URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority) is planning to construct a comprehensive 700km cycling path. The path is part of the Draft Master Plan 2013 and it is expected to be completed in 2030. Cycling is encouraged because of its practicality, convenience and health benefits.

If you are a bicycle enthusiast, you should know that there are different kinds of bicycles. There is always a bicycle to address your needs. If you have no idea what bike to consider, you should first distinguish the different kinds of bikes to include:

Road bikes

Road bikes are generally recommended for pavements. Road bikes are lighter which makes it easier to carry and drive. It is usually used for commuting, racing, event rides and fitness riding. Amateurs and professionals can use this one.

Mountain bikes

Mountain bikes are generally recommended for dirty or rocky roads. It can also sustain gravel roads. This is good for rocky paths because of its braking system and its shock absorbing feature. This is good for steep terrains.

Women’s bikes

Women’s bikes are for women who have longer legs and torso. This bike can serve as road bikes or mountain bikes. This features wide saddles, handle bars and better frame so women can handle it properly.

Comfort bikes

Comfort bikes are generally recommended for gravel roads. Also called recreational bike, this kind of bike features comfort and ease of use. This is good for riding in the neighbourhoods and parks.

After choosing the right bike vis-à-vis your needs, the next thing that you need to do is look for the bike that suits you well. You have to be aware that bikes come in different frame sizes. You need to consider the handle bar reach and the stand over room. After that, it is best to test ride it. If you are comfortable, that is the best bike for you. Whenever you are cycling, make sure to protect thyself.

If you are thinking about getting a catering service, it is important that your caterer follows certain guidelines. The NEA (National Environment Agency) released guidelines for ordering catered meals. These guidelines will minimize the danger of food poisoning.

Catering food is prevalent here in Singapore. There are many functions, events and gatherings that take place here every day like birthday, staff lunch and wedding celebrations. With that, it is strongly advised that you practice the following safety tips:

Choosing              

If you are looking for a caterer, you should consider licensed caterers; you can look into NEA’s lists of licensed caterers found at their website. When you are on the verge of choosing, you need to pick the caterer with excellent hygiene grading.

Ordering

If you have guests like pregnant women, elderly and children, as much as possible avoid ordering uncooked foods. If you ordered raw foods, make sure that it is delivered at below 5°C. Avoid food wastage by ordering enough.

Delivery

In order to avoid spoilage, the hot food should be kept above 60°C while cold foods should be kept below 5°C. Remember that the food should not be stored long in a room temperature. People need to consume all foods not more than four hours.

Serving

When the food is delivered, it should be arranged in a logical manner. For example, raw foods should be separated from cooked food. Each dish should be served using different utensils. Check if the utensils and containers are clean.

Eating

If you are the caterer, the best thing to build your reputation is to be punctual. You need to tell your staffs to observe proper food hygiene when handling foods. If you are the host, you can begin by advising your guests to wash their hands first.

Clearing

The service is not over the moment the guests consume the foods. The caterer should be there to clear things like tackling the leftover foods and the tools used.

MOM (Ministry of Manpower) simply wants all construction workers to be safe so they can come home in one piece. Every day, construction workers are risking their lives to make dreams reality.  Whether it is a small project or a project involving a skyscraper, construction workers need to practice and religiously observe safety guidelines provided by the company and MOM. Unfortunately, not all companies are following safety guidelines.

If you might recall, there are about twelve crane related disasters this year and to think the year is not yet over. We all thought that construction companies learned their lessons but they did not. Construction companies still continue to violate safety guidelines and standards. On October 28, 2013, MOM divulged that there are about sixty seven (out of ninety) companies who violated safety guidelines relating to cranes.

The inspections of these companies started three months ago. The inspections cover the Operation Skylark. The operation is all about complying with safety standards and not violating it. To date, there are six construction companies who received warning from MOM while sixty one paid for fines ranging from S$500 to S$3000.

The construction companies have the responsibility to inculcate safety practices that it becomes a habit. In this particular case, the companies are seen violating some of the safety guidelines. So, how can workers know that the companies are serious about their safety? That is the big question. While construction companies ponder on that, it is crucial that workers know what are expected from them when they are in construction sites. Workers should not forget about protective equipments.

It is not a secret that Singapore is experiencing sluggishness in its economic growth. But this does not mean that it is going down. The sluggishness was observed since 2010. People need not to worry though because despite its sluggishness, the labour market is continuing its full operations. According to MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore), wages are inclined to grow sturdily.

On the other side of the coin, inflation is anticipated to stay high because of the rising business costs. Central Bank released its Macroeconomic Review on October 29, 2013 which highlighted the status of the manpower here in Singapore. The central bank said that the manpower will possibly become more confined. With this, it is important that you know how to cope up with the economy. Here’s how:

1. Do not lose hope. It is important that you do not lose hope or faith in the government. The economies of all nations have always been cyclic. This should give you hope because there will come a time that the wheel will turn.

2. Save for rainy days. The best way to protect yourself from slugging economy is to save more. You should learn that if times are hard, your surplus can make a big difference at the end of the day. Think of fall backs.

3. Pay your debts. To guard your credit position, you need to pay all debts. If you cannot pay them all, at least make it a point that every day, your debt is diminishing. The frequency of the pay varies.

4. Review budget/lifestyle. Knowing that the economy is slowing down, you should also think of slowing down your lifestyle or budget. It is always advisable to find ways to decrease spending.

Think of the economy as your wedding vow: for better or for worse. When the economy is better, you make good use of it but when it is slowing down, you should adapt knowing that it is temporary. Good luck and may the economy prosper!