Aye TaiTai spotted this on her friend's Facebook, and decided to share with fellow taitais who dream of globetrotting with her. She awaits a tea session with them to chitchat about the sights, sounds and smells of each place!
Friday, 24 May 2013
Friday, 17 May 2013
Key Management Ratios - A Quick Pictorial Guide For The Manager
Times Bookshop
East, Singapore
May 2013
East, Singapore
May 2013
Aye TaiTai spotted this book in Times Bookshop yesterday - "Key Management Ratios : The 100+ Ratios Every Manager Needs To Know" by Ciaran Walsh (2008) :
According to GoodReads,
"Business ratios are the guiding stars by which you steer your company's course; they provide your targets and your standards; they direct you towards the best long-term strategies as well as the smartest short-term solutions. You can't afford to leave them to the accountants. In Key Management Ratios, top financial educator Cieran Walsh teaches you everything you need to knowabout ratios to manage your business far more effectively. This book's thoroughly updated coverage includes: financial statements, balance sheets, and P&Ls; measures and drivers of operating performance; corporate liquidity, financial strength, and cash flow; determinants of corporate value; cost,volume, and price relationships; investment ratios, acquisition analysis, and Shareholder Value-Added (SVA). Simply put, Cieran Walsh enables you to link your company's financial fundamentals to its day-to-day operations--so you can make smarter decisions based on better information."
Aye TaiTai likes the book for its clear illustration of key concepts, its comprehensive coverage of 100 ratios, and for the use of diagrams which makes it easier for idiot-proof taitais to understand.
Pssst... Aye TaiTai has already checked, the 2008 edition book is high on reserves at the National Library, with sets available only in the following libraries - Jurong, Marine Parade, Tampines and Woodlands.
As this is the fourth edition of the book, remember to get the correct edition if you are borrowing/buying the book! :)
Thursday, 16 May 2013
Half-Clothed Silver Man Spotted In MBS!
Marina Bay Sands
South, Singapore
May 2013
Aye TaiTai went Sephora look-see look-see at her usual "beauty" products, and spotted a half-clothed silver man at the entrance!!!
After a while, he grew tired and laid down his bow. When more visitors came, he flexed his "muscles" and raised his bow again...
Who Is The Silver Man?
Versace is launching a new fragrance for men – Eros inspired by and deeply connected with Greek mythology. The aim of this edition is to reveal and release unrestrained passion and to accentuate desire. The fragrance was named after Greek god of love and son of goddess Aphrodite – Eros. Inspiration by ancient Greece has lasted since the time when Gianni Versace raised his fashion empire and took goddess Medusa as symbol of the brand to adorn numerous products of the house, among them also the new flacon of men's fragrance Eros.
The new perfume Eros is the first in the past five years to be launched and aimed at men. Donatella Versace's desire was to fit the fragrance into the concept of the Versace brand and to depict style and significance of long-lasting design, quality and popularity. "Eros is truly the DNA of the house of Versace" - explains Donatella. "We have a Greek motive making us think about ancient Greece, antiquities and mythology, while turquoise color represents the Mediterranean. That is Versace!"
Eros was created by Aurelien Guichard of Givaudan and it was announced as fresh, woody and slightly oriental. The fragrance includes mint oil combined with green apple and Italian lemon. Warmth is provided by tonka mixed with Venezuelan ambroxan and geranium flowers giving a fougere twist to the fragrance this way.
Flacon of the new fragrance for men Eros is created of turquoise color glass with head of Medusa on the body of the bottle and on its top. The fragrance is available as 50 and 100 ml EDT, along with accompanying perfumed body care products. Face of the advertising campaign is Brian Shimansky, while photographers are Mert & Marcus. Donatella wanted a man-gladiator for the new campaign, who is fighting for what he wants, fighting for his goals. "This is a fragrance for a man who is his own master. He is a hero: a man who defends their ideas and goals." - stated Donatella Versace. The fragrance will premiere at TFWA 2012 in Cannes.
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Wednesday, 15 May 2013
In Town - Social Star Awards
Marina Bay Sands
South, Singapore
May 2013
Guess who is coming to town?
Aye TaiTai looks forward to seeing some action this May!
Tuesday, 14 May 2013
Sleeping Beauty - Honey Lemon Face Mask
Aye TaiTai is vain. Yes, she admits it. So she constantly sources the internet lah, books lah, people's word of mouth lah, for recommendations on how to further "beautify" herself. (Errrm, not that she is a "beauty" herself lah, but chey, no harm looking better anytime, all the time right?)
One fine day, she spotted a recommendation on her friend's Facebook - the use of honey with a fresh lemon for a face mask. Nice... and not as messy as egg!
So she turned on her computer and sourced through this thing called the World Wide Web. Here's the gist of it:
(From MediManage.com & ShowUpFitness)
- Squeeze 1/2 a lemon into a bowl.
- Add 2 tablespoons of honey.
(Remember not to use a metal spoon with your honey!)
- Mix it with a spoon until the lemon juice is blended into the denser honey.
- Tie up your hair or use a hairband.
- Apply it all your face.
(There are some versions which recommend avoid the eye area, but Aye TaiTai figured since this is more a moisturizing mask with no astringent effect, it's ok to use it around the eyes and mouth areas.)
- Leave on for 15-20 minutes, or till it dries.
- Apply another 1-2 layers after it dries for a better effect.
- Rinse it off with water or a mild facial foam.
- Continue this for 2-3 times per week for about a month for best results.
Alternative
Aye TaiTai likes to use a cut lemon. She cuts a lemon into four pieces from pointed end to pointed end. A few drops of honey is added on to the lemon slice before she applies it to her face. The lemon slice acts as a sponge to absorb the honey. It also prevents the occurrence of sticky honey-stained fingers.
The Science Behind It All
Lemon brightens and exfoliates. It is a fruit rich in Vitamin C, which acts as an anti-oxidant to prevent wrinkles, sunburn and fights free radicals which can cause blemishes and acne. It is also a natural cleanser and an organic spot eraser. Continued use will lighten your face and clear up clogged pores.
On the other hand, honey is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. It absorbs impurities from the pores and the skin, and has a slight moisturizing effect. So the end result is clear baby smooth skin!
Thursday, 9 May 2013
Jack The Giant Slayer Movie Poster - Huh, Still There?
Aye TaiTai thinks it's extremely wu hua to advertise with SMRT and SBS Transit at MRT Stations.
Look what she spotted yesterday - A Jack The Giant Slayer movie poster with an opening date of 28 February...
Adorable, Millionaire, and Loaded Ice Creams?
Daiso shop too much also sianz, so sometimes must alternate with some atas place. So today Aye TaiTai went to Marks & Spencer to kia lai kia keh (walk here walk there).
And and... Marks & Spencer has a new ice cream section!
Aye TaiTai's favourite adorable Percy Pigs comes in a "3 fruit flavoured ice cream lollies" version (S$6.90)!
And... who wants to be a Millionaire or be Loaded? Try out their Shortcake or Rocky Road flavours (S$13.50)! *Slurp!*
Khan Academy - Accelerated Learning For Students Of All Ages
Today Aye TaiTai discovered a good source of online learning on YouTube. She got her "tip" from Bill Gates' playlist on TED.
Don't play play ok - Salman Khan holds four degrees: a BS in mathematics, a BS in electrical engineering and computer science, as well as an MS in computer science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He is married to Umaima Marvi, who is a Pakistani American physician. (From Wikipedia)
(For those who have to discovered the TED pot of gold on their "smart phones", see "What On Earth Is TED?".)
The YouTube channel that Aye TaiTai is talking about is Khan Academy. It has more than 4,000 video lessons teaching a wide spectrum of academic subjects, mainly focusing on mathematics and the sciences.
In late 2004, Salman Khan, the originator of Khan Academy, began tutoring his cousin, Nadia, in mathematics over the internet using Yahoo!'s Doodle notepad. When other relatives and friends sought his tutoring, he decided it would be more practical and beneficial to distribute the tutorials on YouTube where he created an account in 2006. Their popularity on the video sharing website and the testimonials of appreciative students prompted Khan to quit his job as a hedge fund analyst in late 2009 to focus on developing his YouTube channel, Khan Academy. (From Wikipedia)
Who Does He Think He Is?
Don't play play ok - Salman Khan holds four degrees: a BS in mathematics, a BS in electrical engineering and computer science, as well as an MS in computer science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He is married to Umaima Marvi, who is a Pakistani American physician. (From Wikipedia)
And and... In March 2011, Salman Khan was invited to speak at TED by Bill Gates who says he uses the Khan Academy Exercise Software to teach his own children. Khan Academy, a non-profit organization, is also funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Google. (From Wikipedia)
Which Of His Talks Are Worth Your Brain Juice?
Aye TaiTai is no technical superbrain, nor is she working in any technical area. In fact, she hardly uses any maths in her life other than counting the coupons for the cheapest bargains at the supermarket. So, many of the physics and mathematical talks are waaaay out of her league, even if simple English and angkongkiah (i.e. pictures and diagrams) are used.
Starting with the basics, Aye TaiTai explored those preschool-level talks and realized that it's possible to rethink many concepts in a whole new way!
- "Addition 2" : Using a number line
- "Addition 3" : Expanding on Addition 2 to include memorizing of a few simple results
Or you can try out those on other topics for quick 10-minute introductions:
- "Healthcare and Medicine" (Medicine)
- "Empires before World War I" (History)
- "Cosmology and Astronomy" (Astronomy)
- "Ozymandias and writing invention" (Literature)
- "Microeconomics and Macroeconomics" (Economics)
Why We Should All Learn From Khan
Khan outlined his mission as to "accelerate learning for students of all ages. With this in mind, we want to share our content with whoever may find it useful." Khan also plans to extend his "free school" to cover topics such as English. Programs are being undertaken to use Khan's videos to teach those in isolated areas of Africa and Asia. He delineated his motives: "With so little effort on my own part, I can empower an unlimited amount of people for all time. I can't imagine a better use of my time." (From Wikipedia)
Color Life Cappuccino Maker - Professional Froth At S$2!
Aye TaiTai went shopping in Daiso, her favourite bargain curio store coz it's cheap and good! (Aih pih aih qih!) She found something very interesting!
The Color Life Cappuccino Maker comes in many bright colours - pink, green, blue. However, due to immense popularity, in many stores, the more "normal" colours are sold out, leaving only shocking pink stocks. *Yeeks!*
How It Works (The "Idiot-Proof" Aye TaiTai Version)
- Remove the wand-like apparatus from the packaging.(Careful, don't get cut by the staples or the plastic cover!)
- Open the black battery cover at the bottom of the wand.
- Put in two AAA-sized batteries.
- Close the black battery cover at the bottom of the wand.
- Take an empty cup.
- Pour in 1/3 to 1/2 of milk into the cup.
- Put the wand into the milk. (Don't turn it on yet ok!) Immerse the wand fully into the milk (no need touch the bottom of the cup).
- Turn on the wand and Abracadabra - You get froth!
- Churn a while more until the milk "rises" to fill 2/3 to 3/4 of the cup.
- Switch off the wand before removing it from the milk if you don't want to have spinning milk in your face.
Aye TaiTai's hard work resulted in this professional-looking cuppa:
Compare it to a real professional cuppa:
(From Wordpress & Foodspotting.com)
If you are a busy working professional or just someone who loves "local coffee" (Robusta beans fried with corn), you can use 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 packs, and lather the foamed milk on top. (2-in-1 preferred, as "non-dairy creamer" is just hydrogenated palm oil!) Heated or cold milk, it's your preference.
With the knowledge of how to make an espresso (which is just normal coffee and sugar to taste), and this new knowledge of how to make foamed milk, you can practically make lots of different types of coffee!
Oh yah, just for a comparison, professional froth-making machines like the ones below, retail at close to S$100:
Shiok boh?
In Town - Tokyo Sushi Academy
Aye TaiTai received news that a new Japanese culinary school has opened a branch in Singapore!
According to their website, TSA is the only culinary school to learn how to prepare the Japanese traditional food, “Edomae Sushi”. Huh, simi?
The contemporary version, internationally known as "sushi", was created by Hanaya Yohei (1799–1858) at the end of the Edo period in Edo. Sushi invented by him was an early form of fast food that was not fermented nor refrigerated (therefore prepared quickly) and could be conveniently eaten with one's hands. Originally, this sushi was known as "Edomae Sushi" (江戸前寿司) because it used freshly caught fish in Edo (Edo Bay or Tokyo Bay). Though the fish used in modern sushi no longer usually comes from Tokyo Bay, it is still formally known as Edomae Nigiri Sushi. (From Wikipedia)
OK, Aye TaiTai understands now, so it's sushi made with very very very fresh ingredients.
What's The Big Deal?
Once again, according to their website, TSA offers has a holistic curriculum to facilitate the understanding of Japanese cuisine. In addition to sushi-making classes, there are also cooking classes and other events to help bridge the cultural divide.
What Aye TaiTai especially likes is their range of short courses which goes beyond the kara-bento type of "art" to more beautifully-crafted and intricate patterns within the sushi roll. So cool to make when your friends drop by, right?
Brain Juice - What On Earth Is TED?
Aye TaiTai used her vacation time to explore the various apps on her "smart" phone. One of those apps that she discovered pre-installed was TED. It is represented by this logo (Quick, go check your phone!):
So, what on earth is TED?
TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design) is a global set of conferences owned by the private non-profit Sapling Foundation, under the slogan "ideas worth spreading".
TED was founded in 1984 as a one-off event. The annual conference began in 1990, in Monterey, California with an early emphasis was technology and design, consistent with its origins in the Silicon Valley. Since June 2006, the talks have been offered for free viewing online. As of May 2013, over 1,400 talks are available free online.
Why Aye TaiTai recommends TED for those seeking to increase their brain juice:
- TED is available online and on mobile platforms (i.e. You can watch TED instead of looking at your own reflection on the window in the train!).
- TED covers a wide range of topics, e.g. Entertainment, Business, Global Issues (Phew, not just "technology"!).
- TED has customized "playlists" for those seeking to emulate the wisdom of "the smart ones", e.g. Daryl Hannah (the mermaid), Barbra Streisand (the one that "All I Ask Of You"), Bill Gates (the Microsoft guy), Ryuichi Sakamoto (the guy who wrote the music for The Last Emperor and Little Buddha).
(From Blogspot & LayoutSparks)
- Best of all, TED is FREE! (Cheapo cheapo!)
Tuesday, 7 May 2013
Cooking Pot - Steamed Clams In Sake
Aye TaiTai absolutely loves clams/mussels in a pot after trying the versions at Yomenya Gomon and Ambush (Plaza Singapura). So it was by chance that she found this recipe on WA Attention (reproduced in full below so that lazy bums don't have to click here click there).
Ingredients are very simple:
- 500g Clams >>> Buy from NTUC
- 1 Japanese white leek >>> Buy from Meidi-Ya
- 1 bunch of Mitsuba (Japanese parsley) >>> Buy from your own downstairs market also can
- 100ml Japanese Sake >>> Buy from Meidi-Ya
Method is very straightforward:
- Wash clams.
- Cut vegetables.
- Dump everything inside a pot and wait.
Steamed Clams in Sake
 [Home Treats : Japanese Recipes for Your Daily Table] Clam is a popular ingredient in Japanese home-cooking. This recipe is simple and easy, and yet is regarded as the favored way to enjoy the taste of fresh clams. You can also use other shellfish, like local lala, instead of clams. Ingredients for 4 persons: - 500g Clams -1 Japanese white leek - 1 bunch of Mitsuba (Japanese parsley) - 100ml Japanese Sake [Preparation]  1. Prepare the live clams by soaking them in thick salt water for 1 hour to draw out the sand inside, and then wash the shells.  2. Thinly slice the Japanese white leek. Pinch the leaves off the Mitsuba and chop the remaining stems to about 2-3cm long. [Cooking]   1. Put the Japanese white leek into the bottom of the pot before putting in the clams, and then pour in the Sake.   2. Cook over a strong fire, covering the pot with a lid. As soon as the Sake is boiled, turn down the heat a little and continue to cook until all the clam shells are open. It takes about 3 minutes.  3. Add in the Mitsuba stems and stir them in lightly before turning off the heat. Check the taste and add a pinch of salt if you like. Garnish with a scattering of Mitsuba leaves over the dish.  [Cooking Tips] Instead of Mitsuba, using Mizuna or young cabbage is also recommended. **This recipe is published in Wattention Singapore, Vol. 10, Summer Issue, 2012. |
In Town - Japan Food Fair At Isetan
Isetan Scotts
The poster for tomorrow's Japan Food Fair...
Central, Singapore
May 2013
Aye TaiTai visited Isetan Scotts today when she was in Orchard Road. The European Fair had just ended and the Japanese have arrived!
Tomorrow is the start of the Japan Food Fair and the vendors are already setting up this evening!
Aye TaiTai eagerly anticipates :
- Fried seafood and tempura...
- Hakata Yakitori all the way from Fukuoka in Kyushu...
- Food served on a wooden boat...
(Pssst, the nearby seaweed stall smells absolutely fragrant!)
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