Tracking Santa Across the Globe

Merry Christmas!

It's that time of the year where we reflect upon our achievements (or not) in the past 12 months and probabaly decide what we'd like to do in the coming year.

But hey, Christmas isn't all about the above nor is it just restricted to gifts exchange. It's also about remembering the less fortunate and other meaningful deeds.

Aside the above, you might have heard that you can actually track Santa's movement across the globe.

YES, it's true! And it all lies in the hands of NORAD of the United States of America military command.

Check this out below:

Service Update on Oakley Dictate 2.0

Well, well, well...

It seems that since my last posting on the service standard of Oakley's Dictate 2.0 model, follow up actions have been going on in the background :)

As a recap from my last posting, I reported to Oakley USA on the "inferior" product design of the Dictate 2.0 model, which resulted in the frame's rubberised side grip peeling off (yep, I believe you can still check out the photos taken below).

Unfortunately, the reply (which I did not attach in my posting) was disappointing and gave me the impression that Oakley only takes care of it's "own" customers in the US (sorry, but you can't blame me for feeling this way, especially when it comes from such a reputable and established firm.

Then I decided to do the alternative.

Why bother to write all the way to the US when you can lodge one on your homeground?

And that's exactly what I did.

You see, I've reported the "peeling effect" since a couple of months ago when initial signs were first noticed on my Dictate 2.0 spectacles. However, the reply given over the phone was that there were still no spare components available and customers could either make do with the present status of one's spectacles, or "wait out" for the actual components to arrive.

Now after all these when I decided to state a strong stand on what I expected of a "quality and reputable" sports frame, and citing reasons such as "poor design", my local agent finally had the "professionalism" to do what was right: provide a FREE and TOTAL replacement of my Oakley Dictate 2.0 frame.

Yep, no cost at all.

So, the lesson learnt is tat never give up on what you believe should be provided or rectified, especially of a reputable firm and spending a hefty sum on your product.

Cheers!

Oakley Dictate 2.0 Replacement Parts - Warning!

After posting regular topics of interest on this blog, I soon realised that "Hey! Why not do some product reviews as well since viewers would be keen to learn more as well?"

It maybe positive aspects, but it could also be negative aspects and everyone who has an interest or feedback on these products could also post in their reviews or experience as well. That way, it won't just be one person's view, and this blog would be "everyone's" blog and folks can check regularly online over here for product reviews.

Of course, articles of interest (I know, I know, they tend to be mine pretty often) would still be posted on "Latest Happenings Today". So, fret not!

To begin with this trend, I'm gonna discuss about a pair of Oakley glasses I currently own. In particular, the Oakley Dictate 2.0 (and this is just one of the many Oakley spectacles I currently own).

Why this particular pair of spectacles?

Well, to begin with, I'm not sure if it's designed to "last" only this long, but it seems to me that the parts used in this model appears to be falling below Oakley's often expected high standard of quality material used along with its workmanship. I recall the previous models I own tend to last at least 3 years or so until it shows some form of discoloration (thanks to my occupation as a fire officer, previously). In fact I still use my first pair of Oakley's since purchasing it nearly 7 years ago. Not bad for someone operating in a rough and tough occupation!

Having purchased my latest "Oakley Dictate 2.0" just barely a few months ago (and mind you, I've now switched to a emergency planning and business continuity job in an "office" environment), I soon discovered that the first part to konk off is actually the "side resin grip" (I know this is not the actual name, but I think that's the best description I can provide for now). Check out the "damage" below:



Upon enquiring with the local dealer, I was informed that the parts were not available yet.

Come on! You mean to say that Oakley launched a new product without getting ready any spare components? How could this happen? We can understand if it's for a pair of glasses launched a few year ago, but surely not with a recent model, right folks?

In fact, the sales executive even informed me that a number of clients have also reported similiar product defects even in the early stages of purchase and the advice given to them is to "remove the resin grip totally if it's causing any discomfort". Man... talk about great aftersales advice.

The last time I checked, the parts ain't shipped here yet.

So be warned. You may want to consider twice before purchasing your next pair of Oakley's (particularly Dictate 2.0). Hopefully, the quality of Oakley's is not falling below its reputable standards.

Stream Online Movies!

Watching movies with your DVD player is now "passe" (or so they say). Why?

Because right now, you can enjoy the latest in DVD technology right on your laptop or PC at unbelievable download speed! What's more, it's not only limited to movies and block busters, but also the latest television hit series.

Get Your LIMITED Seats Right NOW!

Farkle Online

Ok, before you go on laughing thinking that it's another spin off of the ever popular social media site "Fark.com", think again :)

Literally that's how its pronounced and it's a rather addictive (seriously) social media application game, more often available on Facebook applications.

In summary, here's a brief sypnosis of the game:

"You can only use dice to score once during a turn, until you’ve used up all six dice. After scoring with any die, it is set aside for the next roll.

On each roll, you must score something, or else you “Farkle”. You are NOT required to keep all the dice that score, that is part of the strategy of the game.

• - You need to score 1000 points to “Get on the Board.” Until you’ve scored 1000 points, none of your scores count.
• - The combination 1-2-3-4-5-6 is a straight and scores “secure” points. These points are yours to keep, even if you Farkle. It is added to your total score immediately after rolling.
• - Once anyone passes the 10,000 mark, the opposing player gets one last turn to either surpass the first player (thus winning,) or Farkle."

Yep, it's based on the ever popular Farkle game.

Solar Eclipse 2009

It's official, this year's solar eclipse will be one of the most spectacular site to witness across the globe. The problem is: will your current location be one of the most ideal place to view this phenomenon?

Since ancient times, depending on the originating land's culture, solar eclipses have often be viewed as impending signs which would often lead to "good" or "bad" outcomes or omens. Those who had the "ability" to predict these occurrences were often viewed as either prophets, wizards, gifted individuals with unknown powers, or in the worst instance, witches. Generally, based on historical and mthical legends, the latter were more often assumed to be the case (as they say, it's easier to believe in sorcery and black magic, as compared to mere scientific explanations).

Needless to say, science prevails these days and astrologists and scientists can easily explain to anyone how such solar eclipses can occur and not surprisingly, even estimating (read again, not guessing or predicting) when the next eclipse will take place, right up to the exact information on which part of the planet the population can have the best view.

So, how late are you going to stay up this time for the solar eclipse?

Free Slurpee Day at 7-Eleven

7-Eleven stores across America celebrate their birthday on every July 11 by giving away Free Slurpees. The company, which was started in Dallas Texas, is celebrating their 82nd birthday of the convenience stores on Saturday July 11, 2009 as Free Slurpee Day

7-Eleven is a subsidiary of Seven & I Holdings Co. of Japan. During this free Slurpee day 2009, all 7-Eleven customers will be able to enjoy a free 7.11 ounce Slurpee drinks at more than 6,000 stores in the U.S. and Canada. The stores are located in 18 countries with its largest markets in Japan, Canada, Taiwan, Thailand and United States.

This year, the convenience store chain is turning 82 and they are promising that this year it will be the “Biggest Slurpee Giveaway Ever,” with approximately 5 million icy beverages expected to be handed out at participating locations. This year, the company is rolling out some tremendous new energetic flavors like Ironman Amp, energy Surplee and Guitar Hero Full Throttle. It is also expected that flavors of the Slurpee drinks will be different at each location, as the stores themselves go with what is hot in a given sector. Enjoy free Surplee day 2009 today. To see more information for a 7-Eleven Store Locator, interactive games, trivia and more here