Rainbow bands refill review

Yes, we're still in that phase.

Whenever I can afford it, I try to support original brand. As an engineer, I know that a good, and marketable, idea doesn't come easy.  However, there was a time the bands refill was out of stock at the shop we frequented. 

So here are some review on the bands we tried since. In order of preference. All are based on what's available in Singapore. 

1. Rainbow loom; around SGD 7 for 600 pcs

So far the best quality. Stretchy, strong, and uniform. Result in a nice looking craft because there are no 'crooked' band (those uneven, jagged circle). However, variety is quite limited. Especially consider the charms and whatsnot. Best quality of clips too. Clips are small and secure. I will not mention again below, but other brands clips are bigger, therefore bands and come undone.

2. Mini Toons bands; bought at SGD 40 for 5600 pcs, comes with a nice compartment

Not sure of what's the real name. That is the shop we bought from. Bands are almost as good as Rainbow Loom. Stretchy, so far nothing brakes, and cutting is quite even Downside is that the glitters came off to our touch (and floor, for that matter).

3. Cra-z looms, around USD 12-13 for 2000 (sorry, hub bought it on his biz trip)

Quite stretchy. But bands sometimes broke, and quite a number of uneven bands. This can be purchased at Toys R Us.

4. In Toys R Us, there's another brand that comes in smaller packs. Less than SGD 10 a pack, comes with a few charms. Beautiful design and good quality charm. Unfortunately it looses in the quality. Less stretchy, and it doesn't recover if you stretch it too much.

5. Last is one that I haven't tried personally. It's based on friends feedback. If your kid is distributing the bracelet to everyone in the world, can try Qoo10. :D

For the looms, hands down, please buy the original. At around SGD 30 (comes with 600-1200 bands and clips) it's so worth it. Quality is by far superior. Spotlight sometimes have discount or promo voucher, then you know what to aim.

Happy looming.

PS: google it. People start making garment from these bands. Imagine the weight.

Good piano and music books shop

A quick note.

I love to support nice local vendors who do business from the heart. Compared to chain branded shops, I have received so much more happy dealings.

One shop that really deserves the credit is Chiu Piano at Thomson Plaza:

http://www.chiupiano.com.sg/contactus.asp

This shop has a good collection of quality pianos, and a quite comprehensive range of piano books, especially those related to abrsm exams and lessons. You can also get good recommendation of what is good, or what is popular, from Mr. Chiu. When you are here, you will spot piano tutors doing 'bulk purchase' there too.

The cherry on top for me is that he is very  kind, patient, and friendly. Not pushy at all. And willing to help us to look for the book. 

Contrast this to 'all stocks are there', no contest, isn't it?

How to renew Indonesia Foreign Domestic Worker KTKLN

Post edit : Hot of the press! The newly elected Indonesian president Jokowi put a solid stop to this requirement. About time! Hooray! - 30 Nov 2014

KTKLN is basically an attempt to protect Indonesian who works in another country. One seemingly obvious benefit is the insurance. Why the operative word 'seemingly'? Because, in the event of the mishaps, it is quite unclear of what is the terms and conditions, as well as how to process the claim.

On some websites, there are some quotes that a worker who has been covered by insurance in the country of employment does not need to purchase the insurance bundled with the application. However, although I'm an indonesian myself, I am pessimistic that the officers there understand this ruling. Cost of the 'bundled' insurance is about 200 thousands rupiahs (about SGD 20-25). To me, I chose not to waste the energy on challenging the counter on this. 

If we are not aiming for the insurance coverage, why bother with this card? Well, for a very practical reason. Without this card, the FDW (my experience is with a FDW, so for simplicity all terms in this post will refer to FDW) will not be able to pass through imigration on her way out of Indonesia. How so? Before imigration, after check in, the FDW's passport need to get a special stamp at a special counter, which can only be obtained by showing the KTKLN. Please read on...

Recently, sporadic information on the interenet suggested that the card has been put under great scrutiny, both on the protection mechanism and its handling. Hooray that it has been pointed out that the card is not a required travel document and hence, not having the card shall not be a reason to stop one from going out of Indonesia.

On our last trip, we managed to clear the imigration without a single question about the card. The counter mentioned above is no longer operating. No more stamp necessary. Howerver, we did renew the card for our own 'insurance'.

Document necessary:

1. A valid contract endorsed by the Indonesian embassy in Singapore. This contract is provided free of charge. Just bring employer IC, FDW passport and work permit to level 2 of the embassy. Employer and FDW must be present to sign the contract. I called this number to confirm : 67377422 (hint hint... Advisable for you to do so).

2. FDW passport

3. FDW work permit

4. Stamp duty 6000 rupiahs * 2

Where is the location? Please hold your breath... Unlike Singapore where everything is so convenient, there are only 38 locations in Indonesia to do this. For fourth most populated country in the world, believe me, this is very very scarce. For example, around Jakarta alone, there is only one office to do this. With the traffic jam and all, one shall prepare a day dedicated to do this. We chose to submit first thing in the morning. After submitting, even though there's no other applicant, it takes several prompting to get the processing moving. Get location list from Indonesian embassy when you renew the contract.

Steps:

1. Submit all docs above

2. Go for medical check up. Result will be available straight away.

3. Buy insurance

4. FDW photo taking

5. Voila... you got it.

Good luck :D

How to renew Indonesia Foreign Domestic Worker KTKLN

KTKLN is basically an attempt to protect Indonesian who works in another country. One seemingly obvious benefit is the insurance. Why the operative word 'seemingly'? Because, in the event of the mishaps, it is quite unclear of what is the terms and conditions, as well as how to process the claim.

On some websites, there are some quotes that a worker who has been covered by insurance in the country of employment does not need to purchase the insurance bundled with the application. However, although I'm an indonesian myself, I am pessimistic that the officers there understand this ruling. Cost of the 'bundled' insurance is about 200 thousands rupiahs (about SGD 20-25). To me, I chose not to waste the energy on challenging the counter on this. 

If we are not aiming for the insurance coverage, why bother with this card? Well, for a very practical reason. Without this card, the FDW (my experience is with a FDW, so for simplicity all terms in this post will refer to FDW) will not be able to pass through imigration on her way out of Indonesia. How so? Before imigration, after check in, the FDW's passport need to get a special stamp at a special counter, which can only be obtained by showing the KTKLN.

How to process this?

1. A valid contract endorsed by the Indonesian embassy in Singapore. This contract is provided free of charge. Just bring employer IC, FDW passport and work permit to level 2 of the embassy. Employer and FDW must be present to sign the contract. I called this number to confirm : 67377422 (hint hint... Advisable for you to do so).

2. FDW passport

3. FDW work permit

*** get latest list of KTKLN offices in Indonesia when you do this. The list is ever changing, and believe me, there is no reliable list online available. I did try to find.

Where is the location? Please hold your breath... Unlike Singapore where everything is so convenient, there are only 38 locations in Indonesia to do this. For fourth most populated country in the world, believe me, this is very very scarce. For example, around Jakarta alone, there is only one office to do this. With the traffic jam and all, one shall prepare a day dedicated to get the card done.

Good luck :)