Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc

So now that I've started working full time, I thought I might treat myself and buy me-self a new phone. My current Nokia N97 mini is still working fine albeit a little (maybe very) laggy. It hangs ever so often and the battery doesn't seem to be able to last the whole day as well. I was also in the midst of looking for an extra phone line so that I can have extra credit each month to call a good friend of mine who is currently studying in Cuba. So since I was going to get a phone line anyway, why not sign up for a 24 month contract and get a new phone whilst I'm at it?

So after much browsing (of the various telco websites), I decided to get the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc. This phone was released less than a year ago in March. It is sort of a mid-ranged phone and is no where as powerful as the Iphone 4 or the Galaxy SII. However, the newly launced SE Xperia Arc S (which is one model after the Arc and was just released last month) which boasts of a 1.4Ghz processor might be able to compete with those two phones.

The SE Xperia Arc has a 4.2" LCD screen which has the same panel that Sony uses in their Bravia TV range. This phone also has an 8.1-megapixel camera sensor which borrows the Exmor-R back-side illuminated image sensor from the Sony's Cybershot camera range. Apart from it's 1Ghz processor and Android OS platform, this phone is also one of the lighter phones on the market, weighing just 117g.

 

I might be getting this phone in the coming week or so. It should provide me with something to do over the Christmas holidays. Also, I'll be paying $29 per month for 24 months once I sign up with this plan. Hopefully I'll like the phone and won't have too many things to complain about.

ACT Road Rules Knowledge Assessment Test

In order for me to get an Australian drivers license, I had to re-take both the theory and practical exams again despite holding a Malaysian drivers license. It's just so unfair that we Malaysians have to re-take our driving exams again while our fellow neighbours, the Singaporeans, get to convert their drivers license without having to sit for any further test.

So anyway, I went to one of the two testing centres that Canberra has to do my Road Rules test or more commonly known as 'Undang' in Malaysia. There are 35 questions in the test and you are allowed to make 4 mistakes in the general section and none in the intersection, drugs and alcohol and seat belts section. If you do make a mistake in one of the three sections stated, you'll automatically fail the test and have to resit.


The test itself costs AUD $35 per sitting (maximum of 2 sittings per day) and you would be required to bring along:
1. your foreign drivers license,
2. an NAATI approved translation of your drivers license if it's not in English,
3. 3 forms of ID (Passport, Medicare card, ATO tax assessment, etc.),
4. 2 passport sized photos ($5 payable for picture to be taken on that day), and
5. $35 (both cash and Eftpos accepted).

Some practice questions can be found on the ACT Government's website. It is advised that you have a go at the practice questions prior to sitting for the Road Rules test. Some of the questions are actually similar in the actual test itself.

There are two testing centres:
North Canberra Office
Canberra Technology Park, Block D
49 Phillip Avenue, WATSON ACT 2602
Ph: 02 6162 5152
Fax: 02 6162 5153
E: roadreadynorth@freebott.com.au

South Canberra Office
72 Townshend Street,
PHILLIP 2606
Ph: 02 6282 8990
Fax: 02 6281 7432
E: roadreadysouth@freebott.com.au

Their opening hours are:
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Saturday: 9am to 12noon


It's fortunate that they open on Saturdays as Saturdays are the only time when I'm actually free to do all this kind of funny things now that I'm working full time. As for my test, it went alright. Managed to score 34/35. After I passed the test, they printed out a confirmation letter to be presented when I book my practical exam.

More on the driving test when I actually attempt it in the next few months or so.

South Florida's #1 Black Hair Salon in South Florida Focuses on customer service!

Our goal is to be best prepared to service the needs of our loyal clientele.

Design Essentials is our corporate product sponsor specializing in healthy hair.

Our team is constantly trained by the Industry's top stylist, coaches and schools on regular basis. Whether it's the latest hair trend or technique. We will be ready.

Hair Tip of the Week:

“A haircut is the only way to get rid of split ends, regular trims are your next best protection against them. The longer you wait to trim, the greater chance you have of split ends worsening and traveling up the hair shaft. Getting frequent trims is recommended if you’re trying to grow longer, healthier hair.”

( sorry guys its the truth)


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Permanent Residency (PR) Application Approved

My Australian Permanent Residency (PR) Application has been approved. I got an email a couple of days ago informing me that my Skilled - Independent (VB 885) visa has been granted. It took the Department of Immigration and Citizenship approximately 20 weeks to process my PR application.

In the notification email, it is also stated that I will have to wait 2 years before I can receive most Centrelink income support payments. Centrelink is the government organisation that makes social security payments. "Income support" is government welfare assistance that is enough to live on.  The payments with a waiting period include unemployment and sickness benefits, income support payments for students and a number of other payments.

But I'm glad that's all well and done for now. Next thing to do is to get my Australian Drivers License. That's going to cost me another $300+. Will update again soon on that.

And maybe in 4 years time...













Back to PR Application Checklist

Another Conversion!! Just Wash and Blow!! Enjoy your day!! Healthy Hair

Just another day of changes!!!

How does the RECESSION affect your hair and salon frequency.

Going to the hair salon on a regular basis is a sure fire way to keep your look up to par with professional advice. Given today's economic climate this luxury item may be taking a backseat to DIY or "youtube experts." Salons are under severe pressure to compete with the financial strain on the economy and the gravitation of clients to finding hair advice digitally.

We have collected a few Hair Saver tips for those looking to maximize their hair swag while not breaking their budgets.



1)

Hit the Discount Salons in Between Pricey Cuts

I love this tip I read in the book, Confessions of a Beauty Editor" by the editors of Allure: Get maintenance haircuts in between your pricey salon visits. According to "Confessions," even beauty editors get discount cuts to save money.

They suggest telling the discount stylist to cut along the "map" set by the fancy stylist.

2)

Wait for the coupon! When salons don't see you in a while...

This one is a no brainer. When your favorite salon doesn't see you for a while, they usually send out big discounts on return services in the form of coupons or emails. This is a great opportunity for you to save money and maintain that awesome look. Beware of the fine print. They may require you to come in on slower days or even downtime like early morning or lunch. Remember in this game of economy its all about playing by the rules.

3)

Go Back to School (Beauty School) or Hit a Salon's Training Night

One of the best ways to get a fancy haircut without the price is to set an appointment at a local beauty school. Most of the stylists-in-training are overseen by an experienced teacher so you can bet they won't make a mess of your hair.

Some big salons also offer discount days or training nights. You can enjoy a pricey cut at a fraction of the price. Check out New York Magazines's list of training nights in New York City and this is in various cities. Check South Florida @ ( www.trainingnights.com)

Another option is to hair model for a salon. You don't have as much say in your haircut as you would if you were paying for it, but most stylists will stay within your perimeters.