget the games.
• Give little tokens: It is not required to give tokens but if you think you need to give something for their time and effort, you should by all means give tokens. It doesn’t have to be expensive.

Most importantly, do not forget to have fun. The guests will sense if you are tensed or joyous and it is contagious.

Contrary to what other people say, making a bucketlist is not a task for people who are near to dying. In fact, a bucketlist will inspire us to live enthusiastically. Anytime, we can make a bucketlist however the fulfilment of such depends on our pace. This year, what is your bucketlist?

Before milling your head, it is important that you know the importance of bucketlist. Bucketlist is a list of things that you want to do before your life ends. Bucketlist is unique to every Singaporean and the pace is not all the same. If you haven’t made your bucketlist yet, it is time that you get your paper and wonder.

Here is a guide to making your bucketlist:

• Be ready: It is imperative that you get your paper within arm’s length so when an idea strikes, you can easily write it. Writing can help you remember everything you want to fulfil.
• Strategize the list: The making of the list will take time. It is not something that you can do in one sitting. Looking for ideas is easy, just look within and you will learn what you want to do in life. The great thing is that a bucketlist has no time limit. As mentioned earlier, your pace depends on your availability or will. You can constantly add something on your bucketlist and strategize what to do first.
• Write your initial draft: There is no better time to start than now. The sooner you start writing your initial draft, the better things will be. This is the time that you become creative and let go of your limits and fears. When writing a draft, everything that comes to mind should never be ignored.

• Refine the list: Not everything on your initial draft is what you like. The next thing that you need to do is refine your list. You have to get rid of the least important or improbable tasks. The trick here is to be practical. If you really want something but seem impossible, you just need to alter it to a more attainable goal.
• Write the second draft: After trimming down things, you are now ready to write your second draft. Do not feel incomplete seeing the short list. The beauty of bucketlist is you can constantly add ideas that will strike you. Never too concerned about completing the bucketlist but on completing the task.
• Start small: Many people realize that life is short that is why they abandon everything in pursuit of their bucketlist. That is fine if you have tons of funds. If you do not have, at least start small. Concentrate on easy-to-accomplish tasks first. This will motivate you enough.

Remember that bucketlist is your guide to self-improvement.   

Young children are fond of fairytales and princesses. Being a parent, as much as you want them to realize the truths about life as early as possible, you cannot just keep them from learning about fairytales. To take away their daydreams will be a crime.

When your children grow, even if they are aware that fairytales are just fiction, they would want to visit the places where the stories transpired. Even though fictional, there are some places close to the fairytale.

Here are some places that you can visit together with your children and traipse into the world of Disney princesses:

• Hawaii: Moana is the newest Disney princess which will come to theatres at the end of 2015. Moana is a Polynesian princess and she is from the South Pacific. She will travel across the Pacific to pay tribute to her ancestors. In real life, you can go to Hawaii specifically in the island of Oahu.
• Norway: Although close, there is a town in Norway fondly called Arendal. If you recall, Arendelle is the place where ‘Frozen’ princesses lived. You can visit Norway and hover over the castles.

• Germany: Sleeping Beauty is famous and the castle from the story was inspired from the Neuischwanstein Castle in Germany.
• France: If you are fond of Cinderella, you can visit the Chateau de Chenonceau in Loire Valley. The castle of The Beast is the replica of Chateau de Chambord, also in Loire Valley.
• China: Mulan is a brave warrior from China. You can live like Mulan and discover the Forbidden City or the Great Wall of China.
• India: Jasmine’s castle overlooked the Taj Mahal. It would be best to head to Oberoi Amarvilas and spend your nights there admiring the magnificence of Taj Mahal.

When you hear megacities, what does it connote? Well, megacities are defined as metropolitan areas with population of more than 10 million people. It will be to your benefit to know the world’s top ten megacities.

The good thing is the Demographia World Urban Areas Index revealed the list in its 2015 edition. Here are the top ten megacities in the world:

1. Tokyo: Tokyo is the number one megacity in the world with 37.8 million people with population density of 4,400 people/square kilometre.
2. Jakarta: Another Asian country, Jakarta is the second megacity in the world with 30.5 million and population density of 9,500 people/square kilometre.
3. New Delhi: New Delhi surpassed Mumbai. It is now the third megacity in the world with 24.9 million people and population density of 12,100 people/square kilometre.
4. Manila: Manila City has 24.1 million people with population density of 15,300 people/square kilometre.
5. Seoul: The population of Seoul grew quickly with 23.4 million people and population density of 10,400 people/square kilometre.
6. Shanghai: Shanghai has 23.1 million people with population density of 6,100 people/square kilometre.
7. Karachi: Pakistan’s largest city and the seventh megacity in the world, it houses 22.1 million people with population density of 23,400 people/square kilometre.
8. Beijing: Despite the restrictions of the government to curb population, Beijing has 21 million people alone with population density of 5,500 people/square kilometre.
9. New York: New York shelters 20.6 million people with population density of 1,800 people/square kilometre.
10. Guangzhou: Another Chinese city, Guangzhou houses 20.5 million people with population density of 6,000 people/square kilometre.

These are just the top ten megacities. There are more megacities included in the list. Singapore does not belong to the remaining ten megacities. Singapore is small but it does not mean that it is not better.

Singapore is a melting pot of different cultures and traditions. To make yourself more in tune to the different cultural festivals and celebrations in Singapore, we give you a full list of these cultural festivals.

Pongal

Pongal is a traditional harvest festival of the Tamil that is celebrated in honor of Surya, the Sun God. This festival is celebrated every 15^th of January. During Pongal, Indians do ethnic performances and sell souvenirs that celebrate Indian culture.

Thaipusam

This Hindu festival highlights the procession of devotees that pierce their faces and bodies with spiked kadavis. This is a tribute to the Hindu protector, Lord Subramaniam.

Chinese New Year

The most important celebration in the Chinese calendar, during the Lunar New Year, the Chinese welcome prosperity and good fortune by decorating their homes with red and gold. This celebration lasts from February 19 to the 5^th of March.

Vesak Day

Vesak Day is characterized by quiet candlelight processions and offerings of flowers at different temples and shrines. During this day, Buddhists celebrate the birth, death and enlightenment of Buddha.

Dragon Boat Festival

People flock the Bedok Reservoir to witness this thrilling competition that originated in China two thousand years ago.

Hari Raya Puasa

Muslim families celebrate the last day of Ramadan by wearing traditional clothing and taking part in a large feast.

National Day

Celebrating Singapore’s 50^th independence, a fantastic firework display was shown for this special event.

Hari Raya Haji

Muslim worshippers sacrifice different livestock to honor the sacrifice of Prince Ibrahim.

Lantern Festival

Chinese families celebrate by feasting on mooncakes and tea. Kids and adults also get to play with colorful laterns.

Deepavali

During this celebration, Little India is adorned in vibrant and colorful lights symbolizing the victory of light versus darkness.