It is saddening and shocking day to American!
A gunman killed 32 people at 2 Virginia Tech sites, one of the well known universities for engineering course in US. Weapon used is handgun. The cause of the incident is still unknown. It is the deadliest in the history.
It had triggered a large team of security officers to help take the situation under control.
In the past, many campus shootings had happened and caused significant numbers of casualties. The deceased usually are innocent people that never thought something like that would have had happened to them.
I always have this question in my mind, why gun business is legitimated in this country. Almost everyone can get a gun very easily. We have seen cases of school kids mastermind the shootings and heard a lot about kids threatening mates with gun.
Prior to coming to US, I have lived in 2 countries that have legitimated gun as controlled weapon. Anyone who is caught possessing a gun may face life or death sentence, if I am not mistaken. Although this legitimacy may not guarantee a higher level of social security, but at least I will not be afraid of being gunned down by a neighbor one day or any of my children get involved in any campus shooting in any way.
It appears that gun has been accepted as a necessity of life.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Monday, April 2, 2007
Redbox - DVD Movie Rental $1 per night
This is unprecedented offering and revolution.
We spotted an eye-catching red machine while on our way out of a grocery shop. A vending machine that offers you rental DVD at $1 for a night. I personally feel it is decently priced, considering the cost of watching a movie at theater and pricey DVD movie.
Glancing through the menu, it looks pretty promising of latest movies. Well, it certainly won't beat the offering by cinema as DVD is usually released after a while the movie is playing at cinema.
The great thing is we can check on the availability and book the movie online. See it for yourself, www.redbox.com.
Picking up and returning the copy will all be done through the vending machine. I guess more and more this sort of machine will be placed nationwide as long as the places are deemed to promise a margin.
Well, it is certainly worth checking out!
We spotted an eye-catching red machine while on our way out of a grocery shop. A vending machine that offers you rental DVD at $1 for a night. I personally feel it is decently priced, considering the cost of watching a movie at theater and pricey DVD movie.
Glancing through the menu, it looks pretty promising of latest movies. Well, it certainly won't beat the offering by cinema as DVD is usually released after a while the movie is playing at cinema.
The great thing is we can check on the availability and book the movie online. See it for yourself, www.redbox.com.
Picking up and returning the copy will all be done through the vending machine. I guess more and more this sort of machine will be placed nationwide as long as the places are deemed to promise a margin.
Well, it is certainly worth checking out!
Friday, March 30, 2007
Layoff
2 colleagues had been given termination notice and the news was announced before all employees in an unusual meeting.
It is not uncommon in US that employer can terminate service of an employee with short notice. It is usually well written in the offer letter. Likewise, as employee, we can terminate our service at any time.
The reason of termination varies from misconduct to poor performance. Reason like poor performance always is debatable and subjective. It can be misused by some employers when the business is not bright. The system simply bases on trust, but in reality, the principle just does not always stand.
The good part of it to employee probably will be no obligation if you think of moving on with other opportunity, while the bad part could be costly, especially to those, who have family to support and are aged to get another job.
The management decision to announce the news in front of all employees seems to be a clear message to some people that the next will be them if they don't improve. This is the first time the management has dealt with the sort of cases in this manner. Although they coupled the news with a motivating message before the announcement, it literally meant for beautification.
The news undoubtedly worries the underachievers, it would neither please those who perform well, as no one can guarantee what would happen tomorrow.
Consulting, is no longer, or perhaps has never ever been a secure job.
It is not uncommon in US that employer can terminate service of an employee with short notice. It is usually well written in the offer letter. Likewise, as employee, we can terminate our service at any time.
The reason of termination varies from misconduct to poor performance. Reason like poor performance always is debatable and subjective. It can be misused by some employers when the business is not bright. The system simply bases on trust, but in reality, the principle just does not always stand.
The good part of it to employee probably will be no obligation if you think of moving on with other opportunity, while the bad part could be costly, especially to those, who have family to support and are aged to get another job.
The management decision to announce the news in front of all employees seems to be a clear message to some people that the next will be them if they don't improve. This is the first time the management has dealt with the sort of cases in this manner. Although they coupled the news with a motivating message before the announcement, it literally meant for beautification.
The news undoubtedly worries the underachievers, it would neither please those who perform well, as no one can guarantee what would happen tomorrow.
Consulting, is no longer, or perhaps has never ever been a secure job.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Bronchitis
Most of flu symptoms went away after taking several type of medication, except the cough still persisted and turned out to be worse.
With little options left to us, I consulted my colleague on any possible immediate medical visit. His wife's physician (doctor) seems to be the one that we needed most, they do take in patient on the day when the appointment is scheduled. At last, we found out a perfect option that will relieve us in the future if anyone of us gets sick. The office (they don't call it clinic here) is not far away, barely 2 miles away from home.
After investigation by the physician, it was determined to be likelihood of Bronchitis. First, my wife was prescribed to undergo a breathing treatment, where a kind of soothing gas passed through a tube from a medical equipment to the mouth for about 5 minutes.
Antibiotic and cough syrup were also prescribed. I am surprised to learn that not all physician can prescribe antibiotic to patient, not like the case in Singapore and Malaysia, in which all doctors can do it.
Her condition improved after 3 days with the medication, and got fully recovered after 9 days ill. Everyone is relieved!
With little options left to us, I consulted my colleague on any possible immediate medical visit. His wife's physician (doctor) seems to be the one that we needed most, they do take in patient on the day when the appointment is scheduled. At last, we found out a perfect option that will relieve us in the future if anyone of us gets sick. The office (they don't call it clinic here) is not far away, barely 2 miles away from home.
After investigation by the physician, it was determined to be likelihood of Bronchitis. First, my wife was prescribed to undergo a breathing treatment, where a kind of soothing gas passed through a tube from a medical equipment to the mouth for about 5 minutes.
Antibiotic and cough syrup were also prescribed. I am surprised to learn that not all physician can prescribe antibiotic to patient, not like the case in Singapore and Malaysia, in which all doctors can do it.
Her condition improved after 3 days with the medication, and got fully recovered after 9 days ill. Everyone is relieved!
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Flu In Winter
Flu is common illness in US, particularly in winter. It is also known as Influenza.
The most recent deadly flu pandemic is Avian Flu, which had caused havoc in Asia. There is no case reported in US thus far, but people here are very conscious about it. They seem to be well prepared for a possible epidemic if the virus has ever landed here.
Since last night, my wife does show the flu symptoms like headache, body ache, cough, nausea, vomiting, fever and fatigue. It isn't something that we can take it less seriously, because condition may get worst and it can be a fatal. The cough syrup did not help much, thus I went to get caplet for cold and a bottle of Cola flavored syrup for nausea. It did help after the first dose, but the remedy didn't last long before the next dose. We are still hopeful of the best.
I remember she had been given flu shot during one of her prenatal check-ups. The vaccine should protect her against flu viruses. Perhaps, the vaccine effectiveness is over.
The most recent deadly flu pandemic is Avian Flu, which had caused havoc in Asia. There is no case reported in US thus far, but people here are very conscious about it. They seem to be well prepared for a possible epidemic if the virus has ever landed here.
Since last night, my wife does show the flu symptoms like headache, body ache, cough, nausea, vomiting, fever and fatigue. It isn't something that we can take it less seriously, because condition may get worst and it can be a fatal. The cough syrup did not help much, thus I went to get caplet for cold and a bottle of Cola flavored syrup for nausea. It did help after the first dose, but the remedy didn't last long before the next dose. We are still hopeful of the best.
I remember she had been given flu shot during one of her prenatal check-ups. The vaccine should protect her against flu viruses. Perhaps, the vaccine effectiveness is over.
Last Snow Before The Spring
It was unusual snow just before the Spring kicks in, most people said. It was still sunshine with temperature as high as 11 Celsius 2 days before, it changed as the cold wind flowed towards North East. New York was expected to be raided by snow storm, Philadelphia was barely spared.
Before experiencing the snow myself, I could only see the snow on TV, drama or news. At that time, I would never feel the dangers that may be brought by snow. Last night experience was the one that I would never want again. It was snowing fairly (more like sleet), when I needed to purchase cough syrup at the nearest pharmacy. Most part of the road was still filled with snow, not cleared fast enough. Though salt had been spread over the road, it might be still icy and slippery. I could just drive at lowest speed possible, but still wanted to get my mission accomplished as soon as possible, to get the heck out of it.
Worst, I didn't manage to completely clear my windscreen, windows and rear screen. All 4 car windows were locked by sleet and visibility was about 30%~40%. I could barely base on the beam of car lights to identify the tailing and coming vehicles. Fortunately, switching on the car heater to the maximum did help defrost the screens, thereby improved the visibility. I needed to make a quick purchase as otherwise my car would be frosted again.
Phew! I got home safely though my car skidded slightly a couple of times.
Before experiencing the snow myself, I could only see the snow on TV, drama or news. At that time, I would never feel the dangers that may be brought by snow. Last night experience was the one that I would never want again. It was snowing fairly (more like sleet), when I needed to purchase cough syrup at the nearest pharmacy. Most part of the road was still filled with snow, not cleared fast enough. Though salt had been spread over the road, it might be still icy and slippery. I could just drive at lowest speed possible, but still wanted to get my mission accomplished as soon as possible, to get the heck out of it.
Worst, I didn't manage to completely clear my windscreen, windows and rear screen. All 4 car windows were locked by sleet and visibility was about 30%~40%. I could barely base on the beam of car lights to identify the tailing and coming vehicles. Fortunately, switching on the car heater to the maximum did help defrost the screens, thereby improved the visibility. I needed to make a quick purchase as otherwise my car would be frosted again.
Phew! I got home safely though my car skidded slightly a couple of times.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Medical Insurance
Medical system in US is kind of different from those generally practiced in Asia, at least Malaysia and Singapore. Back in Singapore, for general medical service, usually we will pay out of pocket, then reimburse it later with a certain limit of claimable amount, depending on the company policy. There are also medical insurance coverages, but that is more optional rather than mandatory.
In US, most people will need at least one insurance policy to cover for any possible health service like family practice, OB/GYN, dental & etc. Without any, you better wish God is always on your side to protect you from getting sick. It is simply because the medical expenses are too high to be born by normal people. Just imagine that it costs $205 for my wife's first visit to OB/GYN, and for no complicated procedure, instead, form submission, initial interview by nurse and physical procedure.
In US, most people will need at least one insurance policy to cover for any possible health service like family practice, OB/GYN, dental & etc. Without any, you better wish God is always on your side to protect you from getting sick. It is simply because the medical expenses are too high to be born by normal people. Just imagine that it costs $205 for my wife's first visit to OB/GYN, and for no complicated procedure, instead, form submission, initial interview by nurse and physical procedure.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Hey, America!
It was the first trip to America, the longest trip that I had ever taken. Departing from Singapore, transited at Hong Kong and Frankfurt airport, before arriving at New York JFK airport, and finally connected by domestic flight to Philadelphia. Total hours around 30.
It was United Airline, no personal entertainment center like SIA, although the seat is wider. Foods weren't too bad, perhaps I am just not particular about it. The first thing shocked me was the loss of baggage. At first, I could not believe that negligence can happen in country with such an international status. We found out later it wasn't any negligence of airline or airport authority, but rather our own where the baggage has been with non TSA compliant lock. I guess our baggage had been retained and unlocked forcefully for inspection. It's a requirement for check-in baggage on domestic flight.
It wasn't really too exciting overall as we could not sleep comfortably for more than a day. Custom security check was strict since 9/11.
Jet lag was undoubtedly the next thing to overcome. It took me not less than 2 days to recover. It was a week trip. When the time I return, I will need to adjust the time zone difference again. Sigh!
It was United Airline, no personal entertainment center like SIA, although the seat is wider. Foods weren't too bad, perhaps I am just not particular about it. The first thing shocked me was the loss of baggage. At first, I could not believe that negligence can happen in country with such an international status. We found out later it wasn't any negligence of airline or airport authority, but rather our own where the baggage has been with non TSA compliant lock. I guess our baggage had been retained and unlocked forcefully for inspection. It's a requirement for check-in baggage on domestic flight.
It wasn't really too exciting overall as we could not sleep comfortably for more than a day. Custom security check was strict since 9/11.
Jet lag was undoubtedly the next thing to overcome. It took me not less than 2 days to recover. It was a week trip. When the time I return, I will need to adjust the time zone difference again. Sigh!
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