biz n buzz

The TCDC which stands for Thailand Creative and Design Center is one of the eight divisions under Office of Knowledge Management and Development (OKMD). It aims to provide Thais with easy access to “source of capital” resulting in the increase in consumption and economic growth up to a certain level.

To maintain sustainable economic growth, the Government also gives Thais an opportunity to acquire the most updated and varied knowledge software, leading to up - and -coming designers and product developer as well as new entrepreneurs that can combine capital with idea & creativity to improve and add value to their products.

Photo grabbed from TCDC website at http://www.tcdc.or.th/home.php.

Whenever I ship goods and fragile items to my homeland, safety is always my number one priority. Once I have sent picture frames placed inside a huge box together with other consumable items and RTWs (ready-to-wear). I sent it in the Philippines and by the time my parents opened it they complained that the glasses where shattered due to minimal protection being placed around it. I realized I should have safeguarded it to have avoided the damage. Lesson, it’s difficult to take chances.

Next time, I will be very careful in handling this problem like how art shipment company does. One very good source of information I have read is from imaginemindseye.com. They have enumerated the tips in protecting fragile items. One of which is the use of crate. There award-winning business have gained them reputable respect from customers in the museum and art industry.

In Mr. Bean movie where he played as Dr. of Arts, there was a scene when the painting of a mother was placed in a secure Art Storage. Delivered through a climate controlled truck done by authorized staffs. The room where the painting was displayed was fully automatic. With a single click, the painting disappears from the site of spectators and reappears upon certain time schedule. Seeing such high tech museum is one of dream.

For big and small businesses, it had become a trend to resort to outsourcing– to cut overhead costs and distribute work. Here in my workplace, the Institute have already started outsourcing some services starting from the grassroots like maintenance personnels, cleaners and including food vendors. For me I think it’s one way of providing better services to the community members wherein companies which handles similar expertise take charge and runs the system separately.  That significantly created bigger savings for the Institute.

In my husband’s IT department it has been a long hearsay that future programming and internet related services will be outsourced to an IT company from Bangkok. Until now it has never been implemented. And I’m thankful to that. The major thing that impedes them to push through is the big rate that they are asking or perhaps they are afraid to commit mistake in giving up their trusted employees.

In US New York IT Outsourcing is offering comprehensive solution to IT problems. Other related services that they have are Network integration, Business application development, Network monitoring, IT support, and Preventive care.  These complete set of services are just exactly the things that are necessary to build a new system for AIT.

Another technology buzz for people who usually hates traffic. In a Chinese mindset, in every crisis there is an opportunity. It is actually how I could best describe Carl Dietrich’s source of inspiration. Imagine escaping the congested highway by simply pushing the button to take off. One thing though, you should need a pilot’s license to put it in the air.

This flying car runs on the same unleaded petrol used by cars.  All you need  is at least 520 meters long for a runway and 100 meters to land.  Once landed, the wings will just fold up then you are ready to drive straight into the garage.

I was on my fourth year highschool when I first wore a customized shirt with the name Kirch embellished on it. People were surprised to see what’s written as they know it wasn’t me. Without their knowledge I have been using this nickname on my diary and even on some of my personal things.

I have learned the craft of t-shirt printing from my brother who had formal lessons during college in their finearts lectures. He showed me how it was done and I tried to duplicate what I have observed. Gladly, it turned out fine for a newbie like me. Other instances when I was able to design emboss type or rubberized prints was when my husband started his bakery business before. I draw the images on a tracing paper. I cut the pattern using cutter knife. Then I stick on a silk screen and after I positioned the shirt neatly on the table. Followed by the printing of the shirt. I let dry a bit then applied indirect heat on top to form the emboss texture.

Nowadays, ordering custom t-shirts, t-shirts, personalized t-shirts, design your own t-shirts is so easy online. One is not limited only by the colors and texture but it has several designs to choose from depending on the occassion being celebrated. For anniversaries or family reunions, this gesture of uniformity adds fun to the event.  Making it more memorable to everybody.

When watching the X-men series, I get scared looking at the shape shifters. I pity the clueless victims whose characters were copied by merciless mutants.  What if I say normal humans have the capacity to do that too?  Yes, you read it right.  Not with the use of any special power but by the special dress designed by Aya Tsukioka. Ain’t it cool? An amazing creation aimed to drive away attention of possible attackers and protect the fearful individuals specially womens safety against harassments. Not only by learning tae kwon do or carrying pepper sprays that one can defend oneself.  See the photo below.

The skirt folds out in to a vending machine (left) and there is also a backpack which unfolds to look like a Japanese fire hydrant. This camouflage dress would certainly do well in the urban. Caution! Make sure the thief or bad guys don’t spot your feet sticking out under the machine. :þ

According to the entrepreneur website, for the last six years, small-business optimism is at its lowest point in terms of cash flow, cost of operation and the rising energy cost. This may not be of great concern to an employee like me. Hence, I share the sentiments of the entrepreneurs who are not making good in their business at present. I have always dreamed of being one and still hopes to be one someday. At this point I’m still focusing to create my own niche as to what product I could best develop.

New business endeavors often requires fast cash loans from banks, lending companies, or even from close relatives to start up or for possible contingencies. It is important to foresee the expenses beforehand as it determines savings and extra expenses when things don’t go as planned. In relation to this, there are actually guide books made to order for interested money makers. One of which is “Craft Business” which is a step-by-step startup guide for hobbyist like me. It comes with free software that has business calculators, ready made business forms and sample business plans. Small-business owners wannabe especially for SAHMs or stay at home moms will surely enjoy learning how to increase profit on the things they love.

Having lived in a Buddhist country had lead me to a better understanding on the ecological concern of Thai people. It’s not being converted but anonymously practicing their positive ways towards showing respect to nature and its creatures. In today’s Earth Day, some of the reflections and meditations I found from one of the well known channels has caught my attention.

“He who has understanding and great wisdom does not think of harming himself or another, nor of harming both alike. He rather thinks of his own welfare, of that of others, of that of both, and of the welfare of the whole world. In that way one shows understanding and great wisdom.”
Anguttara Nikaya, Fours, No. 18

When purchasing a new home a buyer would instantly compute the interest rates and to determine how long you could pay the principal amount either by monthly or yearly payment. An online mortgage loan calculator is helpful to know exactly the money that has to be prepared for the amortization. But beforehand you have to know the terminologies that will require you to fill in the buttons for calculation.

Purchase price – This is total sales price of your new home in whole dollars. This amount, less any down payment, will be the amount you borrow from your bank or housing loan agency.

Down payment – The percentage of the Purchase price that you plan to pay upfront. If, for example, if it requires you or either you plan to make a $25,000 down payment on a $250,000 home, enter 10 here.

Mortgage term – It determines the number of years over which you’d like to pay your mortgage and enter it here. Common values are 10, 15, and 30.

Interest rate – The actual interest percentage your bank will apply to the amount you borrow. Do not include any Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) percentages your bank may require.

Property tax – The amount of yearly tax you’ll pay on the value of your property.

Property insurance – Determine the yearly amount to insure your property and enter it here.

PMI – If your down payment is less than 20% of your home’s purchase price, your bank may require you to pay an additional yearly percentage of your home’s purchase price in the form of Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). If so, enter the PMI percentage here.

First payment date – From these drop-down menus, select the month and year that your mortgage payments will begin.

Amortization – Choose whether you’d like to see your mortgage payment schedule, including principal, interest, tax, insurance, PMI, and balance, on a yearly or monthly basis. If you don’t want to see a detailed amortization schedule, choose don’t show.

Like for example I purchased a one bedroom condominium unit for 5,700 USD with a 20% downpayment, 30 years mortgage term, 11% interest for the loan, assuming I will pay 500 USD for the property tax per year, $ 250 for property insurance, a PMI of 0.52% and starting date of payment is next month— the result is seen on the image below.

This girl has captivated my heart by her lovely voice and great talent in playing musical instruments. All of her songs were awesome including her acoustic versions being sang by famous singers like Britney Spears and Rihanna. She actually started out posting her original compositions on Youtube a year ago. Marie have guested in several shows and now her album is out in the market since April 8, 2008. With her famous song “Say It Again” on top of the list. You can check out her site at mariedigbyunfold.com for orders and sample music.