sparks:

Just to share...


My helper of 7 years had gone home in May & I've gone through the arduous process of finding a good helper which luckily I finally did. I just thought that I should share with you some of my experiences that you may find worth looking out for.

When my old helper had expressed her desire to go back to get married. My mind was made up to hire a helper from a 'good' maid agency that one of the forumers had highly rated here (few years back). She shared with me the contact thru pm. So, I contacted this agency immediately & did not look anywhere else. (Edit to add: I had read up on this agency before contacting them). I was even willing to wait for one to be available that time. When they informed me that a transfer was avail, I immediately went to interview the helper. I had made sure I sound out to the helper all that was needed for my household so that both our expectations were aligned. Her bio-data could have triggered alarm bells (my personal criteria)at that time, if not for the fact that I had the single-minded belief that this agency would provide me a good helper. Very soon, within a month, I realised how wrong I am. This helper did not suit my household requirements at all. When I asked for bio-data for replacements, they informed me that there were none as none of their helpers wanted to care for dog. When finally there was one candidate, it was a helper with the same type of bio-data that would set off my alarm bells. I took the cue from the agency that they were not looking after my interest & went on to look for other agencies. I had to scour through numerous bio-datas before I finally found my current helper whom I am grateful for.

The moral of my story is that there are good agencies around. However, a good agency to one does not automatically imply good for another employer. It may have been just luck. I think that forumer had meant to help. I still have to do my due diligence, research & talk to these maid agents to find out more before committing that lump sum, unless you already know the agent well personally.

Good luck!

Hi spark,

Can share what was it about the bio data that triggered alarm bells?

The eggs from Redmart are ok, but I have noticed that the fruit tend to be overripe. Some veg are okay but I once ordered a broccoli that was covered with mould when it arrived. Overall, I would say 90% of items from Redmart are alright and it’s only a minority of purchases that don’t turn out well.

Any feedback for Seng Kang branches will be appreciated. Thanks!

Tharman’s quote explains why and how the affair happened… It’s unhealthy to spend so much time at work.

WP won’t join in because BB isn’t their territory. The by-election effect is minimal here because unlike the case of PE residents, who were reminded daily of Palmer’s incompetence when they visit the unfinished Rivervale Plaza, so far no one has accused David Ong of neglecting his MP duties. Maybe the vote share will dip slightly but not by much.

I think PAP is going to win anyway. How come he gets a dignified exit while Michael Palmer’s exit was so degrading?

Asthma has different triggers. Maybe to prevent such tragedies in future, the medical assessment of NS men can be more detailed. Apart from asking when the last asthma attack was, the MO could also ask for details on what typically triggers asthma attacks for each patient. Every patient is different. With the info gathered, the NS men then can go about their usual training as long as they avoid specific activities that have a high chance of triggering their condition.

I believe that maybe a personal apology wasn’t forthcoming also because they did not want to prejudice their case? An apology may be argued to be an admission of guilt in the court. But based on goodwill, I think at least a personal visit by someone higher up the ranks is warranted.


But then again, it’s problematic and not necessary to pressure our leaders to visit the family of one dead soldier. After all, to die for our country is already an honour in itself, isn’t it? Why should the soldier’s family ask for more?

I guess we have to ask ourselves, how loyal are Singaporeans to this country? Are we the type to willingly die for Singapore? If the government feels that Singaporeans are a loyal bunch who don’t mind their sons being killed in NS since it’s all for the service of the country, then I suppose its current handling of the case is good enough.

Conscription, which is what NS is, is not a must for every small country. Since our government has deemed that it’s a must for Singapore, I think the least they can do is offer a more sincere and personal apology. I am reading that the mother wrote to the PM but he chose to leave it to Mindef. If neither the PM not the Minister for Defence has visited the family, perhaps one of them should.


I think that dealing with this matter in a clinical and bureaucratic manner doesn’t bring closure to the family and it only gives NS a bad name. Furthermore, this incident has an aggravating factor, which is that the number of smoke grenades used was excessive, resulting in the death of the serviceman.

In my humble opinion, it was a wrong move to go through the court. I don’t think the family was after money per se but closure, which they could get if they had pursued the matter out of court. What did they expect from the Singapore court? The verdict is a predictable one

Ok it's good to hear that the teachers don't comment or ask questions when there are no celebrations. I used to work in the sector when I was younger and I heard a comment from an ex-colleague, \"Poor thing. His parents maybe forgot that it's his birthday.\" But this is only from one school very long ago which is now closed.


Hope I'm not unintentionally giving out \"negative vibes\". I respect teachers a lot and my husband is a teacher, but they are human too and some may make careless comments without thinking about the impact on the children. Just wondering about the current culture.

Renting a location, catering food and organizing activities will certainly go up to more than $1000. Your DS is a well brought boy, little prince. There are many kids who will ask for things just because their friends have it. Hope my boy can grow up with the right values too.