Weekend Plans - Taking Ideas!

It's been a pretty rainy kind of week, and now that the weekend is here I realized I didn't have any plans. Whatsoever! How did I end up this way. Mmm. Housework and kids are getting to me or what! So anyways I thought I would drop by the library this evening and drop off some books due soon. Or maybe catch up on a beauty sale I know is happening today but haven't planned to go yet lest I get caught up in another downpour.

So yeah that's my boring weekend plan for Saturday at least. Guess tomorrow will be sunnier so a bit of retail therapy tomrrow sounds great, and possibly dinner out with the family to finish it off. There, that sounds more like a weekend unwinding session!

Library Woes!

It has been awhile since I have been hounding libraries. Not too long ago I was a book addict. Always glued to a novel, be it a piece of fiction or even philosophy. If I had an hour to spare I would pick up a book. And then as priorities changed so did my passion - at the least it took a backseat. And quite recently I rediscovered my love for the library. Which saw me frequenting the National Library right in the heart of the city.

But of course, my journey back to my hobby was not without issues. First things it was tough getting time off enough to be able to spend a few hours browsing the huge array of books and journals and magazines at the lending section. And when I did get a breather I headed down to my favorite spot to dive into the author's fantasies. But the problem began when I began to return and borrow new titles. I continued to receive reminders on returned items which began to irk me some. Thankfully though it appears to be some misunderstanding and with that resolved I am back to enjoying some quality reads, minus the niggling! And that's exactly how I like it.

Shopping Paradise Inundated!

The economy of Singapore is gets a substantial lift from visiting shoppers and tourists, and so it is little wonder that they are well cared for. So it came as a little surprise when one of the premium shopping and business districts of Singapore was hit by unexpected floods! Granted the city did see some strong showers over the week, but people were taken by surprise when they had to endure knee-deep waters right in the middle of the day. Thankfully government intervention and help arrived to relieve trapped tourists. Finally it turns out a blocked drain that diverts water practically submerged Orchard Road for a good day and a half.

For more on this news click here.

Gadget Shopping Armed With Expert Reviews

When it comes to personal gadgets, the market is constantly inundated with newer models and advanced features. Whether it is laptops or mobile phones, what buyers now have is choice, and plenty of it at that. And with misleading product advertisements and numerous recommendations from friends one is always at a fix on how to settle on the right buy. This is where online portals that offer advice and help on purchasing personal technology products play a vital role. Whether it is reviews on the latest gadgets or advice on picking the right product that meets your needs, Consumer Mate has it all.

Consumer Mate features exclusive content and expert reviews on various technology products, offers practical advice to buyers, and even an interactive guiding system termed Guru Gyan. What is particularly impressive about this service is that their digital portal for mobile phones as also digital cameras is comprehensive and accurate, featuring some of the latest market launches. Not only do you get techie reviews on any mobile phone handset, you even get to settle on your buy depending when you consult with the free Mobile Guru survey that analyses your needs and suggests an appropriate mobile model. Consumers who get in touch with Consumer Mate via their Ask Us form even get personal dealer recommendations via a text or email message. You could also consult with their experts for any technical queries or for legal advice on gadget purchases. How cool is that!

Once you have settled on the right mobile phone buy, why not check out ThinkDigit. the one-stop online gadget store from Digit, the technology magazine. Whether it is the latest Mac laptops or nikon cameras, ThinkDigit features them all. Online shopping never got any easier and with ThinkDigit’s new launch deals you are sure to be thrilled. So hop onto to this tempting technology store for a shopping experience with a difference. Happy shopping!

Bringing Ancient Indian Marital Arts To The New Age

When it comes to self defense there are few competitors to the tried and true martial arts techniques. While the Japanese arts are popular and much used, the Native American defense techniques are also finding the light of day. Several proponents of the Native American self defense, while supporting age old practices, also strengthen their skills with the valued Black Belt certifications.

Harley Swiftdeer Reagan has been one of the key figures in bringing timeless martial arts maneuvers to the open. Having studied a range of martial arts, including Judo and Karate, under reputed teachers, Harley Swiftdeer Reagan also shares the valuable knowledge with fellow Americans. Joining the likes of Harley Swiftdeer Reagan are several teachers who have mastered the art of self defense. It is but evident that these techniques ensure that the world is safer for those who are well prepared.

Bringing People Together With Sports

Ardent Polo fans will tell you that being a spectator to the game can be as exciting as playing it. And perhaps there is no better judge than some of the well-known polo players and supporters, including Mohammed Babangida. At a time when African participation in international sports was at a definite minimum, Nigerian Polo gets global appeal after the Dubai fest. The game seemed to be a harbinger of good things to come, and has likely strengthened the relationship between the nations. The involvement of the prominently placed Mohammed Babangida has further boosted the appeal of the tournament.

The presence of royalty can do a great deal of good not only to the sportive spirit, but can influence domestic relations too it seems. Not to mention that the added association from the likes of Mohammed Babangida can bring Africa and its sporting teams to the global front.

Swine Fever - A Possible Pandemic?

The global scare about Swine Fever has been keeping people on their toes, in an attempt to protect themselves and their loved ones. Every news channel is coming up with updates on this possible pandemic, and to me the whole fiasco resembles the SARS scare, not too long ago.

THE ILLNESS

While Swine Fever shows normal flu symproms, there have been usualy symproms including diarrhoea and vomiting. Many recent travelers to affected countries tend to attribute symptoms to profound jetlag, and this had led airport authorities in several countries to quarantine inbound travelers who show a raised body temperature.

THE VIRUS ITSELF

The virus responsible for the Swine Fever outbreak is a flu virus that primarily infects pigs, and when it spreads to humans, which is rare, it is via an infected pig. The bad news is that these viruses, like most influenza causing viruses, mutate quickly. The original outbreak was caused by a H1N1 strain of influenza type A virus, and having modified its surface structure and DNA makeup, it has now incorporated genetic material from virus strains that can cause illness in humans, birds as well as swine. This kind of inter-special crossinfecting traits help the virus to spread across species thereby wideing its exposure range.

PREVENTION

Although there is no vaccine currently, several agencies have been contracted to develop one. There have been reports that recommend using facemasks, though no corroboration that this is effective has been offered my any of the Health Ministries. It is evident that facemasks do not offer adequate protection.

The best approach is to limit travelling to areas that have established cases of Swine Fever. Or at the very least keep tabs on symptoms if one is returning from these countries.