Monday, October 29, 2007

Credit Card Catastrophe

SCENE 1.
This is a new one.

People sure stay busy trying to cheat us, don't they?

A friend went to the local gym and placed his belongings in the locker.
After the workout and a shower, he came out, saw the locker open, and thought to himself, "Funny, I thought I locked the locker.




Hmm, "He dressed and just flipped the wallet to make sure all was in order.

Everything looked okay - all cards were in place.

A few weeks later his credit card bill came - a whooping bill of $14,000!


He called the credit card company and started yelling at them, saying that he did not make the transactions.

Customer care personnel verified that there was no Mistake in the system
and asked if his card had been stolen.



"No," he said, but then took out his wallet, pulled out the credit card, and yep - you guessed it - a switch had been made.

An expired similar credit card from the same bank was in the wallet.

The thief broke into his locker at the gym and switched cards.



Verdict: The credit card issuer said since he did not report the card missing earlier, he would have to pay the amount owed to them.

How much did he have to pay for items he did not buy?



$9,000! Why were there no calls made to verify the amount swiped?



Small amounts rarely trigger a "warning bell" with some credit card companies.

It just so happens that all the small amounts added up to big one!









SCENE 2.

A man at a local restaurant paid for his meal with his credit card.


The bill for the meal came, he signed it,and the waitress folded the receipt
and passed the credit card along.


Usually, he would just take it and place it in his wallet or pocket. Funny enough, though, he actually took a look at the card and, lo and
behold, it was the expired card of another person.



He called the waitress and she looked perplexed.


She took it back, apologized, and hurried back to the counter under the watchful eye of the man.

All the waitress did while walking to the counter was wave the wrong expired card to the counter cashier, and the counter cashier immediately looked down and took out the real card.

No exchange of words --- nothing! She took it and came back to the man with an apology.

Verdict:

Make sure the credit cards in your wallet are yours.



Check the name on the card every time you sign for something and/or the card is taken away for even a short period of time.

Many people just take back the credit card without even looking at it, "assuming" that it has to be theirs.




FOR YOUR OWN SAKE, DEVELOP THE HABIT OF CHECKING YOUR CREDIT CARD EACH TIME IT IS RETURNED TO YOU AFTER A TRANSACTION!



SCENE 3:



Yesterday I went into a pizza restaurant to pick up an order that I had called in.


I paid by using my Visa Check Card which, of course, is linked directly
to my checking account.

The young man behind the counter took my card, swiped it, then laid it on
the counter as he waited for the approval, which is pretty standard procedure.



While he waited, he picked up his cell phone and started dialing.

I noticed the phone because it is the same model I have, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Then I heard a click that sounded like my phone sounds when I take a
picture.

He then gave me back my card but kept the phone in his hand as if he was still pressing buttons.

Meanwhile, I'm thinking: I wonder what he is taking a picture of, oblivious to what was really going on.



It then dawned on me: the only thing there was my credit card, so now I'm paying close attention to what he is doing.

He set his phone on the counter, leaving it open.

About five seconds later, I heard the chime that tells you that the picture has been saved.

Now I'm standing there struggling with the fact that this boy just took a picture of my credit card.

Yes, he played it off well, because had we not had the same kind of phone, I probably would never have known what happened.

Needless to say, I immediately canceled that card as I was walking out of the pizza parlor.

All I am saying is, be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Whenever you are using your credit card take caution and don't be
careless.




Notice who is standing near you and what they are doing when you use your card.

Be aware of phones, because many have a camera phone these days.

When you are in a restaurant and the waiter/waitress brings your card and receipt for you to sign, make sure you scratch the number off.

Some restaurants are using only the last four digits, but a lot of them are still putting the whole thing on there.

I have already been a victim of credit card fraud and, believe me, it is not fun. The truth is that they can get you even when you are careful, but don't make it easy for them.

Ronnie: Be careful! Luckily I don't bother with a credit card just yet. Got this from an email. You guys who have credit cards beware !

La Salle International Day of Prayer of Peace






Saturday, October 20, 2007

Tiring days`

Just got back from a 7-hour stint helping out with La Salle's International Day of Prayer for Peace at St Joe's just now. Man, it was tiring but was it worth it! Its great to be back in school, mixing with the school kids and getting the hang of slower life once again.

A great GIGANTIC thanks to all you Young Boys and to Gary and Choulyin and Lilian and Salim and Kevin and Jasmine and and and everyone for pitching in and helping out to make it such a great event. I was also suprised to see some of the Indonesian students coming for the event! They were coming after mass so I guess it's good :)

Tired now. I woke early (on Saturdays, anytime before 11am is EARLY!) and I got my lazy ass to Swinburne to help out with decorating the CPA ASC notice board. At the same time, I was having my meeting workplace skills discussion in the next room, so I was inter-changing jobs now and then. So its no wonder that Paracetamol is my new best friend for today. Hmm.

Random quote: cross posting rocks!

Okay. I'm done.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Spice Girls Live!

Many of you reading this probably remember them: The group of five girls, all different and special in their own distinct way, their songs playing for a long span of time on the radios and tv, to the point where almost all who listen can clearly tell who is singing which part because we can identify their voices.Ah, the Spice Girls. I was about 10 or 11 (in Primary 5 and 6) when I first recall listening to their songs. And eventhough they broke up when I was still in primary school, their songs still play occasionally, e.g. "Mama" during Mother's Day, constantly reminding all of us how much they have changed our lives with their songs. Yes, I even have all their songs in my collection. THat is how much I love them singing. I was simply estatic when I found out they were going to have another concert (NO, a WORLD TOUR!) Gosh, they look so matured now. Better than the past. I mean, look at their clothes!

I don't know what they were thinking back then, but these clothes are simply too hideous to want to be remembered in Spice history! Ugh!





This picture is fantastic. They all look so comfortable with their own styles. I love their new look, but I do hope their voices are still as good as last time. Crossing fingers to go to their concert!! People wish me luck!!

Photos courtesy of www.wallpaperbase.com, www.thehollywoodnews.com, and www.evilbeetgossip.film.com.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Hidden Meanings

Discover the hidden meaning in your name

Ronnie Teo

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

If That's Okay with Youuuuuuuuuuu


Shayne Ward - If that's OK with you
Uploaded by Dragiman

Been up to my neck straining my eyes doing my MDM assignment - a real eye sore! THank you SHaman for giving my this video that revived my spirits. Now I feel inspired to dance the moves in Shayne Ward's video! He's so cool - masculine and yet feminine in his slight moves, which attracts girls more than macho guys. Check it out! I bet Angela and lots of the other girls will LOVE this video!



I love the way that you look without your make-up
I had a girl before we met but we broke up
Theres something about you that makes me want to step up
Step up and be with you
If thats okay with you
We'll keep the neighbours awake too late too late
Coz imma make you feel so good how i see its happening
We'll keep the neighbours awake too late too late
Coz baby i wanna step up and be with you
If thats okay with you

[Chorus]
Im gonna make you feel like you are heaven on earth
Im gonna say to your mother just for giving you birth
Im gonna wanna hold you in my arms when you cry
If thats okay with you
If thats okay with you

[Verse 2]
I wanna keep your toothbrush at my apartment
Make a second set of keys and ask you to move in
Im not crazy
I know what im getting myself in
I wanna live with you
If thats okay with you

[Chorus x2]
Im gonna make you feel like you are heaven on earth
Im gonna say to your mother just for giving you birth
Im gonna wanna hold you in my arms when you cry
If thats okay with you
If thats okay with you
If thats okay with you
If thats okay with you
Yeah yeah

[Verse 3]
We'll keep the neighbours awake too late too late
I wanna love you this way that way this way
We'll keep the neighbours away too late too late
I wanna love you this way that way this way

[Chorus x2]

Monday, October 8, 2007

Waffles!

They opened a Mr Magic stall in Swinburne Cafeteria last week. I love their waffles!





Yesterday I tries buter + milk + honey. Absolutely sinful! One cannot say they have lived till they have tried that combo. OOohh!!!

Blood Donation Drive

















Sorry, no words. Am freaking tired from doing assignment the whole day besides paying bills and collecting my eBay items from Poslaju way down at Pending. So just enjoy them picts and lemme sleep! Cheers~

Saturday, October 6, 2007

International Day of Prayer of Peace


Rome, 04/06/2007

“…Last summer, at the International Symposium of Young Lasallians (ISYL), Young Lasallians (YL) from all over the world came together for more than a week. During this time they discussed the importance of dialogue and getting together. A common feeling about the importance of supporting one another in our mission was very strongly shared. In different parts of the world, among the poor and the young there are fellow Lasallians and others suffering and denied of their basic rights. At ISYL’06 delegates asked one another if we were able to do something about it. As our motto during ISYL’06 stated, we all believed it is a “Mission Possible.

Those days were characterized by strong positions by the delegates in favour of international days of sharing and prayers. Delegates also called more than once for response to worldwide issues through uniting activities on specific themes for Lasallian youth from around the world. It was believed that these responses and international Lasallian campaigns would also facilitate and strengthen connections between Regions.

The International Council of Young Lasallians (ICYL) is therefore inviting all Young Lasallians coming from the various Districts and Regions to come together for an International Lasallian Day of Prayers for Peace. YL are being encouraged to, in their own school, group or district, and in their own way, show solidarity with our brothers and sisters who are in areas of conflict and who are suffering unjustly. This project should be taken up in unison by as many Young Lasallian movements, Districts and Regions as possible as ONE International Lasallian Community during the 3rd week of October…”


Dear friends,

Here in Malaysia we would like to heed the above call for solidarity by playing our own small part. La Salle Centre, in collaboration with the Malaysian Lasallian Youth Commission, invites all of you to join us in a nationwide, month-long Lasallian initiative to show our support towards a movement of peace.

21st September 2007 is the United Nations’ sanctioned International Day of Peace. Starting September 21st, we invite you to come up with ways to be part of this worldwide prayer for peace, together with our Lasallian brothers and sisters from all over. For one month, we invite you to live a simpler less-lavish life, maybe cut down on movies or dining out, or SMSes or even take up fasting for a day or two together with our Muslim friends.

The money we would have otherwise spent would be collected and channeled to a peace initiative like Mercy Malaysia to help further their efforts in bringing hope and peace to troubled areas. Whatever simple act you choose is fine, as long as it’s sincere and comes from the heart.

The culmination of this one month, 20th October, will see Lasallians coming together for an inter-religious gathering in their respective regions all over the country, to celebrate our hopes and prayers for peace of the world. At this gathering, you can choose to perform a symbolic act, like paint a mural or light candles or write letters to Heads of States, in solidarity with people all over the world who do not get to enjoy peace like we do. We will send out more details about this gathering soon.

We hope for your support in realising this month-long initiative. Let us play what small role we can and contribute to the universal prayer for peace. We would love to hear your thoughts and sharings and please do spread the word, and let your friends know.


DATE : 20TH OCTOBER 2007, SATURDAY

VENUE : TAN SRI WILLIAM TAN AUDITORIUM, ST JOSEPH'S SCHOOL

TIME: 7:45 PM

Itinerary: We will do a symbolic act with all those who come and reflect on our lives as well as see what we can do or change in our lives to help others who are less fortunate than us. Please do come!


Thank you and Salam La Salle


Friday, October 5, 2007

eBay ROCKS!

Photos of some of the stuff I recently got off eBay. Some friends commented on the male gender necklace and I didn't regret buying anything! all in all, everything in these next few photos didn't cost more than RM50! Can you believe that?? Amazing what the digital world can do. Big thanks to Shopaholics for teaching me( more like, giving me the idea) of online shopping through eBay! Seriously people, there are come really good buys there and everything is so easy and fast! ALso depends on your luck, whether or not you do win the item you bid on (I won all of mine.) SO go check it out and maybe buy something cool. XD





Wednesday, October 3, 2007

FLowers


Is it flowering season yet for white orchids? All of a sudden two of my mom's orchids came to full bloom and they're really beautiful! I see what my mom meant when she said they were worthwhile investments. It really cheers one up to come home to see flowers in your back garden. Sort of like a destresser. Lol XD

Song Keng Hai


Caught up with my best friends Eddie, Bren Chin and Teo Ken yesterday at Song Keng Hai. We love mixing up drinks e.g. coconut with sugar cane and sea coconut. Nice! ANd I love catching up with the people I miss. Sigh. Through school I met the greatest people and its proven when we stick with each other through thick and thin. Love you guys lots!!

Ronnie got haircutted

Had my hair done at Yuki Hair salon on Monday after my law class. Wanted to get it cut for the ACCA talk we had today (I'll blog about that later on when I receive the pictures from Lilian and Shaman.) IT was so weird cuz Wei Khee couldn't keep his itchy hands off his camera phone and paparazzi me all the way through! The next two pictures will explain:

Told you :P

THese next few show me with my new haircut. WARNING! EXTREME NARCISISM AHEAD!



Haha! No one can complain that I can't look vain now :D So what do you think of my new hairstyle eh? Well its not much use anyway because I style it back the way I usually do. Even Yin and Lil say it looks the same after I gelled it -_-"