by: Michael Furniss

Having an international cell phone with you while traveling abroad can make things much easier — you can be instantly contactable, either with the folks back home, or to deal with your trip plans and reservations as you travel.

However, if you research on the Internet it can be a little overwhelming with the different options available.

In truth you really only have 3 main options with international cell phones, and the major factor that will affect your decision is whether you want the easiest and most convenient option, or the option that has the cheapest call rates, because you can only have one or the other.

1. Check if you can use your own cell phone

If you have the right type of cell phone, you may be able to use it when you travel abroad. If you are unsure then your carrier should be able to tell you. The advantage of taking your own cell phone is that you will keep your own number so it will be easy for friends to call you. However, using your own cell phone can be more expensive due to roaming charges (the extra charge added for routing the call abroad).

Conclusion — potentially this offers the greatest convenience but be prepared that your calls will cost you more. The most likely outcome will be that your carrier does not offer an international service, or if they do, you do not own the right type of handset.

2. Rent an international cell phone

If you cannot use your own cell phone abroad then you can rent an international cell phone that will work, just for the period of your trip. The cost of the calls will vary, depending on what type of SIM card the rental phone uses. If it uses a global SIM card Read more »

I was told that this year 2007 is the Year of the Pig (boar)

- For the Year begins 18 February 2007

- For the year ended in 2006 (29 Feb 2006 to 17 Feb 2006)

I wish a Happy Chinese New Year to All my Chinese Fellow friends…May the year (pig) prospers. Gong Xi Fa Chai!!

Here are some reviews on the article by Ernest R. Peterson. Having the Navigation gadgets on your car that i believe is essential on cars in Malaysia. But i believe there are only few of it installed the GPRS navigational system fitted on their car.

How ever, BMW have fitted their cars with the GPRS system according to STARMotoring:

BMW Malaysia has also taken the lead by being the first to offer in-car global positioning system (GPS) navigation in its top-end models

“Although only the top-end vehicles will be equipped with GPS navigation, we will soon be offering them in our entire range,” said Schlimme

Lets not hesitate to put a GPRS navigational system in your car, i’m planning to put in my car too. I thinks it would take another 5-6 years without government intervention@Jabatan Pemetaan (Department of Maps) for the manufacturer and consumer to realise the importance of installing that awesome gadgets…
You Don’t Ever Have To Get Lost Again With New Auto Navigation Systems.
by: Ernest R. Peterson

I was checking out a friend’s new car a couple weeks ago when I noticed that he had one of those cool auto navigation systems in it. I had seen those things in rental cars before, but hadn’t actually known of anyone that had one. I asked him to take me out for a ride so I could see how it worked. Since he wanted to show off his new wheels anyway, he quickly agreed.
Read more »

Competency Level Assessment or well known as PTK is by virtue known as a vehicle to test the Malaysian civil servants’ level of competency towards their knowledge on governments administration. It is no doubt that this test is made compulsory for every civil servant to adhere. However this test is not valid if one wants to test their employee’s competency on the job simulation. But i believe the government have taken the appropriate steps to further enhanced their manpower capability in giving the best on delivery system.

I’ve a new article to review by Brian Strachan, on the bosses appraisal towards their subordinates that endeavors and potrays how your bos perceived about you, the cynical way that you should act to gain appraisal for future career advancement and etc.
Are Your Strengths Under Control?
by: Brian Strachan

I first learned of this particular concept of strengths and excesses in the context of annual performance appraisals. Periodic performance feedback, coupled with an annual performance appraisal, is an integral part of a well-run business. Honest appraisals which inform the employee of his or her development needs are critical to helping the employee improve. They also help the business improve because its employees are improving their performance. It’s a “win-win” proposition.

Unfortunately, not all appraisals are honest. The one for the outstanding employee is easy to conduct and is a pleasure. The one for the marginal employee can be difficult because the discussion can become argumentative and contentious. I have seen too many managers avoid the tough performance appraisal by simply deeming an employee’s performance to be satisfactory and avoiding any discussion of development needs.

This is unacceptable because it is unfair to the marginal employee. Sooner or later the true assessment will come to light and it will be a shock to the employee. Perhaps it will come in the form of a layoff notice. Perhaps it will come with a new manager Read more »

Here a good article on petrol saving…..enjoy..

6 Tips For Saving Gas
by: Jackson Porter

In the past months we have seen the price of gasoline soar higher than ever before, and this
can be hard on people who have a budget that is tight. Even though gas prices have come down a slight bit, you still will want to do everything you possibly can to save on the money you have to pay out for gas. There are a variety of ways that you can save gas, and save money.

Tip#1 - Start Carpooling

Carpooling is a great idea for fellow students and fellow employees both. If you can find people that are going to the same place you are you can save gas by riding together. It may be a good idea to trade off on who is driving from week to week so no one person gets stuck having to drive all the time. If you have to take your children to school or other functions you can also work on trading off with your friends and neighbors to take them there.

Tip#2 - Public Transportation

If it is possible you can take public transportation to work instead of driving your car. Not only will this save you money on gas, but you will also be able to relax and not worry about having to drive through Read more »