hengmengtan

Ten Top Money Advice

2010-06-17T11:41:00.001+08:00

Top 10 money advice (to turn your situation around)

1. Find out how much you are worth.
Go ahead, put a price tag on yourself and find out just how much you are worth today.
Add up all your assets (cash, bank deposits, liquid investments, house, car, jewelry, and others), deduct all your liabilities (bills due, loan amount, credit card debt, long-term loan), and you will get your net worth.
A positive net worth shows you are on the right track, while a negative one will serve as a wake-up call for more financial discipline.
This 'snapshot' of your financial standing will also clue you in should you need to move your investment around or stop racking up new debt.

2. Save smarter, not just harder.
It's important to save for the future-when unexpected emergencies arise, there will be a fund to dip into.
It's also good to save so you can reach your financial goals, whether those include buying your own home, giving your children a good education up to college, or preparing for retirement.
But it's not enough to just save money and deposit it in a savings account, which will earn you a small amount of interest.
Other investments may possibly give you a higher rate of return.
Putting all your cash in a savings account will also allow inflation to erode the purchasing power of your cash. Go for investments that potentially offer rates of return higher than the prevailing inflation rate.

3. Plan for your future needs.
Whether it's for your dream wedding, children's college tuition, your car's annual comprehensive motor insurance, your summer vacation next year, or your Christmas gift budget for this year, plan ahead.
Find out how much this would cost, then aim to save for that amount monthly beginning today

4. Make a budget.
It can be discouraging to find out toward the end of the month that you are running low on cash-again.
To banish this problem forever, discipline yourself into making a budget.
Write down your projected income, deduct your must-pay bills (including savings), then apportion the rest into expenses you can control (such as food, groceries, going out, etc.). These amounts will be your spending limit.
Try not to go over your spending limit or else you will find yourself in debt.

5. Take only as much debt as you can afford to pay.
This goes for housing loan, auto loan, credit card debt and the like.
That means, before you buy something on credit, ask yourself first if it is something you need and can afford to pay in full the next month, or in reasonable installments over the succeeding months.
As for other loans, review the terms carefully and make sure your budget can accommodate the regular amortizations.

6. Teach your children to handle money well.
That starts by not buying them right away anything their hearts desire, whether that's the hottest new toy, game console or gadget. There is nothing wrong with giving children rewards, but if you keep giving them material gifts, they may not learn the difference between wants and needs.
Prioritize needs, not wants.
Give your children an allowance which will help them learn firsthand what it is to spend, save or give. Teach kids how to budget.
Open a bank account in their name and let them see how their money grows. Your children need to know the importance of eight things: budgeting, saving, investing, record-keeping, being content, being good stewards, giving, and having a reward.

7. Build an emergency fund.
As the name implies, such a fund is to be used only for emergencies, such as when you suddenly lose your job, or a family member falls ill, or a calamity strikes.
Set a time frame on when to complete the fund. Start small and increase amounts as you are able. And consider it a "bill" you have to pay every month. Invest this fund in an account which will help it grow.

8. Be adequately insured.
If you are the head of the family or have people depending on you, it is a must that you take out life insurance, as well as health insurance.
You'll never know what may happen in the future. A death, illness, or disability will not only be an emotional blow, but a financial burden on loved ones.
Take out as much coverage that will help your family tide over the crucial months after the event until they can get back on their feet.

9. Diversify your investments.
The old adage, "Don't put all your eggs in one basket" holds true when it comes to investing.
Spread out your investment over different asset classes so that if one asset class is performing poorly at the moment, other assets' returns may make up for it.
Go for investments that will suit your appetite for risk, your time horizon for investing, and of course your available capital.

10. Live within your means.
You don't need to keep up with the neighbors whenever they buy something new.
Based on your income, spend only within your limits (as set forth in your budget).
Cut costs whenever possible: Take public transport instead of the car every day, make personalized gifts instead of giving out store-bought gifts, host simple instead of lavish parties, and hunt for bargains instead of buying the first thing that you see.
Little steps like these amount to a good amount of dollars saved at the end of the year, which you can add to your retirement fund.
This may all seem to be too much in one go, but if you truly wish to turn your situation around, you need to make a commitment for you and your families' financial future. We wish you financial independence and a life well lived. Cheers!

Why Worry

2008-11-25T14:05:00.002+08:00

An Inspirational Thought, Motivational Thought -Think or Worry? By Harold B. Walker
You can think about your problems or you can worry about them, and there is a vast difference between the two. Worry is thinking that has turned toxic. It is jarring music that goes round and round and never comes to either climax or conclusion. Thinking works its way through problems to conclusions and decisions; worry leaves you in a state of tensely suspended animation. When you worry, you go over the same ground endlessly and come out the same place you started. Thinking makes progress from one place to another; worry remains static. The problem of life is to change worry into thinking and anxiety into creative action.

"As you grew, we helped you avoid unnecessary worry. As you leave, remember that 90% of what you worry about never happens." Catherine & Byron Pulsifer, from As You Grew

"When I look back on all the worries I remember the story of the old man who said on his deathbed that he had a lot of trouble in his life, most of which never happened." Sir Winston Churchill

"Once a decision was made I did not worry about it afterward." Harry S. Truman
"Worrying about it takes precious time and attention away from your priorities and increases your feelings of dissatisfaction about life." Christina Winsey-Rudd, from Life Balance Coaching: Balance Work and Life Like a Pro

"Never bear more than one trouble at a time. Some people bear three kinds - all they have had, all they have now, and all they expect to have." Edward Everett Hale

"As soon as we stop worrying, a solution pops up. " David DeNotaris

"Ninety percent of the things we tend to worry about we have no control over, so why worry about them?" Author Unknown

Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight." Benjamin Franklin

It is not work that kills, but worry." African Proverb

"Don't worry, be happy." Bobby McFerrin

The Olympic Song "Beijing Welcomes You"

2008-09-03T16:54:00.001+08:00

Changing Jobs and Mindsets

2008-08-13T11:01:00.000+08:00

Changing jobs and mindsets By Grace Ng

SERIAL job-hopper Adrian Lee is living the good life.
He zips around in a flashy convertible, buys Ermenegildo Zegna goods for himself and Gucci for his girlfriends - and he just plonked down a sign-on bonus as deposit for a posh, district 10 bachelor pad.
"I got to where I am today by changing five jobs in 12 years," says the hotshot banker.
"It was at least a 20 per cent pay rise each time," he adds, twirling his iPhone that, until a few months ago, "still rang off the hook with calls from headhunters".
Not any more. With financial markets in turmoil, Mr Lee, 36, knows banks are no longer in a hiring frenzy. He also refuses to name his company and gives only his rarely-used English name, because "job-hopping...still gets frowned on in Singapore".
Money-seeking ship-jumpers who rack up costs for companies and raise turnover rates have given job-hoppers a bad name.
"Employers are bound to ask questions when interviewing a candidate who has switched jobs every two to three years", notes Mr Tim Hird, managing director of recruitment firm Robert Half Singapore.
"Still, there is a difference between job-hopping - to get a pay rise or for wrong reasons - and career advancement."
The belief that there is a malignant form of job-hopping and a healthy form is what prompted Mr Ku Swee Yong, 38, to change eight jobs in 14 years.
The director of property consultancy Savills Residential has moved every one to three years to big-name companies in vastly different sectors such as real estate, airlines and banking.
"I focused on developing my skill set in building businesses, growing revenues from overseas sources, and applied that across different industries."
He was not doing it just to get rich or promoted: "For several job changes, I actually took a lower salary, but I became a better-skilled and knowledgable worker at the end of every job.?
The father of two added that shorter economic cycles have made workers realise that the days of "iron rice bowls" are well over.
"The new school of thought for the next generation should be that workers develop their own areas of expertise and stay true to that expertise," says Mr Ku.
His view gels with that of human resource experts: While Generation X was all about staying ahead in the rat race, Generation Y workers agonise over self-fulfilment, job mobility, quarter-life crises and other concepts that their parents never heard of.
"Those under 30 are more likely to change jobs more frequently as they seek the best job fit," notes Mr Tim Nelson, Asia-Pacific president of executive search firm Futurestep.
What's more, the dot.com era and the ever-shrinking product life cycles have spawned a different mindset among some American companies: a 10-year long service award winner may be viewed as a non-performer.
But while staying 10 years in the same job can be a liability, less than two or three years is not advisable either.
"For some roles, especially middle management, it may be harder to demonstrate that you made an impact unless you stay for three years or more," says Mr Mark Ellwood, Robert Walters Singapore's managing director.
Job-hopping is also becoming less taboo now that ambitious Gen X and Y talent regularly take on senior positions at younger ages.
They may be more accepting of their own subordinates who scale the ladder quickly by job-switching," says one headhunter.
Ms Jacinta Low, OCBC's head of planning and employee communications, says it is also vital to look into the reasons behind a job change. For example, an employee with a young family may change jobs for a better work-life balance and may move again once the family situation improves.
If you want to job-hop - in moderation - make sure you do a proper career plan first, something many don't, says Futurestep's Mr Nelson.
"You need to explain to your prospective employer that your job changes every few years are actually a deliberate move to build up your repertoire and experience."
Amid the talent crunch in many sectors in Asia, companies are doing more to help staff build their careers and forestall job-hopping for the wrong reasons, such as a lack of new opportunities.
One way is to bring job-hopping "in house". HP's strategy is to regularly give staff new roles that develop their skills in different businesses, customer segments, functions and geographic markets. Staff "job-hop" by postingtheir preferences on the intranet and applying for new positions.
OCBC, which has a similar internal job-posting scheme, also started a Career Best Programme, which aims to help staff find the best fit between their talents and the bank's needs.
Will the day come when Gen Z workers say: "I'm a serial job-hopper, and I'm proud of it?"
Mr Ku hopes it will - when healthy job mobility becomes the order of the day.
This article was first published in The Straits Times on Aug 11, 2008.

Evolution of Mobile Phone

2008-08-07T14:44:00.000+08:00

Learning Tip 1

2008-08-04T15:07:00.001+08:00

Learning is in Your Head - Having beautiful notes and a perfectly highlighted textbook doesn’t matter if you don’t understand the information in it. Your only goal is to understand the information so it will stick with you for assignments, tests and life. Don’t be afraid to get messy when scrawling out ideas on paper and connecting them in your head. Use notes and books as a medium for learning rather than an end result.

What exactly is wrong with our students?

2008-07-08T12:23:00.001+08:00

TOO many children now have everything given to them on a silver platter. They grow up thinking that everything can be solved with the click of a button. I look at present-day students who spend so much time attending tuition, a luxury which during my time was unheard of. We had to study on our own, yet we had so much time to do other things; to indulge in sporting activities and also help out with household chores.

Students nowadays stay away from sporting activities, saying that it clashes with their time for tuition. Is there sense in what they say? After all, we exercise to stay healthy and to have active minds. They prefer to while away their time in shopping complexes rather than engage in wholesome competitive sports.

We've not been able to produce sportsmen and sportswomen of international calibre with the exception of Nicole David (squash). Parents push their children into joining various classes and in doing so, stress themselves too. Many parents work hard on their children's school projects expecting them to earn high grades. Then they compete again to see if their children can make it to the best colleges. If the children can't do it on their own - from filling out a simple application form to completing, perhaps a college assignment or project - Mum and Dad will again be there to complete the job or "make it happen".

When I recall my days in school, everything was in order. Students lined up to enter class before lessons started and again after recess. They showed respect for property and teachers. Vandalism was unheard of. Students would stop to greet teachers and offer help should they see them carrying books. Witnessing a student going out of his way to help a teacher or even wishing them is a rarity these days. Where have we gone wrong? Was it not long ago that someone said the introduction of Moral Studies in schools would instill some good values in our students.

Many teens and young adults, although adept at handling electronic gadgets are unable to handle power tools, set up laboratory apparatus, manage their finances or budget. Yet, academics and Education Ministry officials claim that education has been democratised to make total persons of our students. What exactly is wrong with our students? Are they really moving forward and getting a total education or are they degenerating?

This article was first published in The Star on June 29, 2008.

Marriage Life

2008-06-23T11:03:00.001+08:00

Married life is full of excitement and frustration:
* In the 1st year of marriage, the man speaks and the woman listens.
* In the 2nd year, the woman speaks and the man listens.
* In the 3rd year, they both speak and the neighbours listen.

CHARICE PEMPENGCO on Ellen

2008-06-13T10:41:00.000+08:00

One Republic - Apologize

2008-06-04T16:24:00.001+08:00

You must be Joking MRT is packed - Watch this

2008-05-13T15:33:00.001+08:00

Is acceleration equal to deceleration?

2008-05-08T14:25:00.002+08:00

Question : If a ball is rolled up a ramp at initial velocity 12 m/s and decelerates at a rate of 2 m/s2, then does the ball run back down the ramp with an acceleration equal to the deceleration? The incline is 36 m long and it takes 6 seconds to reach the position where the final velocity is zero.

Answer : Since there is no mention of friction, one must assume that gravity is the only force involved that can cause the deceleration of the ball. Remember, there is one more force, but it only acts normal (perpendicular) to the inclined plane. So, yes, the acceleration downslope should equal the deceleration upslope. You must realize that 'deceleration' is only a word for "acceleration that slows down the speed". Any comment?

Your Conscience or your Job

2008-05-07T10:30:00.001+08:00

Is it worth constantly violating your principles to keep your position? In every job, you are sure to encounter occasional situations which require you to make a difficult ethical judgement call. Fortunately for most workers in regular jobs, such moments are rare, and do not go to the heart of their careers. However, if you constantly have to choose between going against your conscience and keeping your job, and doing what is right and losing your livelihood, you must decide which is more important to you: your conscience or your salary. There’s nothing easy about it; it can be heartbreaking to give up a job that is highly desirable apart from the fact that it requires you to betray your principles.
Ethical concerns often fall under these categories : (1) It’s an industry issue (if you believe that certain products are harmful, should you ever work for a company that makes or markets them?) (2) It’s one particular company (the culture there is such that everyone from top to bottom cheats and lies to get by) (3) It’s just a few individuals (your supervisor is a dishonest, dishonourable person in an otherwise decent business).
If it’s the Industry – If your convictions about an industry are strong, you would probably never consider a position in it except in extreme necessity, when you will stay only long enough to stabilize your finances before moving to something that weighs less heavily on you. But if your existing company ties up with that industry to promote its products, it gets trickier for you. The final decision about whether to stay or leave, to accept the project as a temporary evil or refuse it and damage your career, is yours to make, because no one else feels and thinks with your heart and mind.
If it’s your company – Should you have a job you love, but the practices of your particular company offend you, it could be worth your while to move to another company within the same field, but with a culture more in tune with your character. You need not get nasty about your workplace when interviewing for a new job, because that souns slef-righteous. Simply say that you are seeking a workplace culture that truly resonates with your values and honesty and hard work, and offers challenges that will help you grow in positive ways.
If it’s your Boss – Should the problem be down to one boss who is why enough not to justify whistle-blowing, yet isn’t honest enough in his dealings with clients for your comfort, weight the situation. How often does this person give you dodgy orders? Have you developed a strategy for getting around instructions like “Just lie to that customer”? Does he look like he is moving on or is he digging in till retirement?
Culture or Ethics? – Nor everything that makes you feel uncomfortable is bad. If you are meek, hate being firm, and are uneasy about taking a hard line with others on the job, it’s probably good to stick with it and develop that side of your personality. However, if it’s a matter of lying, cheating, doing something illegal, or doing something which you consider improper, rethink the job. Continually going against your principles will eventually damage you. The decision is ultimately yours, because losing a means of making a living is a deeply personal matter which depends on myriad factors, and is never to be taken lightly.

By Adele Ong (Straits Time 3/5/2008)

The Best Cover Artist on Youtube (Fargenbastich) - Just Listen

2008-05-05T15:11:00.000+08:00

Sukiyaki sung by ningyoko

2008-05-02T15:01:00.000+08:00

Beware Fare Evaders

2008-05-02T14:07:00.001+08:00

Fare evaders will be fined from 1 JulyPosted : 02 May 2008 1356 hrs

SINGAPORE: From 1 July, bus and MRT train commuters caught for deliberately not paying or under-paying the correct fares will be fined $20. Any misuse of concession cards, like those for students or national servicemen, will face a penalty fee of $50. The objective of penalty fees is to deter evasion of fares on basic bus and train services, said Mr Gerard Ee, chairman of the Public Transport Council (PTC). Before the penalty fee regulations kick in on 1 July, the public transport operators - SBS Transit and SMRT - will embark on an awareness programme to inform commuters of the penalty fees.

Acne

2008-04-29T14:58:00.002+08:00

Acne
Acne causes unsightly spots. Serious skin conditions affect around seven million of people in the UK alone. They can cause significant emotional distress as well as physical discomfort.
What is it?
Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that causes spots. Spots result from the build up of dead skin cells and grease that block the pores or hair follicles, typically on the face, upper arms, upper back and chest. It is not contagious and is nothing to do with not being clean. Hormonal changes, such as those related to puberty, menstruation and pregnancy, can contribute to acne.
Some medicines will also make it worse, including some contraceptive pills and steroids.
Who gets it?
Most people experience acne at some time in their lives, typically as young adults. Girls tend to develop it slightly earlier than boys - around the ages of 14-17 compared to 16-19 years, respectively. Acne can occur later in life. Around five per cent of women and one per cent of men aged 25-40 continue to have acne after adolescence.
What are the symptoms?
As the pores of the skin become blocked, blackheads develop and small, tender, red spots appear. These can turn into pimples or whiteheads filled with pus.
What is the outlook?
Usually it is a mild condition, most commonly during young adulthood, and will resolve by itself. But for 15% of people it is severe. The spots can become infected and cause significant scarring, particularly if they are scratched or squeezed.
How can it be treated?
Mild acne does not need treating as each inflamed spot will eventually heal. Eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water will help keep the skin healthy. Keeping spot-prone areas clean by washing the affected area twice daily with an unperfumed cleanser can help. However, excessive washing and scrubbing of the skin will not help and may make the inflammation worse. More severe acne may need treatment. The aim is to clear the spots and prevent scarring. Treatments work by either unblocking blocked pores, reducing the amount of grease or sebum made by the skin, reducing the inflammation or fighting the bacterium that infects the lesions.
Creams, gels and lotions that can be applied to the skin are available to buy at pharmacies without a prescription. These usually contain antibacterial agents such as benzoyl peroxide, which also works by drying out the skin and encouraging it to shed the surface layer of dead skin. There are several more potent oral tablets that can be prescribed by a doctor if the acne persists. Make-up can be used to cover blemishes but heavy use of concealer may make acne worse. Any scarring will improve with time. Laser therapy, chemical peels, dermabrasion and other treatments have been suggested for acne scarring. Acne can be extremely distressing and it is important to seek help if you are anxious or depressed about it.

Friendship & Marriage

2008-04-29T10:59:00.002+08:00

Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down. Oprah Winfrey

Friendship is one mind in two bodies. Mencius

Getting divorced just because you don't love a man is almost as silly as getting married just because you do. Zsa Zsa Gabor

Before marriage, a girl has to make love to a man to hold him. After marriage, she has to hold him to make love to him. Marilyn Monroe

Mobile phone - Just be careful

2008-04-25T10:55:00.006+08:00

PLEASE READ IMMEDIATELY. IMPORTANT

DON'T charge your mobile phone the whole night and DON'T keep it near you while charging.
WE HOPE YOU'RE NOT DOING THIS!
Never, ever answer a cell phone while it is being RECHARGED! Recently, a person was re-charging his cell phone at home. Just at that time, a call came in and he answered it with the instrument still connected to the outlet. After a few seconds, electricity flowed into the cell phone unrestrained and the young man was thrown to the ground with a heavy thud. His parents rushed to the room only to find him unconscious, with a weak heartbeat and burnt fingers. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival. Cell phones are a very useful modern invention. However, we must be aware that it can also be an instrument of death. Never use the cell phone while it is hooked to the electrical outlet !

FORWARD THIS INFORMATION TO PEOPLE THAT MATTER IN YOUR LIFE

Peter & Gordon sings World Without Love

2008-04-16T23:31:00.000+08:00

6 Energy Guzzling Appliances

2008-04-09T11:36:00.001+08:00

AIR-CONDITIONERS
A single split-unit-air-con consumes about 250kwh per month if user for 7 hours every day. The cost $60.18 a month
How to save energy:
* Consider a multi-split system if you require more than one room to be cooled.
* Ensure that the unit is the right capacity to match the amount of cooling required.
* Clean the sir-con filter regularly and have the unit inspected annually. Poorly maintained equipment waste energy.
* Set the thermostat at 25 degC. It is a comfortable temperature for most, yet will not consume that much energy.

REFRIGERATORS
A 300 litre frost-free unit will consume about 115 kwh a month if switched on year round. The cost $27.51 a month.
How to save energy:
* Choose a model with an energy-saver switch which will allow you to determine the setting that provide maximum energy savings without causing condensation.
* Adjust the themostat to the recommended settings
* Allow hot food to cool before putting it in the fridge and cover all food and liquids to prevent moisture from being released. Moisture increases the amount of energy that will be used during the fridge’s defrosting cycle.
* Do not open the door unnecessarily as the cool air will escape.

WATER HEATERS
A 1000 watt instantaneous of tankless unit uses 60 kwk if used for a total of 2 hours daily. The cost $14.33 a month.
How to save energy:
* Use an instantaneous water heater instead of one with a storage tank. The former provides hot water only when needed.
* If you prefer a storage water heater, choose one with a capacity of 23 litres to 27 litres, which is enough for a family of 4 to 6. The bigger the capacity, the more energy consumed.
* Switch on the storage water heater just 20 minutes before taking a bath. Switch if off after that.

WASHING MACHINES
A 450 watt unit without heater consumes 13.5 kwh if used for an hour each day. The cost $3.22 a month.
How to save energy:
* Wash a full load of laundry each time.
* Do not use hot water to wash clothes as heating up the water sucks up more energy. If you must have hot water, using cold water during the rinse cycle will cut energy use by half.
* Do not put too much detergent to avoid having to wash or rinse the load again.
* Pre-soak or use a soak cycle when washing heavily soiled items to asvoid 2 washings.

TELEVISION SETS
A 26-inch conventional TV set consumes about 30 kwh a month if used for 5 hours a day. The cost $7.16 a month.
How to save energy:
* When watching TV, keep the lights in the room low. This saves electricity and reduces glare from your screen.
* Switch off the set when not in use, including the main switch.
* Choose a conventional CRT TV set instead of a plasma set. The latter consumes about 4 times more energy.
* Alternatively, choose an LCD set instead of a plasma set as it consumes less energy.

COMPUTERS
A 300 watt unit, about the maximum power of a 24-inch iMac– consumes about 36 kwh a month is used for 4 hrs a day.
How to save energy:
* Set the power to automatically go into sleep or standby mode after 15 minutes or so of inactivity.
* Switch off the computer when not in use for long periods. This applies to the main switch too.
* Use LCD monitors as they consume half to two-thirds what cathode ray tube monitors do.
* A laptop uses up to 50% less energy than a desktop.

Source: Singapore Power & NEA

10 ways to overcome the shrinking dollar

2008-04-07T14:32:00.000+08:00

April 6, 2008 (Straits Times)

10 ways to overcome the shrinking dollar

It takes discipline and a sound investment strategy to combat the corrosive effects of inflation, say financial experts.

1 Cut down spending, live within your means
IPP Financial Advisers investment director Albert Lam's advice is to review your lifestyle and consumption patterns. For instance, you can substitute a branded item with a no-frills one, or switch to a cheaper mode of transport like the bus.

2 Try to save 20% of your pay or more
This is a useful tip especially for those just starting their careers, says head of ipac financial planning's advisory team, Mr Bill Castellas. Establishing a disciplined pattern of 'money behaviour' will go a long way towards building surpluses for long-term investments.

3 Do not be overly conservative
Invest your money instead of leaving all of it in savings deposits or fixed deposits, said Mr Lam. New Independent's financial advisory manager Stanley Sim also suggests that instead of parking spare cash in savings deposits, investors can place it in money market funds that have zero sales charges and offer better rates.

4 Don't rely solely on guaranteed products
Mr Castellas feels that such products, like bonds, might provide peace of mind but only marginal protection against inflation over the long term.

5 Save regularly via an investment platform
The earlier you start investing a small amount that you can afford to set aside, the quicker your investment will grow till it builds up into a significant sum in later years. 'Set aside an affordable sum from your daily expenses each month via a regular savings plan,' said Mr Castellas.You can put it into growth-oriented assets like equities and or real estate investment trusts.'

6 Take on sensible level of investment risk
Build an investment portfolio with a reasonable spread of defensive and growth assets that suit your lifestyle.

7 Invest for returns that will beat inflation
In order to beat inflation, consider investing in a globally diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds with a long-term horizon, said Mr Sim. A moderate-risk portfolio, comprising 60 per cent equities and 40 per cent bonds, should be able to generate a 6 to 8 per cent return a year over the long term.

8 Understand the power of compounding
Start planning, saving and investing as early as possible so you can enjoy the benefits of compounding, said Mr Lam. He suggested investors apply the Rule of 72, a handy tool that illustrates the effects of compounding.To work out how long it will take for your investment to double in value, divide 72 by the percentage return. With a return of, say, 9 per cent a year, to double your money, you will need eight years, that is, 72 divided by nine. Mr Sim noted that if you can invest $10,000 in an instrument that gives you an annual return of 6 per cent, that sum will grow to about $32,000 after 20 years. If you start early, the compounding effects will help you fight inflation by preserving and growing your wealth.

9 Invest in asset classes that appreciate
Both Mr Lam and Mr Sim gave property as an example. But invest in this asset class only if it is within your means. If rents increase at a faster rate than inflation, your property rental yield will provide a healthy return, they said.

10 Limit exposure to depreciating assets
Such assets include consumer goods like cars.

Lorna Tan
Copyright © 2007 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved. Privacy Statement & Condition of Access

Just Listen to Connie Talbot only 6

2008-03-27T19:21:00.000+08:00

Need street direction in NY, B Batok or Muar - no problem

2008-03-21T00:13:00.008+08:00

This is a fantastic street directory. It has 3 options namely Map / Satellite / Terrain You can actually see the building or flat in Singapore when you choose Satellite. Just key in Bukit Batok and choose Satellite. You can also zoom in. This is a worldwide street directory. It is better than the Singapore Street Directory. Only setback is it is not up todate. I could not find Millenia Institute. But it is a good quick finder. The url is http://maps.google.com/

If you like GOLF, you must love Tiger Woods.Watch the Master at work

2008-03-18T20:14:00.001+08:00

The Power of Resilience

2008-03-06T11:39:00.004+08:00

Life is tripping us up? Resilience is what helps us bounce back when the going gets tough. The sun will come out tommorow, so take heart. If you are in your teens, one of the hardest life tasks is to become an independent adult. Resilient people accept responsibility for our life and our choices, and are in control of situations no matter how bleak they might seem.

10 Ways to Build Resilience
1 Make Connections. Good relationships with family members, friends or others are important. Accepting help and support from those who care about you and will listen to you strengthens resilience.

2 Avoid seeing crises as insurmountable problems. You cannot change the fact that highly stressful events happen, but you can change how you interpret and respond to these events. Try looking beyond the present to how future circumstances may be a little better.

3 Accept that change is a part of living. Certain goals may no longer be attainable as a result of adverse situations. Accepting circumstances that cannot be changed can help you focus on circumstances that you can alter.

4 Move toward your goals. Develop some realistic goals. Instead of focusing on tasks that seem unachievable, ask yourself, “What’s one thing I know I can accomplish today that helps me move in the direction I want to go?”

5 Take decisive actions. Act on adverse situations as much as you can. Take decisive actions, rather than detaching completely from problems and stresses and wishing they would just go away.

6 Nurture a positive view of yourself. Develop confidence in your ability to solve problems and trust your instincts.

7 Maitain a hopeful outlook. An optimistic outlook enables you to expect that good things will happen In your life. Try visualizing what you want, rather that worrying about what you fear.

8 Keep things in perspective. Even when facing very painful events, try to consider the stressful situation in a broader context and keep a long-term perspective. Avoid blowing the event out of proportion.

9 Embrace opportunities for self-discovery. People often learn something about themselves and may find that they have grown in some respect as a result of their struggle with loss.

10 Take care of yourself. Pay attention to your own needs and feelings. Engage in activities that you enjoy and find relaxing. Exercise regularly. Taking care or yourself helps to keep your mind and body primed for situations that require resilience.

Just Bet It

2007-01-30T14:22:00.000+08:00

Hot No

1104, 2912, 0108, 2901, 0204

Disclaimer : Bet at your own cost. I shall not be held responsible if you lose. I shall claim a share of your prize earning if you strike.

Watch Split my Body

2007-01-10T14:46:00.000+08:00

Wesley Autrey - Subway Superman

2007-01-05T17:04:00.000+08:00

My 2007 resolutions

2007-01-03T17:56:00.000+08:00

My 2007 resolutions
(a) Participate in the 2007 NDP (already registered my name)
(b) Chant 100 daimoku per day (36500 daimoku for 2007 – achievable goal)
(c) Reduce my weight to 72 kg (now 80 kg)
(d) Happier family (last year happy family)
(e) Reduce my bulge (more sit ups, now 1 pack going 6 packs?)
(f) Learn to relax (listen to soothing music from my notebook)
(g) Learn more on Financial Planning
(h) Try to snore less when sleeping (how to achieve, no idea? Ask mummy to monitor)
(i) Sleep and wake up early (sleep at 11.59 pm and wake up at 8am? Da jie?)
(j) Snack less (eat fruits when hnngry)
(k) Watch less Youtube and read more

What are your 2007 resolutions?

Robert Kiyosaki - Secrets of the Rich

2006-12-18T14:56:00.000+08:00


Hi, Listen and Understand what Robert Kiyosaki can tell you. This video will enrich you and may give you your financial freedom. So start learning Financial Intelligence which is not taught in schools. School only teaches you SAT (scholastic aptitute test) and PAT (professional aptitude test) skills. Rgds THM

Lebanon war

2006-12-18T13:47:00.000+08:00


Lebanon War July 2006

Darfur Genocide

2006-12-14T10:54:00.000+08:00

Michael Buble (Home)

2006-11-29T10:34:00.000+08:00

Singapore Dreaming Trailer

2006-11-29T10:15:00.000+08:00

Singapore Dreaming” ( 美满人生 ) is a story about a family with big dreams, living on a small island.

Heavily in debt, patriarch Loh Poh Huat can’t help but feel bitter irony whenever he has to perform his job as a lawyer’s clerk – seizing goods from the homes of credit card debtors. At the end of his career and frustrated by the gulf between his middle class dreams and his working class reality, he takes his feelings of failure and envy out on his family .

So when Poh Huat suddenly wins two million dollars in the lottery, the Lohs start believing that maybe this windfall will deliver them from their struggles. But something happens which pitches the family into a battle where the stakes are the very meaning of life itself…

“ Singapore Dreaming” is a poignant, yet darkly humorous story about a typical Singaporean family coming to grips with their aspirations. It weaves a layered and moving tale about a family dealing with loss, ambition and the search for what really matters in life.

New Singapore Song

2006-11-02T18:01:00.000+08:00

Just a Reminder - Chemistry Practical

2006-10-27T14:51:00.000+08:00

Practical Tips
• If you are asked to heat up a substance with sodium hydroxide
and aluminium, don’t assume that ammonia is the gas that is given
off. It could be hydrogen. Get your answer from your observations
not from theory.
• The observation of effervescence is often missed out from practical observations. Look for the bubbles!
• In carrying out titrations you must repeat them until you get at least two consistent results which you can tick. Examiners often find that only one result is ticked – make sure that two are ticked.
• In titrations you must only average the consistent results that you have ticked, not all the titration results.
• When describing solutions do not use the word ”clear” when
you mean colourless. In chemistry, clear just means you can see
through it – it is the opposite of cloudy.
• The word precipitate is often used incorrectly. You can only use it about a solid formed when two solutions are mixed.
• When making observations about a solution don’t forget that ”colourless solution” may also gain a mark. Lack of colour is just as important an observation as presence of colour.
• Take care when adding a solution of sodium hydroxide to test for ions. If you add a large volume of sodium hydroxide too quickly, you may get the precipitate re-dissolving without you ever noticing that one was formed, e.g. in the case of adding sodium hydroxide to aluminium chloride solution.
• When describing colours don’t use combinations e.g. blue-green or yellow-red, unless absolutely necessary for distinction and certainly don’t use contrasting colours, e.g. greenish brown.
• When observing colour changes, make sure that you observe all the colour changes, not just the first and last. For example, when adding silver nitrate to sodium thiosulphate, the colour changes are white → yellow → red → black.
• You must be able to distinguish between the different shades of yellow precipitates, e.g. silver bromide, silver iodide and lead iodide. You can do this by calling them creamy yellow, light yellow, deep yellow etc, but do not write green (a common mistake) when the colour is clearly yellow.

Just a Reminder - Physics Practical

2006-10-23T14:46:00.000+08:00

(a) When drawing graphs, you should:
• remember to label the title of the graph
• remember to label the axes with both quantity (e.g. distance or d) and unit (e.g. metres or m). Then write it as distance / metres or even just d / m.
• make sure the axes are the correct way round. You are usually told, for example, to plot distance on the x-axis, so make sure you know that x is the horizontal axis!
• make the scales go up in sensible amounts, i.e. not 0, 3, 6… or 0, 7, 14 … but 0, 5, 10 … or 0, 2, 4 ….
• make sure that the plotted points fill at least half the graph paper. (This means you cannot double the scale and still plot all the points on the graph.)
• make sure you know how many sets of readings you are going to record eg distance d1, d2; corresponding time t1, t2; average time T per oscilation ie T/20 osc; square of T. Then show the tabulation clearly eg d1/m d2/m t1/s t2/s T/s T2/s. If you do not have time to take the 2 sets of readings, you must at least take 1 set of reading accurately first.
• check if you have been told to start the scales from the origin. If not, then think carefully about where to start the axes.
• use a sharp pencil to plot the points and draw the line.
• plot the points carefully. It is best to use small neat crosses. Every point will be checked by the marker, and you will lose the mark if any are wrongly plotted.
• draw either a straight line or a smooth curve. In physics we never join the dots!
• remember that a best fit line (curve or straight) should have some points both above and below the line.

(b) When taking readings from a graph, you should:
• draw a large triangle when measuring the gradient of a line.
It must be at least half the length of the line. Examiner’s
tip – draw a triangle the full size of the graph!
• always use points on the line, not your plotted points, when calculating the gradient.
• draw a tangent to find the gradient of a curve. Make sure it is at the right place on the curve. Again, use a large triangle.
• make sure you read the scales correctly when reading a value from a graph. It may be that they are in mA rather than A or km rather than m.

(c) When describing the shape of a graph, remember that:
• directly proportional means a straight line through the origin. In this case, doubling one quantity will cause the other to double.
• if the straight line does not go through the origin, then it is just called a linear graph.
• if doubling one quantity causes the other to halve, then they are inversely proportional.
• if increasing one quantity causes the other to decrease, it is called an inverse relationship.

(d) When drawing circuit, please remember to label the individual components.

(e) When a formula is given, please substitute and calculate the values correctly.

Drinking Tea

2006-10-16T17:10:00.000+08:00

Something to share with everyone here.

Drink less coffee. Tea is better.

Are you drinking the right tea?

1. People who use their "brain" to work or students who study hard
day and night --- should drink more chrysanthemum Tea.

2. People who need a lot of body energy to work or those people that
do a lot of exercise everyday --- should drink Wu Loong Tea.

3. People who travel on a bike or work in dirty and polluted places
--- should drink Green Tea.

4. For people who likes to sit down all day long and not doing
anything even exercising--- must drink Green Tea and Flower Tea.

5. People who smoke and drink alot of alcoholic drinks
--- should drink more Green Tea.

6. Carnnivore ( those people who must eat meat at least once a day,
or feel sick or not feeling well--- try to drink some Wu Loong Tea.

7. People who go to the washroom too often or too less
--- should drink more Honey Tea

8. People with high cholesterol and high blood pressure
--- Wu Loong Tea,Green Tea.

9. Those who work with computers everyday
--- need to drink a Lot of Tea (any tea will do).

Whenever you are working with the computer, you should make some
tea, drink it when you are free.

Drinking Tea is healthy, it can protect and prevent the harmful
Ultraviolet light from harming us (when using computer).

Furthermore, it can also cure us when we are tired and help making
our body feel fresh again.

Diet Myths Exposed

2006-10-09T10:51:00.000+08:00

Diet Myths Exposed: Part 1
Posted by Joy Bauer, M.S., R.D., C.D.N.
on Mon, Oct 02, 2006, 10:29 am PDT

The following diet myths come up over and over again at my nutrition center. My next two blog entries will help set the record straight. Hope you find this helpful!

• If you eat late at night, the food turns straight into fat.

Not true.If your overall calories are appropriate for weight loss, you certainly can eat something after dinner. Late night calories will ultimately get used the next day (and even while you sleep).
However, for the sake of energy, it is always better to eat your calories during the day when your body needs the fuel. Plus, eating consistently throughout the day will stabilize blood sugar levels -- so you’ll feel energized and experience fewer cravings. If you are going to snack after dinner, I suggest choosing something 250 calories or less.

• Fresh fruits and vegetables are more nutritious than frozen.

Not necessarily. Frozen can be a great produce option (just avoid varieties with added salt, sugar, and sauce). Frozen foods are picked in the peak of ripeness, then frozen. You can eat them as you need them -- and most of the nutrients are locked in. On the other hand, fresh fruit and vegetables are typically harvested before they ripen, and can have nutrient variability. Also, the longer fresh produce sits around in your fridge, the less nutrients it will contain.
Bottom line: Buy both fresh and frozen and eat as much as you can.

• Cravings are your body's way of telling you it needs something.

This has never been proven. You normally crave what you like to eat (or smell or see someone else eating). Also, hormonal changes are sometimes responsible for food cravings. Ice cream and pickles anyone?

• Any type of water is always better than soda.

No. There are a few caloric waters with sexy marketing ploys. In fact, some brands have quite a bit of sugar. Always check labels.

• Certain foods, like grapefruit, celery, or cabbage soup can burn fat and make you lose weight.

These are anecdotal stories that have no scientific back up. It’s true these foods are low in calories, but they do NOT actually burn fat.

Metabolism: How It Works

2006-10-05T11:12:00.000+08:00

Metabolism: How It Works
Posted by Joy Bauer, M.S., R.D., C.D.N.
on Thu, Jul 27, 2006, 11:13 am PDT

A lot of my clients often complain that they can't lose weight because of a "slow metabolism." And, unfortunately, many companies capitalize on this belief by marketing products that promise a so called "metabolic advantage" to help melt away the pounds. My next blog entries will discuss everything you need to know about metabolism. Hope you enjoy!
So What Is Metabolism?
Metabolism is the process (or rate) by which your body converts calories from food into energy. People often believe that a slim person's metabolism is high and an overweight person's metabolism is low, but this isn't usually the case.
Metabolism alone does not determine your weight. Rather weight is dependant on the balance of calories consumed versus calories burned.
• Take in more calories than you need -- you gain weight.
• Take in less calories than you need -- you lose weight.
Metabolism is merely the engine that burns these calories and the scale that regulates your calorie needs.
Your metabolism (the amount of calories your body burns each day) involves three key things:
1. Basic Needs -- This is known as your basal metabolic rate and covers the calories needed to sustain vital body functions; fuel for organs, breathing, circulating blood, adjusting hormone levels, plus growing and repairing cells. Typically, a person's basal metabolic rate makes up 66 to 75% of the total calories the body requires for the day.
2. Digestion and Absorption of Food -- About 10% of your day's calories go towards the digestion and absorption of the food you eat. It's ironic that you actually need calories to burn calories.
3. Physical Activity -- Exercise, depending upon how active you are each day, accounts for the remainder of calories burned.

Examiner Tips for O Level Physics

2006-09-13T11:31:00.000+08:00

How to Use These Tips
These tips highlight some common mistakes made by students. They are collected under various subheadings to help you when you revise a particular topic.

General Advice
• There is no escaping it; thorough and careful revision is the best way to prepare for a physics examination.
• Make your revision productive by making it interesting and fun.
Make notes, revision cards or mind maps. Revision should
be an active process, i.e you should be ‘doing things’, not just
sitting and reading a book.
• Do not try to learn it all in one go! Take regular breaks and
review what you have learnt regularly.
• Learning equations is essential; put them on small pieces of paper and stick them on your mirror so you will see them every morning, then revise with a friend so you can test each other.
• Try explaining the physics of a topic to a friend – as if you were a teacher!
• Working through past paper questions is then the best way to complete your revision. This helps you to know the type and style of questions to expect in the examination.
• Try timed questions so you can learn to answer quickly.
• Make sure you get your answers checked so you know you are doing the right things!
Spelling
The spelling of technical terms is important, so make sure your writing is legible as well as spelt correctly. Some words are very similar, such as reflection and refraction. If the examiner cannot tell which one you have written, then you will lose the mark. Make a list of technical terms and definitions in each section of the syllabus, checking the spellings carefully.

General Tips
In O Level Physics examinations you have to be able to complete a
variety of tasks; always read the question carefully to make sure
you have understood what you are expected to do. In descriptive
answers,you should:
• check the number of marks available and make sure you give sufficient points.
• plan your answer first so that you don’t repeat yourself or contradict yourself.
• read your answer through carefully afterwards to check you have not missed out important words.
• use sketches and diagrams wherever you can to help your explanation.
• add labels when referring to a diagram, e.g. point X, so that you can refer to it easily in your explanation. This can save many words and much confusion. In numerical answers, you should:
• quote any formulae you are going to use.
• show clearly all the steps in your working.
• check the units are consistent, e.g. if the distance is given in km and the speed in m/s, then you must convert the km to m.
• be careful when you are converting minutes and seconds: 1 minute 30 seconds is not 1.3 minutes and 150 seconds is not 1.5 minutes. These are common mistakes, so always double check any conversion of units of time.
• state the answer clearly at the end.
• give your answer as a decimal to an appropriate number of significant figures unless specifically asked to give the answer as a fraction.
• check that you have given the unit on your final answer.
• look at your final answer and see if it is reasonable. If you have the cost of using an electrical appliance such as a kettle used for six minutes as more than a few cents, then check the powers of ten in your calculation. Plotting graphs can be tested in Papers 2, 3 or 4. When drawing graphs, you should:
• remember to label the axes with both quantity (e.g. distance or d) and unit (e.g. metres or m). Then write it as distance / metres or even just d / m.
• make sure the axes are the correct way round. You are usually told, for example, to plot distance on the x-axis, so make sure you know that x is the horizontal axis!
• make the scales go up in sensible amounts, i.e. not 0, 3, 6… or 0, 7, 14 … but 0, 5, 10 … or 0, 2, 4 ….
• make sure that the plotted points fill at least half the graph paper. (This means you cannot double the scale and still plot all the points on the graph.)
• check if you have been told to start the scales from the origin. If not, then think carefully about where to start the axes.
• use a sharp pencil to plot the points and draw the line.
• plot the points carefully. It is best to use small neat crosses. Every point will be checked by the marker, and you will lose the mark if any are wrongly plotted.
• draw either a straight line or a smooth curve. In physics we never join the dots!
• remember that a best fit line (curve or straight) should have some points both above and below the line. When taking readings from a graph, you should:
• draw a large triangle when measuring the gradient of a line. It must be at least half the length of the line. Examiner’s tip – draw a
triangle the full size of the graph!
• always use points on the line, not your plotted points, when calculating the gradient.
• draw a tangent to find the gradient of a curve. Make sure it is at the right place on the curve. Again, use a large triangle.
• make sure you read the scales correctly when reading a value from a graph. It may be that they are in mA rather than A or km rather than m. When describing the shape of a graph, remember that:
• directly proportional means a straight line through the origin. In this case, doubling one quantity will cause the other to double.
• if the straight line does not go through the origin, then it is just called a linear graph.
• if doubling one quantity causes the other to halve, then they are inversely proportional.
• if increasing one quantity causes the other to decrease, it is called an inverse relationship.

Paper 1 Tips: Multiple Choice
When reading the question, you should:
• read the question carefully, e.g. if a question refers to a cooling liquid, then it will solidify, not boil. If you know you tend to jump to a quick conclusion, cover up the answers while you read the stem of the question.
• not rush through the questions. Some will be very quick to answer, others take more time.
• check whether a positive or negative answer is being asked for, i.e. does the question say “which of the following is or is not …?” For example, when looking at ray diagrams it is easy to just spot a correct diagram when you are asked for an incorrect diagram.
• underline or circle important information in the stem of the question.
• never leave a question unanswered; marks are not deducted for incorrect answers.
• try to eliminate some of the possible answers if you are not sure of the answer.
• write out your working to numerical questions clearly (on the question paper, near the question) so you can check it later.
• be aware of the topics which occur frequently, such as potential difference and potential dividers. The theory here just has to be learnt! When taking readings from a diagram, you should:
• check you are using the correct distance, e.g. in moments questions, remember you need to use the perpendicular distance from the force to the axis of rotation.
• draw on the diagram to help you understand what is happening,
e.g. in a travelling wave moving to the right, draw in the new
wave outline after a short time, or in deciding the direction
of the magnetic field at a point near a bar magnet, draw in the
shape of the field. Choosing the right response:
• When several answers seem correct, re-read the stem of
the question. You must choose the answer that is not only a
correct statement, but also answers the question, e.g. swapping
the live and neutral wires in a plug is a fault, but will not
cause the fuse to blow. The live wire touching the metal case
of a kettle is a fault which will cause the fuse to blow!
Choosing the right equation:
• Many equations are very similar, e.g. E = mc2 (energy equivalence of mass) and E = ½ m v2 (kinetic energy of a moving object) so make sure you know when to use each one.

Paper 2 Tips: Structured Questions
• Read the stem of the question to check which topic in physics is being tested. Then read all the parts of the question. It is often tempting to write too much in the first part of the question and then realise you have answered parts two and three as well.
• Only answer the question asked. Don’t be tempted to give more detail than is required. This wastes time and gains you no extra marks!
• If you are asked for two points (e.g. name two materials that are magnetic ….) then don’t give three. If you give three and the second is incorrect, you will only get one mark out of two.
• Your answer should fit the space available. If it doesn’t, you are writing too much! The number of lines given is a clue as to how much to write. Think about the size of your writing: if it is too big, it will not fit in the space; if it is too small, then the examiner will not be able to read it. Practice writing a size that is in between the extremes!
• If the question asks you to describe the movement of electrons, then not mentioning electrons and only referring to the movement of charged particles in the answer cannot gain full marks. Failure to give sufficient detail is a common cause of lost marks
• If describing the motion of molecules in a liquid then linking the temperature to the average kinetic energy of the molecules is important. Molecules of a gas exert a pressure on the walls of a container by colliding with the walls. To increase the pressure, they must collide at a greater rate, i.e. more frequently or with a higher speed. Take care to explain this clearly and without contradiction!
• Electrical circuits are common questions. Make sure you know where to put ammeters and voltmeters in a circuit. Then, if you need to vary the current, make sure you include a variable resistor or use a variable power supply.
• If the question asks you to”state and explain” you need to give a clear explanation. The amount of detail depends upon the number of marks for the question, e.g. if the direction of the current in a solenoid is reversed, then just saying that the magnetic field changes is not enough. This could mean increases or decreases in strength. You need to state that the field reverses or changes direction.
• Make sure you link your answer to the question, rather than just quote learnt facts, such as the penetration of radioactive radiation. Just stating what stops alpha, beta or gamma will not gain all the marks.
• If you are asked to draw forces on a diagram, be sure to draw them through the point where they act. Do not draw them floating in mid-air to the side of a diagram! Remember to label them. Make sure you add an arrow to show the direction, e.g. if the question asks for “the force exerted by the Sun on the Earth”, then since it is a force of attraction, the force arrow must go from the Earth towards the Sun.
• If you are asked to draw a forces diagram, make sure the diagram is large enough, and that all the forces are drawn with arrows and labelled.
• Where a question asks for a formula to be quoted, there will be one mark specifically for this. Even if you get the right answer, failure to quote the formula will lose you a mark. Some incorrect physics statements will lose a mark even if followed or accompanied by a correct statement. Examples of such statements are:
• Renewable energy sources can be used again and again. Please use the explanation that there is an infinite supply or it will not run out.
• Heat rises. Note that it is either hot air or hot liquids that rise, carrying the heat energy with them.
• Acceleration at a constant speed. This is a contradiction as if travelling at a constant speed, you cannot be accelerating! When describing a uniform acceleration, you can say constant acceleration or that it is accelerating at a constant rate.

Paper 3 Tips: Practical Test
• You will have three short experiments (20 minutes each) and one longer experiment (1 hour).
• Read the instructions carefully. Make absolutely sure you know exactly what you are asked to do each time.
• You do not have any time to waste, so you need to be sure you are doing the right thing first time.
• Write down all your readings clearly in the answer booklet.
• When asked to take a single reading, make sure you include the unit.
• Do not write anything you are not asked for – you are not expected to write an account of the experiment.
• If you are asked to “use your results” to explain something, then quote them, not just use the theory you know!
• Think about the experiment as you do it – you are often asked for
sources of error or difficulties you met while doing the experiment.
Make sure you give sufficient detail, e.g. don’t just say "to avoid
parallax error” but say how this is avoided. This can be done
by drawing a suitable diagram showing the position of the observer
relative to the scale.
• Significant figures are important in the practical papers. Do not quote too many – or too few! Just right is important.
• If you are reading a measuring instrument, give all the values on the scale, e.g. on a hundredth of a second stopwatch, write 9.24 s (but not 09:24 s).
• Many marks are lost by giving too few significant figures. This usually occurs when reading a scale where the value is on a major mark, e.g. 6 V. If the scale measures to 0.1 V, then the reading is 6.0 V, and you must include the point zero!
• In calculated values, you should give the same number of significant figures as in the values used, e.g. the average of 27.95, 26.54 and 27.36 is 27.28333333 and should be given as 27.28.
• Make sure you understand the technical terms used in the question, e.g. extension means the increase in length of a spring when a load is added.
• When measuring vertical heights, a setsquare should always be used to ensure the ruler is vertical. The setsquare should be shown correctly positioned in the diagram. When you have completed an experiment, go back over your answers and:
• check that you have answered all the parts of the question. Read the instructions again. You may be asked to draw a diagram after a calculation and this can easily be missed.
• check that you have read scales to the correct power of ten, e.g. when reading an ammeter should it be 0.012A, 0.12A or 1.2A?
• check that you have the correct number of significant figures.
• check that you have added a unit to all your measurements and any calculated values, and then check that it is the correct unit! In the Section B question, you will be asked to take a set of readings to plot a graph. When recording your readings in a table:
• Write both the quantity and unit in the heading. Note that the quantity means current, not "reading on the ammeter”. Don’t write the unit after every reading in the table. This just clutters up the table and makes it difficult to see the values clearly; a heading should say current / ampere or just I / A.
• You do not need a column labelled ”reading number” which just
goes 1, 2, 3 etc. If you are given a table outline in which to record your results, this will use one of them and you will not have enough columns for your results.
• Make sure you have taken sufficient readings, e.g. if you are asked to measure the temperature of a cooling liquid for five minutes, then a reading every minute gives you too few readings. Every 30 seconds is acceptable.
• Make sure you record the temperature for the full time.
• Don’t forget to note the initial temperature when you start the stopwatch.
• If using a liquid in glass thermometer, you should be able to estimate within a degree, e.g. to 0.5oC or even 0.25oC.

Paper 4 Tips: Alternative to Practical
• This paper asks you questions about how you would perform practicals in the laboratory at school. When you observe your teacher demonstrating experiments, you should:
• watch closely how the apparatus is set up.
• think about any problems with the apparatus that occur during the experiment.
• think about any sources of error in taking the readings.
When you do practical work at school, you should:
• handle the apparatus carefully.
• think about how the apparatus is set up.
• ask your teacher for help if you are not sure.
• think about how you take down the readings in a clear table – never just write numbers on a page, as you may well forget what they were later!
• think about the number of significant figures in your readings.
• Significant figures are important in the practical papers. Do not quote too many – or too few! Just right is important.
• If you are reading a measuring instrument, give all the values on the scale, e.g. on a hundredth of a second stopwatch, write 9.24 s (but not 09:24 s).
• Many marks are lost by giving too few significant figures. This usually occurs when reading a scale where the value is on a major mark, e.g. 6 V. If the scale measures to 0.1 V, then the reading is 6.0 V, and you must include the point zero!
• In calculated values, you should give the same number of significant figures as in the values used, e.g. the average of 27.95, 26.54 and 27.36 is 27.28333333 and should be given as 27.28.
• Be careful when calculating values for a table. These are usually straightforward and do not involve complex calculations!
• When answering questions about sources of error in an experiment, just writing “more accurate” is usually not enough and more detail
is required, e.g. when choosing the correct size measuring
cylinder to use in order to measure the volume of some marbles, the
measuring cylinder must be large enough to hold all the marbles!
Sometimes the answers appear too obvious,but they are good practical points.
• Make sure you can explain the difference between the source of
error and what you could do to reduce it, e.g. in transferring a
hot object from one place to another: the source of error is the
heat it loses during the transfer and you could reduce this error
by reducing the distance it has to be moved.
• When substituting values into a given equation, always check your
calculation twice. Check that you have included all the quantities,
e.g. if the equation contains an l for length, do not confuse it
with a 1. Then check that the units are consistent, and do not
change them if you don’t need to!
• When measuring a time or a length be careful with the phrase
“how long” as it can mean either. Make sure there is no confusion
here by using the words “a longer time” or “a shorter time”.
• If a question asks for the effect of changing something such as ”the length of the wings” then make sure your answer shows a comparison, e.g. “the longer the wings, the longer the time to fall”.
• Technical terms such as calibration need to be understood. This means, "to put a scale on a measuring instrument”. Although you may have met this only with reference to thermometers, it applies to any measuring instrument. If a question involves familiar equipment used in a novel way, e.g. circuits or ray diagrams:
• take time to look at the equipment used.
• do not assume that it is the same as an experiment you have done or seen before.
• follow round the circuit or the rays of light to be sure you understand what is happening. You should then be able to work out how to answer the question.

About the Examiner
Marianne Devereux has been an examiner for GCSE Physics (5054) for many years. At present she is Principal Examiner for Paper 4, the Alternative to Practical, and also works as an examiner on Paper 2. She has recently retired from teaching as Head of Physics at an independent girls’ boarding school.

Examiner Tips for O Level Chemistry

2006-09-12T14:16:00.000+08:00

Examiner Tips for O Level Chemistry (5070)
How to Use These Tips
These tips highlight some common mistakes made by students.
They are collected under various subheadings to help you when you revise a particular topic.
General Advice
• It is very important that you understand the words or phrases used by examiners to prompt you to answer questions in a particular way. These terms are described in the syllabus in the section Glossary of Terms. You may sometimes lose marks because you do not understand what to write in response to the words “explain”, ”describe”, “suggest” etc. If you are unsure, ask your teacher to explain what each of these terms means; for example, the term ”explain” means that you have to refer to some idea or theory and write in detail, so if you are asked ”Explain why rate of reaction increases as temperature increases”, it means that you have to use the idea of particle collisions in your answer.
• Make sure that you read the question fully, picking out the key words. For example, in a question such as ”Give a use of copper that depends on the ability of ions to move past each other”, it is common to find incorrect answers referring to properties rather than uses. Therefore the answer “malleable” is incorrect but the answer “for water pipes” is correct. It is useful to underline the key words in a question as you read it through.
• Take careful note of how many marks there are for a question. If there are three marks, you will need to think of three different points that you can write down to answer the question, e.g. in the question ”Explain the effect of increasing the concentration of acid on rate of reaction”, the examiners are looking for:
• The more concentrated the acid, the closer together the acid particles (1st mark)
• The colder the particles the more frequent the collisions (2nd mark) so increasing the rate of reaction (3rd mark)
• Make sure that you keep referring back to the beginning of the question or main subsection for vital points of information. This is especially important with calculations. In Paper 4, you may sometimes need information which is several pages back.
• Don’t be afraid to write down or choose the answer “no reaction” if you feel that nothing should happen. The lack of reaction still gives valuable information. This is most commonly seen in questions such as “Write down the products of the reactions, if any, between (i) chlorine and potassium bromide (ii) iodine and potassium chloride”. The phrase “if any” keys you into the idea that one of these pairs may not react.
Spelling
The correct spelling of chemical names is not always essential as long as they cannot be mistaken for other chemicals. However, in simple questions where you are asked to select the names of chemicals from a list, you must get the spelling correct. Writing “ammonium” for “ammonia” or “chlorine” for “chloride” will not be given credit because this is a chemical mistake.
General Tips
• Work out exactly what the question is asking. Many mistakes are made by not reading the question correctly. If the question says “give two observations apart from temperature change”, then obviously you shouldn’t write “temperature change” as one of your two answers, but many students do!
• Read over your answers and ask yourself “Have I contradicted myself?” This generally refers to things written in the same sentence. A common error is to write something such as “On adding ammonia a blue insoluble precipitate dissolves”. If something is insoluble it doesn’t dissolve! The correct answer to a question about adding excess ammonia to copper ions would be “On adding ammonia a light blue precipitate is formed. The precipitate dissolves in excess ammonia solution”. Notice how splitting the answer into two sentences has altered the meaning.
• Significant figures are not the same as decimal places. For example, 123.08 is to two decimal places but to five significant figures. Zeros before any definite numbers do not count as significant figures, so 0.000045 is to two significant figures.
• When doing calculations, your final answers to each section should be to the correct number of significant figures. Generally, it should be to the same number of significant figures as the data. You may get penalised if you write your answers to an excess number of significant figures, e.g. 1.257487 instead of 1.26.
• Always show your working – even if your answer is wrong, you may get some marks for your method. It is not sensible to work everything out on your calculator then just put down the answer because if you make one slip you risk getting no marks for that question.
• Make sure that you know your syllabus statements and definitions exactly, e.g. the use of naphtha as a feedstock for the chemical industry. The Principal Examiner has to use the syllabus as a basis for the exam questions.
• Look out for the phrase ”what you would observe”. This means that you must write down what you see, hear or feel (e.g. test tube gets hot). It is a very common error to write something like “a gas is given off” or “copper is deposited”. These are not observations.
• Don’t get caught out by the phrase ”describe what you would see”. Some students put down observations about pops (sound or heat given off).
• When drawings diagrams:
i) make sure they are large enough to fill the space given on the paper and always label them.
ii) make sure that you draw apparatus for gas measurement without any places for the gas to escape. Don’t draw gas syringes with the plunger much smaller than the syringe barrel. This is a common error.
• Stick to the number of examples requested by the examiners. For example, if a question asks for two examples of a transition element, do not write three down. If one of the three is incorrect, you will lose a mark. If a question asks for a single use for a substance, stick to one – if you write long lists, the examiner will think that you are ‘playing safe’ and you won’t get the mark. Take for example the question ”State two properties of transition elements that are not shown by other metals (2 marks)”. The answer “they are good catalysts, they form ions with different charges, they are shiny” will only gain one mark because, although the first two answers are correct, the last one is incorrect (2 √ + 1 x = 1 mark).
• In chemistry, the examiners want you to draw graphs of reaction rates by joining up the points with a curve of best fit. If you draw lines with a ruler from point to point, you will not get the mark.

Paper 1 Tips: Multiple Choice
• If you are unsure of the answer to a multiple choice question, don’t spend too long on it. Put a cross by it and return to it later.
• Within a single multiple choice question, use a pencil to cross out the statements which are clearly incorrect, then choose between those that are left.
• Don’t be swayed by one of the choices just because it has got a longer (or shorter) statement than the others.
• Don’t make any assumptions about the order of responses – just because there have been two ‘D’ answers in a row, it does not mean that the next answer cannot be ‘D’.
• Take care to read the whole question word by word. For example, in the question ”What is the ratio of the volumes of 2g of H2 and 16g of methane, CH4, at RTP?” many students will focus on the numbers and ignore the word ”volume”, resulting in the incorrect answer 1:8, rather than using volume of a moles of gas and giving 1:1 as the correct choice.
• When given a choice of picking out a noble gas from a group of electronic structures, don’t jump to the conclusion that noble gases always have eight electrons in their outer shell. Remember that helium has two!
• When given a choice about electrical conductivity of ionic structures remember that the conduction is due to ions moving (not electrons) and they can only move in liquid or when dissolved in water. This confusion often arises because metals conduct when solids but metals are NOT ionic structures.
• When given choices of why alloys are hard, it is not the mass of the atoms which is important but their size. Remember that metals have layers which slip over each other. A bigger atom will stop the layers slipping and so make it hard.
• When given choices about the rate of diffusion of gases, remember that the rate of diffusion depends on the mass of the molecules. Heavier molecules (lower relative molecular mass) move and diffuse slower than lighter molecules. Use your Periodic Table to calculate the relative molecular masses if you are unsure which molecule is heavier.
• If you are given a choice of tap water and several other substances as examples from which to select a pure compound, it’s not going to be tap water. It is a common error to think that tap water is pure but it contains the compounds from the rocks and those carried in the rain as well as the chemicals put in to purify it. Therefore tap water is a mixture. (And don’t be fooled by the adverts of the mineral water companies which say ‘pure mineral water’!)
• If you are given choices of electronic structures of atoms to select to make a compound of type XY2, first check the type of compound that the examiner wants, e.g. ionic or covalent.
If it is ionic, then you can choose an atom with one or two electrons in its outer shell and combine it with a non-metal atom. If it is covalent, look for the structures of two non-metal atoms, i.e. those with four to seven electrons in their outer shell. Remember that the number of electrons in the outer shell is equal to the group number.

Paper 2 Tips: Theory
• Reading the question thoroughly and noting the number of marks available is important. In response to a question such as ”Use you knowledge of the structure of metals to explain how they conduct electricity”, many students just write down that “metals have a sea of electrons”, thinking that this answers everything. What the examiners are looking for is (1) the idea of positive ions in a sea of electrons and (2) the fact that the electrons move.
• If you are asked to compare things in the question, your answer must make the comparison obvious. In response to the question “How do different proportions of carbon affect the properties of steel?”, the answer “Mild steel has a low % of carbon” will not receive any marks because nothing has been said about steel with a higher % of carbon. An answer such as “the higher the % of carbon the more brittle the steel’ gets the marks because this is a comparison.
• Properties of transition elements often cause problems. Remember that transition elements themselves are NOT coloured, it is their compounds that are coloured.
• If you see the words “what observations are made?” remember that this means what you see, hear or feel and NOT, for example, “gas given off”.
• Make sure that you know the use of the various substances stated in the syllabus. Go through your syllabus and make a note of these. For example, the uses of the naphtha fraction from petroleum distillation are not well known.
• If you are asked to describe the meaning of a term which has two words in it, you must make sure that the description has included the meaning of both words. So to get full
marks on the question ”What is the meaning of the term saturated hydrocarbon?”, you have to define (1) saturated as well as (2) hydrocarbon.
• Always check back in the question to see the wording in the stem of the question – you will not get any marks for putting what is in the stem into different words. For example, if the
stem includes the words ”Explain why the reaction rate increases as the concentration of acid increases”, you will not get any marks for putting this in another way, e.g. ”The reaction speeds up because the concentration of acid increases”.
• Be on the lookout for questions involving processes, e.g. ”What advantages are there in using hydrogen as a fuel?” The section underlined is a process. The answer ”Hydrogen is
not polluting” is therefore not correct because there is no indication that it is being used as a fuel. A correct answer would be “It forms no pollutants when burnt”.
• Watch out for the words if any, e.g. “State the products in the following reactions, if any”. Sometimes the examiner wants to test your understanding of why a reaction does NOT occur.
• If you are asked to draw electronic structures of atoms or ions, it means full electronic structures showing all shells, not just the outer shell.
• Explaining the properties of ionic structures is always a problem area. Never mention atoms, molecules, covalent bonds or sharing electrons even if you mention ions as well.
These are banned words! In answer to the question ”Why does sodium chloride conduct electricity when molten?”, the answer ‘Because the ions and the electrons can move’ gets no marks because the incorrect ”electrons” negates the mark for ”ions”.
• A common error involving the conductivity of molten ionic compounds is to state that the electrons are responsible for conduction. Remember that it is the ions which move when
ionic compounds conduct electricity.
• It is a common mistake to believe that energy is needed to form bonds. In answering questions about bond making and bond breaking, think about a model of a compound – to break the bonds, you have to physically pull them apart. In other words you’re putting in energy. To form bonds, it must be the opposite, i.e. energy is given out on bond formation.
• Look out for the term “explain”. This indicates that you have to write in detail about why something happens. If, for example, you are asked to explain why the reaction between copper(I) chloride and chlorine is a redox reaction, you must write about redox in terms of either electrons or oxidation number changes.
• Make use of all the information given in a question, including graphs. For example, if a graph of % yield of ammonia against temperature for various pressures is given, it is there for a purpose. If you use the information given you are more likely to get marks than if you try to remember figures from a book.
• Never write “ammonium hydroxide” as the product when ammonia dissolves in water – ammonium hydroxide does not exist! (Even though you may see it still on bottles in the lab and even in some books). The correct term is aqueous ammonia. In addition, make sure that you know the difference between ammonia, NH3 and ammonium, NH4+. The latter is an ion present in ammonium salts.
• The number of carbon atoms in formulae of carboxylic acids often cause problems. Make sure that you include the carbon of the -CO2H group when you name the acid. CH3CH2CH2CH2CO2H has five carbon atoms so is the 5th member of this homologous series, pentanoic acid.
• Take care with the formulae of the metal salts of the carboxylic acids if the metal is from group 2. Remember that group 2 metals form 2+ ions and so they need two carboxylate
ions to balance, e.g. the formula for magnesium ethanoate is (CH3CO2- )2 Mg2+.
• When doing mole calculations if given an equation such as:
Mg + 2CH3CO2H → (CH3CO2 )2 Mg + H2 Ignore the 2 in the equation when calculating the molar mass of ethanoic acid, i.e. the molar
mass of ethanoic acid is 60, not 120. Remember though that when calculating reacting masses, the 2 needs to be taken into account because two moles of ethanoic acid react with only one mole of magnesium.
• Try to be as accurate as possible in all your answers. In response to a question such as “Why is the reaction between ethanoic acid and magnesium much slower than the reaction
between hydrochloric acid and magnesium?”, it is too vague just to say that ethanoic acid is a weaker acid. Some reference to the differences in hydrogen ion concentration is needed.
• When there are questions with large unspecified mark allocations, e.g. seven marks, you need to plan your answers out carefully and underline or list on the question paper all the
points that need to be written about. It is very common to miss parts out in extended questions like this. If you have written a list of the points you need to deal with, you can cross these out one by one as you complete them, e.g. equations, gas tests, colour changes etc.
• Answers to questions on “chemistry and the environment” are often answered in too vague a manner. The word ”pollution” is too vague to be given credit as an answer to any question. In answering a question such as “What is a disadvantage of the use of nylon for fishing nets?”, “pollution” would not score a mark, nor would vague statements such as ”dangerous to sea life”. “Non-biodegradable” would score the mark because it is much
more exact.
• In doing calculations, always check that the relative molecular masses are correct. Incorrect addition or extraction of the relative atomic masses is often a reason for failure in
a calculation. In addition, double check that you have used atomic masses and not atomic numbers. If you are unsure, use the key in the Periodic Table at the bottom left to check which number is which.
• Look out for the word each, e.g. in the question “Explain the purpose of adding each of calcium hydroxide and ammonium sulphate to soil”. You will lose marks if you do not make
it clear exactly which compound you are writing about. To make sure that there is no ambiguity, start each sentence with the name of the compound you are referring to, e.g.calcium hydroxide is added/ammonium sulphate is added.
• Avoid missing out connecting processes. For example if you are asked about how ammonium sulphate helps soil fertility, the answer ”ammonium sulphate forms nitrate ions” is not good enough because it suggests that the ammonium sulphate contains nitrate ions. A better answer would include the connecting process, in this example “ammonium sulphate reacts to form nitrate ions”.
• Know the difference between –ides and –ates. Compounds ending with –ide contain only two types of atoms, e.g. magnesium oxide and potassium chloride. Compounds ending with –ate contain three or more types of atom, one of which is usually oxygen, e.g. sodium sulphate and potassium nitrate. The ions of -ides are simple, e.g. sulphide, S2-, whereas – ates have compound ions, e.g. carbonate CO32- .
• When writing oxidation numbers, remember that the + or – sign should be included. The oxidation number is not written like the charge on the ion. For example, Cu2+ is a copper(II) ion. The oxidation number of copper in this ion is +2 (NOT 2+).
• Make sure that you know the solubility rules. These become important when writing state symbols in equations. If you know that carbonates of group 2 metals are insoluble in water, then you know to write CaCO3(s) in an equation rather guessing.
• Know the difference between (aq) and (l)! The state symbol (aq) refers to a substance dissolved in water. The state symbol (l) refers to a substance as a pure liquid, e.g. Br2(l), H2O(l).
• Remember that when writing equations for the reactions between aqueous solutions of halide and aqueous halogens, the state symbols are all (aq). This is because the halogens are dissolved in water in the first place.
• When writing the electronic structures of ions don’t show the charge inside the nucleus. The charge should go on the top righthand corner of the ion, outside the square brackets
(which are put round the ion to show that the charge is spread out all over the ion).
• When given graphs which read back in time from the present day be careful to remember to read the graphs in a forward direction if you are asked about the order of a sequence of events, e.g. how carbon dioxide concentration has changed over the last 2000 million years.
• Always read the scales on graphs very carefully, especially when very large numbers are involved. For example, if the graph has the figures 1000, 2000, and 3000 with “millions of years” underneath, it is all too easy to miss the word “millions” when answering questions.
• Remember that if you want to separate a particular gas from the air, you can’t just heat the air up. You have to make it liquid first by lowering the temperature so that all the gases
liquefy. Then you raise the temperature gradually and collect the gases as they evaporate off one by one. Although the actual process is more complex, this is all that you have to know for your examination.
• With questions which require extended answers, especially in part B of the paper, do not write too much. There is often a danger that you will contradict yourself.
• When asked to draw diagrams, make sure that you have included all the pieces of apparatus necessary. Go over each point in the question carefully to check. It is quite common, for example, to leave out the test tubes to collect gases when asked to draw the
apparatus for electrolysis and test the gaseous products.

Paper 3 Tips: Practical
• If you are asked to heat up a substance with sodium hydroxide and aluminium, don’t assume that ammonia is the gas that is given off. It could be hydrogen. Get your answer from your observations not from theory.
• The observation of effervescence is often missed out from practical observations. Look for the bubbles!
• In carrying out titrations you must repeat them until you get at least two consistent results which you can tick. Examiners often find that only one result is ticked – make sure that two
are ticked.
• In titrations you must only average the consistent results that you have ticked, not all the titration results.
• When describing solutions do not use the word ”clear” when you mean colourless. In chemistry, clear just means you can see through it – it is the opposite of cloudy.
• The word precipitate is often used incorrectly. You can only use it about a solid formed when two solutions are mixed.
• When making observations about a solution don’t forget that ”colourless solution” may also gain a mark. Lack of colour is just as important an observation as presence of colour.
• Take care when adding a solution of sodium hydroxide to test for ions. If you add a large volume of sodium hydroxide too quickly, you may get the precipitate re-dissolving without you ever noticing that one was formed, e.g. in the case of adding sodium hydroxide to aluminium chloride solution.
• When describing colours don’t use combinations e.g. blue-green or yellow-red, unless absolutely necessary for distinction and certainly don’t use contrasting colours, e.g. greenish brown.
• When observing colour changes, make sure that you observe all the colour changes, not just the first and last. For example, when adding silver nitrate to sodium thiosulphate, the colour changes are white → yellow → red → black.
• You must be able to distinguish between the different shades of yellow precipitates, e.g. silver bromide, silver iodide and lead iodide. You can do this by calling them creamy yellow, light yellow, deep yellow etc, but do not write green (a common mistake) when the colour is clearly yellow.

Paper 4 Tips: Alternative to Practical
• When plotting graphs, you should be able to accurately plot to within one-half a small square and the lines should go through the 0-0 point which should also be plotted if there is data for it. However do NOT draw a line through the 0-0 point if it is clear that the trend shows that the line is unlikely to go through this point.
• Practice extrapolating graphs. The extrapolated curve must follow the pattern of the line or curve that is already there. If it is levelling off gradually, the extrapolated curve must
continue this levelling off.
• In the practical papers marks are not usually given for suggesting that you can separate a solid from a solution by decanting off the solution. Filtration is the method that is expected.
• Make sure that you know the difference between the tests for oxygen and hydrogen–these are frequently confused. Useful mnemonic devices for remembering them are:
o Hydrogen – Lighted splint – Pops (Hylight Pops)
o Oxygen – Glowing splint – Relights (ogre)
• Practical examiners do not generally like the term ”burns with a pop” for the result for the hydrogen test. Just ”pops” or “explodes” is fine. This is because the explosion puts the
flame out, so it doesn’t burn.
• In describing colour changes which you expect to see when a metal such as zinc reacts with a solution of copper sulphate, don’t write that the solution goes white. This is a common error. You should state that the blue-coloured solution loses its colour.
• When given several diagrams of thermometers showing the temperatures as an exothermic reaction proceeds and asked to plot a graph from the data, make sure that you always calculate the temperature change by taking away the initial thermometer reading from each of the other readings. A common mistake is to take the 3rd from the 4th, the 4th from the 5th etc.

About the Examiner
Dr. Roger Norris has been an examiner for many years. He is currently a Principal Examiner for Cambridge International O Level Chemistry as well as IGCSE Chemistry. He is also involved in developing and examining OCR Chemistry courses and examinations in Britain. As well as undertaking several years of research he has 27 years of teaching experience in Chemistry (as well as in Biology and Physics). He has contributed to a number of publications ranging from General Science for 11-13 year olds to advanced level Chemistry courses.

Halt the Salt

2006-09-11T10:23:00.000+08:00

When it comes to salt, the National Institute of Health and the
American Heart Association recommend no more than 2,300
milligrams daily (that's one teaspoon of salt). However, most
Americans consume between 4,000 to 6,000 milligrams on a daily basis!

What Is Salt?
Salt is comprised of two minerals, sodium and chloride, but sodium
is the specific mineral of concern (and sodium is what you'll find
on your food labels). Some sodium is essential. In fact, sodium
helps to maintain proper fluid balance in and out of cells, regulate
blood pressure, and transmit nerve impulses. Sodium occurs naturally
in some foods, but most of the sodium we consume is from processed
and packaged products. That's because, sodium not only affects
flavor, but can change texture, control the speed of fermentation,
stabilize volume, and promote color enhancement.

Just to name 2 health consequences
There is a strong link between sodium and high blood pressure in
people who are salt sensitive. Salt attracts water -- salt pulls
water into the blood vessels & this extra vol creates added pressure.

Increased dietary sodium is known to trigger urinary calcium loss.
With high levels of sodium intake,the body compensates by
increasing urinary excretion.Because sodium & calcium excretion
occur together, higher levels of urinary sodium result in increased
calcium excretion with possible adverse effects on bone health.

So ask mummy to cook with less salt.

Paper2_Math_D_Jun2005

2006-09-07T11:27:00.000+08:00

Pls see my comment.

Q1c(ii) You should have scored full marks for this Q. You have
derived the equation but you forgot to express the values
of x=+5,-5

Q3b Technique : Remember the value of the interior angles of
(a) 4 sided shape eg rectangle is 360 deg (b) 5 sided
pentagon is 540 deg (c)6 sided hexagon is 720 deg.
I hope you know how to explain the above. A rectangle
contains 2 triangles, thus their interior angles is equal
to 180x2 = 360 deg.
Note the Q said that the hexagon has rotational symmetry
of order 3. It just mean that each of the 3 mini hexagon
inside the big hexagon are symmetry.
Given one of the interior angle is 105 deg, thus 2 other
interior angles of the other 2 mini hexagon are also 105
deg. Similarly there are also 3 angles with z deg.
Thus (3*105)+3z=720; z=(720-315)/3=135 deg
This is a technique you must remember.

Q3c Pls check whether there are formulae for similar triangle.

Q4c You must first know what is the path? A straight line or
an arc of a circle? In this case it is an arc of a circle
with angle ACA’=125 deg.
Thus 125/360 * 2pi(r) = (125/360)*2*22/7*20=43.6 cm

Q7d Vol of the outer cylinder–Vol of inner cylinder = 500 cm3
Let radius of inner cylinder = r cm
Radius of outer cylinder = r + 1.5 cm

Q8b(i) Your answer -0.50 is quite near -0.44. Did you round up?

Q9 Pls check whether there are formulae for such triangles
which are not right angle triangles

Q11(i) Pls check again.
Q11(iv) Pls check again. You are quite ok with this chapter.
Maybe you careless here.

Paper1_Math_D_Jun2005

2006-08-28T11:13:00.000+08:00

Some comment on the following Qs which you have problems

Q4(b) You understood the meaning of Bearing. From the Q you did not
see there is an alternate angle to the given angle. Thus you were
unable to derive the bearing requested in the Q.

18 Pls check your computation for the last part of the Q. Ans is 219
and not 45. Careless.

19b(i)Plane perpendicular and bisecting AF. You must be able to write
in clear simple English. If not what you have written on the
exam paper is not what you have intended.

24 Your attempt on this Q is OK. You have used a sharp pencil to
draw. Good. But still your answers have a slight deviation. I
think it is OK. The examiner will allow slight deviation.

25(a) The reason as in Q19b(i). You wrote "Angles on a st line add
up to 180 deg and therefore angle PSR=60 deg" You should have
written as "Interior angles of 2 parallel lines are supplementary"
This mean the interior angles add up to 180 deg.

Paper 2_Math_D_Jun2004

2006-08-18T10:13:00.000+08:00

Janice, my comment.
You have done well in paper 2. Pls read my comment. I hope when you
sat for this paper you did not refer to the answers. Try to do it as
if it is an actual exam. More practice, focus, remember the methods
you have learnt in this Jun2004 paper and most important do not mix
your emotion with exam. Keep emotion out and you can focus and
perform. World class player like Tiger Wood always keep his emotion
out when he is competing in major golf tournaments.

Q1 Well done 7/9 marks
a(i) OK
a(ii) As expected you could not start on this part.You have failed to
appreciate and use the fact that when they met they had been
travelling at the same time.
Thus let the time taken when Ben and Ann met be t sec
The time taken for the whole distance t=6000m / 10=600s
Total distance by Ben=3m/s x t s=3t m and Ann=7m/s x t s=7t m
Distance PM=3 x 600=1800m
a(iii) OK b(i) OK b(ii) OK

Q2 Well done 9/10 marks
(a) OK (b) OK
(c) Careless again. 2 dec places but you gave only 1 dec (minus 1 mark)
(d) OK

Q3 Only part b(ii) and b(iii) are tricky. Should get at least 7 or 8
marks/12
a(i) OK
a(ii) Observe the trapezium. You see that it has some right angles.
Can the trapezium be partitioned into triangles or other shapes.
Generally triangles come first. When you join DB, you have 2
triangles. Calculate the area of triangle BCD and subtract from
the area of the trapezium and you get the area of triangle ABD.
Finally you can get the height h.
a(ii) Use sin rule. b(i) OK
b(ii) Janice, pls check from your text whether any formula to
calculate the angle PQR in triangle PQR.
b(iii)
(a) No,as angle PQR not=90 deg or equiv(meaning other 90 deg angles)
(b) Mid-pt of PR (most logical)

Q4(a) There many acceptable answers. 540/5=108 deg or 180-72=108
deg answers are not sufficent. You must explain how you get
540 or 72 deg? A regular pentagon is make up of 3 triangles.
As each triangle is 180 deg, thus the interior angles of a
regular pentagon is 540 deg. Each interior angle of the
regular pentagon is 540/5=108 deg
b(i) OK b(ii) OK b(iii) OK b(iv) OK
c(i) OK c(ii) OK c(iii) OK

5(a) Pls check your set notation?
(b) OK c(i) OK c(ii) OK

6(a) OK (b) OK (c) OK (d) OK
7(a) OK (b) OK c(i) OK c(ii) OK c(iii) OK
8(a) OK b(i) OK b(ii) OK (c) OK (d) OK e(i) OK e(ii) OK

9 OK
10(a) OK (b) OK (c) OK (d) OK (e) OK
(f) Pls check your working on the probability it is 17/65 and not 16/65

Paper 1_Math_D_Jun2004

2006-08-16T11:09:00.000+08:00

Janice, my comment.
A pretty good attempt. Just need to be more careful and less careless.
Need to be fast track with all the formula, theorem, principles and
the English use in the Q. More practice, calm and with less emotion
and you will perform. Remember all the tips in this exercise.

Q1. OK. A must score question.
Make sure you understand ‘as a percentage’ and other maths term
eg ‘as 3 decimals’ or ‘3 significant figs’ etc Check your text for
all other terms.

Q2. An easy Q and yet you got it wrong for Q2(a).
Carelessness is the main killer. Do not do it wholly mentally. Use
both mental and division on a paper. Use 2 or 4 for even fraction
and then maybe 8 or 9 to counter check. This will reduce error.

Q3. OK. A must score question.
Change any decimal number to whole number first
63 / 0.9 -> 630 / 9 = 70

Q4. OK. A must score question.

Q5. OK. A must score question.
More than one way of solving. But the easiest way is to read and
understand the Q5 first. The 3 key words straight,parallel & bisect.

Q6. OK. A must score question

Q7. You got stuck. Why?
Key word pie=22/7 & arc. As you know an arc is part of a circle.
Thus all the formula relating to a circle must come to your mind.
6 degrees in proportion is 6/360. You see a 2 mark Q cannot be
too difficult. Read your comment.

Q8. OK. A must score question

Q9. OK. A must score question

Q10. OK. A must score question
For Q10(b) change all values to 10 to power 4. There are other ways.

Q11. OK. A must score question

Q12. OK. A must score question

Q13. You got the scale of the graph confused.
Make sure you get the scale of the graph correctly first.

Q14. OK. A must score question
You understand what inequalities meant. Good.

Q15. Your bearing from C is out by 2 degrees. Your pencil very blunt.
You need a very sharp pencil to draw and careful marking to get
an accurate reading of the bearing.

Q16. OK. A must score question
Just testing your English, ‘lower bound’

Q17. OK. A must score question

Q18. You got stuck. Why?
No need sin, cos, tan rules as no angles are given. Key words are
square, right angles, sides and height. The first thing that
should come to your mind is Pythagoras Theorem. Remember PT.
Read your comment.

Q19. OK. A must score question
Diagrammatic Q are easy. It is testing more on your observation plus
some simple computation.

Q20. You get 3/4 marks. Not bad attempt.
Refer to the printout. I am not sure what are the 3 parallel lines 2 cm
from the coastline are. If I draw, there is only 1 parallel line.

Q21 OK

Q22 OK

Q23 OK

Q24 You got the visualisation correct and you arrived at 50tan30.
But the height of tree is 28.85 + 1.8 = 30.65. After rounding to
a reasonable degree of accuracy the height of the tree is 31m.
So pls take note of the above expression in Q24.

Q25 OK

Q26 Teacher have not taught yet. OK

Fishing the Stream

2006-08-12T16:27:00.000+08:00

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day.
Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

It's an old axiom. The goal is always to teach executives how to "fish the stream" for themselves. Streams represent the environments, the ever-changing realities of the marketplace that you and your organization are working in. You may be fishing many streams - the corporate network, the parent industry, the market, the government and the community. There are many currents and many streams that affect the success of your organization. To the degree that the strategy, systems and shared values are in harmony with the streams, your organization is more likely to achieve success.

What are Your Goals in Life?

2006-08-04T15:28:00.000+08:00

Too many of us treat goal setting the same way. We dream about where we want to go, but we don't have a map to get there. What is a map? In essence, the written word. What is the difference between a dream and a goal? Once again, the written word. Goal setting however is more than simply scribbling down some ideas on a piece of paper. Our goals need to be complete and focused, much like a road map.

We should develop goals in these 6 areas of life namely Family and Home, Financial and Career, Spiritual and Ethical, Physical and Health, Social and Cultural, Mental and Educational

My 1st goal was to pass all my examinations and go to a good university. I achieved that in 1979. My 2nd goal was to find a good job in Singapore. I found that in 1980 and still working today. My 3rd goal was to buy an apartment of my own. I bought it in 1990. My 4th goal was to raise a family with 3 kids. I achieved that in 1991 when san jie ‘appeared’. My 5th goal was to join a good spiritual organisation. I joined SOKA Singapore in 1986. It is such a wonderful organisation. My 6th goal was way back in the 80s to at least participate in one NDP. I achieved that by taking part in the 1988 and 1990 NDP thru SOKA association. My 7th goal was to buy my first car. I bought it in 1993. My 8th goal is to maintain my weight at 70kg. Currently I have yet to achieve my ideal weight. No pain no gain.

I still have many many current and future goals which I have not listed. Just like making more money to help the less fortunate - charity or volunteer work. Cannot finish, just like World Cup goals, kick and kick, score and miss.

So you see, one can have many goals in life and unless we stay focus and put the effort, our goals will just remain a dream. What are your goals in life?

My Car - "Extrene Wash Over"

2006-07-23T22:43:00.000+08:00

I can't believe my eyes when dajie drove back the car from the workshop. This is what I call "Extreme Wash Over". I have not seen my car shining like brand new for a very long time, 3 years to be exact. The last time was when I collected my new car. You see I have a new driver 'da jie' in my family. Dajie has added some 'new artistic art scratches' to my car. Another interesting fact, I seldom wash my car. I leave it to mother nature to do the job. Hope the shine will last for another 3 years.

Guidance - "Youth" & "Meeting People"

2006-07-20T17:36:00.000+08:00

Youth should never be swept away by superficial fame or materialistic greed. Youth should not cunningly pass hard work on to others and seeks only personal gain. Justice, courage and passion constitute the lifeblood and privilege of youth.

Meeting between people are very important in life. In a sense, life is a succession of meetings with many individuals. Some meetings will be forgotten as time passes, but some can instantly become an impetus to change your life. Therefore, we should always try to attach the utmost importance when meeting with people.

Just for Laugh - "Teacher"

2006-07-17T18:19:00.000+08:00

(a)
The teacher came up with a good problem. "Suppose," she asked the
second-graders "there were a dozen sheep and six of them jumped over a fence.
How many would be left?"
"None," answered little Norman.
"None? Norman, you don't know your arithmetic."
"Teacher, you don't know your sheep. When one goes, they all go!"

(b)
Little Johnny returns from school and says he got an F in arithmetic.
"Why?" asks the father.
"The teacher asked 'How much is 2x3?' and I said '6'"
"But that's right!"
"Then she asked me 'How much is 3x2?'"
"What's the f***ing difference?"
"That's exactly what I said!"

(c) Teacher: Johnny, you know you can't sleep in my class.
Johnny: I know. But maybe if you were just a little quieter, I could.

(d) "If there are any idiots in the room, will they please stand up"
said the sarcastic teacher. After a long silence, one freshman rose to his feet.
"Now then mister, why do you consider yourself an idiot?" enquired
the teacher with a sneer.
"Well, actually I don't," said the student, "but I hate to see you
standing up there all by yourself."

If you laugh, please register in the comment. Thank you

Learn the Guitar the other way

2006-07-14T22:18:00.000+08:00

Self-Discipline - "Hard Work"

2006-07-13T14:34:00.000+08:00

And why is challenge important? Why not just do what’s easiest?
Most people will do what’s easiest and avoid hard work — and that’s precisely why you should do the opposite. The superficial opportunities of life will be attacked by hordes of people seeking what’s easy. The much tougher challenges will usually see a lot less competition and a lot more opportunity.
Strong challenge is commonly connected with strong results. Sure you can get lucky every once in a while and find an easy path to success. But will you be able to maintain that success, or is it just a fluke? Will you be able to repeat it? Once other people learn how you did it, will you find yourself overloaded with competition?
Being healthy is hard work. Finding and maintaining a successful relationship is hard work. Raising kids is hard work. Getting organized is hard work. Setting goals, making plans to achieve them, and staying on track is hard work. Even being happy is hard work (true happiness that comes from high self-esteem, not the fake kind that comes from denial and escapism).
Hard work goes hand-in-hand with acceptance. One of the things you must accept are those areas of your life that won’t succumb to anything less than hard work. Perhaps you’ve had no luck finding a fulfilling relationship. Maybe the only way it’s going to happen is if you accept you’re going to have to do what you’ve been avoiding. Perhaps you want to lose weight. Maybe it’s time to accept that the path to your goal requires disciplined diet and exercise (both hard work). Perhaps you want to increase your income. Maybe you should accept that the only way it will happen is with a lot of hard work.
Your life will reach a whole new level when you stop avoiding and fearing hard work and simply surrender to it. Make it your ally instead of your enemy. It’s a potent tool to have on your side.

Just in Case

2006-07-11T21:39:00.000+08:00

Success can never be genuine unless it is based on the accumulation of steady and strenuous efforts, expended day by day and from moment to moment.

There is no such thing as a life without trials and tribulations. A life without meeting obstacles is a weak one. One cannot depend on someone who has not had to overcome difficulties.

In anything you do, you must have an objective or goal. No matter how seriously you may strive to achieve it, if you deviate from that course or give up your effort halfway before you achieve the goal, you will never make the exuberant feeling of accomplishment your own.

Illusion - What do you see?

2006-07-07T22:58:00.000+08:00

Just for Laugh - "Late for School"

2006-07-07T16:06:00.000+08:00

Teacher: Why are you late, Joseph?
Joseph : Because of a sign down the road.
Teacher: What does a sign have to do with your being late?
Joseph : The sign said, "School Ahead, Go Slow!"

Illusion - What do you see?

2006-07-06T23:29:00.000+08:00

Illusion - How many cubes are there?

2006-07-04T22:13:00.000+08:00

Just for Laugh - "Job Application"

2006-07-01T12:42:00.000+08:00

An applicant was filling out a job application.
When he came to the question,
"Have you ever been arrested?" He answered, "No."

The next question, intended for people who had answered
in the affirmative to the last one, was "Why?"
The applicant answered it anyway: "Never got caught."
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Employer to applicant:
"In this job we need someone who is responsible."

Applicant: "I'm the one you want. On my last job,
every time anything went wrong, they said I was responsible."
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"Young man, do you think you can handle a variety of work?"
"I ought to be able to. I've had ten different jobs in four months."

UFO - Have you seen one? I have

2006-06-30T10:18:00.000+08:00

Brain Teaser

2006-06-28T16:54:00.000+08:00

Q1: Where do bees go on their day off?

Q2: When do doctors get angry?

Q3: What's the best thing about numbers?

Q4: Why did the robber wear blue gloves?

Q5: Why was the fisherman mad at the computer?

Just for Laugh - "Goal in Life"

2006-06-27T22:43:00.000+08:00

Just for Laugh - "3 Friends"

2006-06-26T10:29:00.000+08:00

3 friends were stuck on an island after their cruise ship was wrecked in a storm.
Months passed. One day, they found a bottle lying around and the three of them pulled out the cork.
POOF! A genie appeared, and said: "Since you have freed me from my prison, I will grant each of you a wish."
The 1st man said: "I wish I could go home right away & earn a lot of money." POOF!! His wish was granted.
The 2nd man said: "Me, too!" And POOF!!! He got his wish too.
Said their 3rd buddy: "I will feel bored here without my friends.
Could I have them back? POOF!!

SuperBand - "The Eagles" (Hotel California)

2006-06-24T12:19:00.000+08:00

SuperBand - "The Beatles" (Hey Jude)

2006-06-24T12:15:00.000+08:00

SuperBand - "The Hollies" (Long Cool Woman)

2006-06-24T12:07:00.000+08:00

"The EeLynn Mango Sequel"

2006-06-22T21:41:00.000+08:00

Topic : Particulate Nature of Matter, Diffusion

2006-06-19T00:42:00.000+08:00

The MCQ Section. I would just like you to remember some important concept of the above topic (a) relative molecular mass a property of a gas that affects the rate at which the gas diffuse (b) Melting pts of pure and mixture of metals (alloy). The melting pt of the alloy (eg lead + tin) is always lower than the highest MP metal, in this eg it is lead; not both. (c) how the smell of a gas spread - diffusion

Many MCQ questions can be set just on relative molecular mass. But how it is set, always remember the key properties of gas, liquid, solid. Just ask you a simple MCQ question. Which of these 4 gases is the lightest? N2, O2, NH3, SO2. You must remember relative molecular mass. What's your answer? I can ask you from another way.
Which of the 4 containers containing the above gas each when the lids are open will be filled with air first? A(N2) B(O2) C(NH3) D(SO2)?

When water freezes to solid, what happen?
When ice melt to liquid, what happen?
When liquid evaporates, what happen?

Pls comment.

Just for Laugh - "Letter to Boss"

2006-06-16T17:01:00.000+08:00

One morning, a company manager discovered an unusual letter from one of his employee ?

Dear Bo$$,

A$ all of u$ have read from the new$paper$, the $ingapore economy ha$ come out of the rece$$ion.
In thi$ life, we all need $ome thing mo$t de$perately.

I think you $hould be under$tanding of the need$ of u$ worker$ who have given $o much $upport including $weat and $ervice to your company.

I am $ure you will gue$$ what I mean and re$pond $oon.

Your$ $incerely,
Norman $oh

The next day, the employee received this letter of reply :

Dear NOrman,

I kNOw you have been working very hard. NOwadays, NOthing much has changed.You must have NOticed that our company is NOt doing NOticeably well as yet.

NOw the newspapers are saying the world's leading ecoNOmists are NOt sure if the United States may go into aNOther recession.

I have NOthing more to add NOw. You kNOw what I mean.

Yours truly,
Manager NOel Tan Chin Khoo

If you like it, pls comment

You think you can Jump and Run. Who is this great Chinese who won a gold at the Athen Olympic 2004?

2006-06-15T23:08:00.000+08:00

Just for Laugh - "Empty Handed"

2006-06-15T18:07:00.000+08:00

Pete & Larry bump into each other after many years.

They talked about the old times and Pete finally invites Larry
to visit him for a house warming party in his new apartment.

"Great, where do you live?" asks Larry.

"Here's the address," says Pete. "Just park and come around to the
front door, kick it open with your foot,go to the elevator and press
the button with your left elbow & enter!

When you get to the 6th floor,just press my doorbell with your right
elbow and I'll let you in."

"Good," said Larry. "But what's this business about kicking open doors & using my left & right elbow?"

"Hey," said Pete, "Surely you're not coming empty-handed?"
=============================================================
If you don't laugh, don't comment

Just for Laugh - "Happy Family"

2006-06-13T10:32:00.000+08:00

A man from the census bureau was doing a door-to-door survey.
A little boy answered the door & said his family wasn't at home.
"Nevertheless, can I have your father's name?" asked the census man.
"My father's name is Laughing," answered the boy.
The census man was surprised, but he pressed on.
"And your mother's name?" "Her name is Smiling," the boy replied.
"Wait a minute little boy! Are you Kidding?" said the census man.
"No, that's my sister," the boy answered.
"I am Joking."

If it is funny, pls comment. Thank you

Just for Laugh - "Made in Japan"

2006-06-07T16:36:00.000+08:00

Outside a Manila hotel, a Japanese tourist gets in a cab &
tells the driver to drive him to the airport.

On their way, a car zoomz past them & the Japanese goes:
"Aaah, Toyota, Made in Japan very fast!"

Then another car zips by & the Japanese says:
"Aaah Nissan, Made in Japan, very fast!"

And another,
"Aaah Mitsubishi. Made in Japan, very fast!"

The taxi driver is getting tired of this. When they reach the airport,
he tells his passengers: "400 pesos, please,"

The Japanese goes: "400 pesos? It's not that far from the hotel!"

The taxi driver says:
"Aaah taxi meter, Made in Japan, very fast!"
===========================================================

You think you know how to prepare to answer Exam Questions

2006-06-06T13:50:00.000+08:00

Hi All,
I would like to share with all Janice's friends out there.

Doing well on open ended exam questions, demands that you be well and thoroughly prepared with the concepts, ideas, theories and arguments of the subject. What do I mean? I shall illustrate it with a Chemistry Q appeared in your Mid-Yr Chem exam.

In the experiment to generate 30 ml hydrogen gas in a school lab. 3 experiments were carried out. I hope I got the Q details correct

Exp 1 10ml of H2SO4 10g Zn - 30 sec
Exp 2 10ml of HCl 10g Zn 5 drops of CuSo4 20 sec
Exp 3 10ml of HCl 10g Zn - 40 sec

What are the concept, ideas, theories or argument tested in this exam Q?
(a) the idea of writing balance equations in the above Q
(b) the concept of ion reaction with metal
(c) the concept of catalyst CuSO4
(d) the argument why Exp 2 takes half the time cos of the theory of catalyst
(e) the argument why Exp 1 is faster than Exp 3 cos of the theory of more H+ ions
in H2SO4 than HCL thus faster reaction
(f) the concept of computation of metal presence quantitatively in terms of mole

In conclusion, if you want to do well, practise lots of exam questions and relate back and grasp the concept,ideas,theories or argument being tested.
You see, when you read your text book, you may not be able to extract all the key points or concepts of each chapters. But when you have done lots of past years
questions, take note of the key concepts or pts tested in these exam questions and remember them. You see it is easier to remember key pts or concepts than remembering the whole text book. Worst of all, you may be remembering the non-key pts or concepts if you just read your text book only. Of course your text book must always be your pt of reference including your teachers notes.

Best of Luck.

Disclaimer : I do not claim this is the perfect method but I hope it will help.

You think you can answer? Who is the person in the video? Tag to Janice blog, ok?

2006-06-04T23:23:00.000+08:00

My hostel mates at Weir House, Victoria University, Wellington, NZ (1976)

2006-06-01T22:23:00.000+08:00

In 1976, there is no PC, digital camera, handphone, VCD, DVD, internet, iPod, MP3, cable TV. How do we communicate and entertain ourselves then? Communication by letter or just go to the friend's house without even calling 'cos no phone. Watch TV, only 2 channels 5&8. Pgms shit