Specialist

by liau on February 4, 2010

While there are huge department stores around Australia, what improves the shopping experience for some are the specialist shops. It’s not even just the brand-specific boutique shops but more on the product-specialist ones. So it’s not surprising to find a stool shop selling things in different sizes and shapes. There are also light shops offering your normal light bulb to more specialized Murray Feiss. Guitar shops, baking goods shops, they’re just all around. And if you’re after something specific, it just makes things easier than browsing through several rows of shelves.

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Survey Says

by liau on February 3, 2010

School started last week here in Sydney. With my youngest starting well in big school, we decided to give her a treat in the weekend. So we took her to a place where kids would easily appreciate: toys shop. There are no huge sale during this period but the sales docket/receipt provided us with a discount voucher. The downside is having to complete a survey online to redeem. And of course, that means another trip to the shop. But I guess it doesn’t really matter as long as my little one enjoys her reward.

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Graphic

by liau on January 29, 2010

There are some really serious initiatives around the country to discourage smoking. Smoking ban is in effect in some places. But I guess what is striking are some really graphic photos or videos showing the ill-effects of smoking. So when buying cigarettes, you will be presented with some graphic image on the packaging. Want to
buy cigars as an alternative? Well, most tobacco products have these warnings as well. But I guess what could be key is the availability of a quitline where people who want to make a turnaround can get help.

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We’ve Only Just Begun

by liau on January 21, 2010

Businesses are just starting to get back into action after the usual shut down periods around the Christmas break. After Australia Day and when school begins, things will be pretty much in full swing. In fact, the action can be seen on the streets in the morning (a.k.a. traffic). The business plan writer should be just about finished with his blueprint for the rest of the year. In this case, if he can make things busy, then things will likely turn out good.

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Touch Matches

by liau on January 20, 2010

The Australian Open started this week at Melbourne. Just watching players (just on television though) battle it out for a couple of hours or even more would make almost everyone appreciate the hard work these athletes do to keep in shape. It’s not like a quick weight loss program but a constant routine that instills discipline. A lot of the top seeds are still battling it out making the next few days really interesting to watch.

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Australia’s Next Top Model

by liau on January 20, 2010

Auditions for Australia’s Next Top Model was featured in tonight’s news. Young women of varying shapes and sizes went to try their hand (or luck) on modelling. This is definitely a young woman’s arena (as was highlighted by one of the ladies interviewed). To the not so young, perhaps a quick glance at strivectin reviews may open up some doors. Though just seeing what the contestants go through, I guess these ladies should not only be tough outside but also inside.

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Virtual Exercise

by liau on January 20, 2010

Just during the height of the Christmas shopping rush in Sydney, I noticed what seems to be a surge in exercise equipment linked to game consoles. Some come in the form of platforms or even dumbells or weights. I have to admit we have one of these at home. While I probably am getting better results running on a real treadmill, doing light ‘virtual exercises’ is probably good for some who may have some issues on physical impact. This may have potentials for those taking joint supplements. These things are still new and more are still coming up. Are these effective? Well, the best way to know is to step on one… regularly.

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What’s For Breakfast?

by liau on January 20, 2010

In some Asian countries, breakfast may mean noodles, rice, some friend fish, dimsum and so on. This was quite evident when we visited Singapore last month. Here in Australia, breakfast is more of on a slice of bread, perhaps toasted with a little butter and of course, a bowl of cereal or muesli. The last one is one of the great sweepers typical for colon and body cleanse because of the fibre content. As an Asian in Australia, well, it is a good mix of both.

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Biggest Loser Couples

by liau on January 19, 2010

The Biggest Loser Couples Australia is back on the television screens this month. As the show name suggests, the contestants would be ‘couples’ who would try to go back into shape through a variety of activities and programs. In these types of shows, some contestants may have actually tried what they thought was the best weight loss products. The good thing is that they remain motivated to get back into action and earn a healthy weight.

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Golden

by liau on January 19, 2010

I do admire the elderly who I meet in the roads and parking lots. Yes, I admire their driving skills. While a few may not be the best on the road, it sure is encouraging. Even without statistics, I am likely to be correct that when compared with some of the Asian cities I have been to, Australia probably has a greater share of elderly drivers. Of course, I may be wrong. Could it be that they get the best arthritis treatments? Or could it be that people around here are more fortunate to even just drive?

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