Which is the BEST Petol Loyalty Card

I never really gave it a thought. This article written by my friend, Dr Azmi Mohd Tamil might be able to give you some insight on the issue : http://www.palmx.org/mambo/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=183&Itemid=39

The Simpsons

I’m sure we all love to watch ‘The Simpsons’ one way or another.

Though we might not agree to everything or anything they try to depict as the typical American family from the town of Springfield, they do have some points that might be just right, not only in the USA but typical family traits worldwide. For example, the easy going couch potato husband, a very determined & diligent housewife, a freaked out lazy son, a straight A student daughter and a cute baby of the house.

Apart from that, they also have some very nice neighbours who are just a bit below ‘perfect’.

Last night I watched a rerun, the episode where Homer almost got killed (yet again) but this time Marge freaked out and wanted Homer to get some life insurance. Funny thing is, the insurance company physically ’stamped’ Homer as unisureable, thus Marge got even more freaked out and cut the whole family’s budget.

This once again proves that even in the ‘dorky’ world of The Simpsons, insurance and financial security is still considered IMPORTANT.

Ever Played Forex?

It amazes me how so many people around the globe can make millions in this business. What more, its now more of a favourite pastime for those with deep pockets.

I see it now as more of a form of gambling pass time as some eager investors are glued in front of their screens watching some numbers roll by. The trend could be either up or down but definately not for the faint hearted because life savings could be lost if not managed propoerly.

For those who have mastered this trade, daily profits are a breeze. This does not only rely on skill but also the ability to continuosly read up to the last minute and translate information on world trade and events.

Vespa Restoration

I came accross this article in The Star this morning. It reminded me of some childhood memories on some of my relatives who previously owned this classic masterpiece of engineering & the rides that I was privelliged to go on them.

I do recall that those Vespa’s which I had the opportunity to be a passanger on have since become rusted ‘monuments’ and now here is the answer :

All thanks to the passion & determination of a 33 year old mechanic by the name of Eddy Ten.

The 2009 BMW 3 Series

I know a friend who has been waiting for this all year. Well here it is now.

Read the full details here : http://star-motoring.com/blog/permalink.asp?id=169

Diabetic? Some not so good news

So what is new? who would want to be ill anyway?

The not so good news to the agent (as far as life insurance is concerned) is that the probability of the home office rejecting your application for a new policy is very high – even with loading (extra charges imposed for sub standard applications). This translates into no income but personally for me, its more sad to the client’s ears because there is not a possible way for me to solve their medical bills with a sufficient amount of coverage. And it is so ironic when these are the same people who would be willing to pay double, triple or even quadruple of the normal premium rate for a decent peace of mind.

This year alone, I have met more than a dozen people who had all the money to purchase but were unfortunately unable to do so due to their current medical condition, mainly being diabetic. What’s a diabetic?

According to wikipedia, diabetes is a syndrome of disordered metabolism, usually due to a combination of hereditary and environmental causes, resulting in abnormally high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Read more here.

From experience, it is so so so hard to kill the temptation for that 1 scoop of ice cream or the ’seductive’ chocolate cake at the dessert table. But what might be harmful to your body now, might cause terminal illness at a later point in your life.

Tyre Hunting

What is it that really makes a tyre ‘good’ or ‘great’ or ‘comfortable’ or ‘grip’?

I had the opportunity in October to survey the local tyre market, mainly the so called top/good brands as defined by the ordinary user on the street without much biased opinions. Their comments were based on personal experience and after a lot of asking around, surveying and comparing prices, I settled for a set of Michelin Pilot Preceda 2. For 195/50/15, they cost about RM 220 each. Installation and balancing included. Shops might usually charge your for alignment but if you’re lucky, it might just be trown in.

The tyres are so far so good and are gripping quite well. Its really hard to say whether they are the best tyre because when you try to get maximum grip (performance) with the least noise and highest softness compound (comfort) you just end up somewhere in the middle. Add on the budget factor & threadware, an viola ! You just end up with a set of ‘normal’ but useable tyres.

I shall not name who is good and who is ‘not good’ because there are so many variables involved in this equation. Suffice to say that as far as I am concerned, these mid ranged michelin whcih I have on my wheels are serving me quite well, better compared to the previous Bridgestone My-01 or even Goodyear Eagle F1. But again that is also subjective as my goal this time was to get quiet tyres with the more than average performance. Budget was to be less than RM 1k, and i was also looking for ‘reasonable’ threadware.

I did come by to the ‘Made in Japan’ Falken Azenis ST 115 but threadware was not so much on my side. This was mentioned by 1 of my freinds who said at ‘the way’ I drive and the daily distance I covered I would be more than lucky if the tyres could last me for 1 year. And that was not too good to the ears. So, I just set out for michelin because the shop is quite near to my office and I know they are 1 of the best in KL when it comes to doing alignment + they do not end up suggesting you buy extra screws for your chamber or lower arm or bushes or whatever. Plain english, the shop I went to had a fair price without the luxury of ripping you off…

So, next time you want to get a new set of tyres, here are 2 shops that I know would give you a fair deal with professional alignment skills :

1.   Kee Hin (Jln Klang Lama)

2.   Stamford Tyres (Glenmarie, Shah Alam)

Amway, Cosway, Myway or Highway?

nice companies. nice ideas. good products. but i do not agree on how some conduct their recriuting excercise. had a very bad and degrading experience yesterday…

How Stuff Works

http://www.howstuffworks.com/

The site has really evolved compared to what it was back when I was studying ‘Technical Writing for English’. I had a very good lecturer then… Mr. Victor Kok Kien. Wonder if he is still teaching nowadays & whether he still remembers me …

Thanks for the ‘A’ Mr. Victor !

8 Years Savings Plan

In this particular time of economic uncertainty, there will always be parties making profit. It is currently a buyers market and ca$h is King.

So, some people ask me, what can they do for a short to mid term savings alternative compared to keeping in the FD or for those who have their ASB account FULL to the brim  (i.e. less than 10 years). Based on some recent appointments, the concept that I put forward has been widely accepted though not all.

Its quite a nice alternative, especially if you have babies in the house.

Please email me for further details.

drnaz926@gmail.com