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zenovyap · 6 years ago

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Although it has opened its door for business for nearly 2 years, many people are not familiar with “Four Points by Sheraton” or “Four Points Singapore Riverview”. Little known was that it was a refurbished property, after Sheraton took over to open its 6th hotel in Singapore, under the Four Points branding.

Coupled with its location at the Robertson Quay enclave (which was far from any MRT station), the hotel had been offering rather cheap rates that were almost equivalent to the budget line of SPG.

With seemingly good value-for-money, I decided to give it a try for a staycay over the Good Friday weekend.

Service

The reception was similar to Traders Hotel KL, with minimalistic counters that made it a little difficult to locate the reception and determine if they were not the concierge instead. However, the lady attending to me was friendly and professional, and she even upgraded me from Deluxe King Bed River View to Premium King Bed River View.

What’s the difference? Apparently, the latter is bigger and equipped with coffee making amenities. It wasn’t something to die for (considering you would get it if you’re willing to fork out an extra $20 or so per night), but it was a nice gesture.

The attentiveness of their staff was also apparent everywhere.

On one occasion, I went down to the lobby to pick up my Food Panda delivery. Upon stepping out of the lift, I was lost momentarily. A bellboy caught my fleeting glance and approached me to provide assistance. Similarly, when I went to look for the concierge to leave my baggage after I checked out, the staff noticed I went to the wrong counter and offered to help me.

Lastly, as a cleanliness freak, I actually dared to ask the chambermaid for extra towels and water bottles. The chambermaid had one of the brightest smiles I saw (I thought I saw some glitter in her eyes too!) and was friendly toward me. She even offered more toiletries for me!

Room

The room was sufficiently big; a couple of travellers with 76-inch suitcases should have no problem laying out their wares on the floor. That being said, I’m targeting staycayers today, so this is definitely a lot of space for a staycay!

Standard stuff like TV, work desk, bar fridge, ironing, hairdryers could all be found in the room. One added feature was a bay window couch (it looked fancy, but I could not find a good position on the couch to lounge and binge-watch Youtube). The wardrobe was small, but there was plenty of hangers for one to binge-hang your clothes! lol

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The king sized bed was comfy, though I would not say the same for the pillows. There were 4 of them, 2 for me to lie on and 2 for hugging. However, I woke up every morning with a sore neck (not stiff, just sore neck that felt very uncomfortable).

The soundproofing of the room was slightly above average. When I found out my room was right beside the lift, I was like, “I’m gonna have a noisy night ahead!” Interestingly, I was wrong. The room was quiet most of the time, save for times when someone walked past my room talking at the top of their voices (for goodness sake, must they shout to each other??)

My other bug was the phone, which had so much interference that I had a hard time hearing the receptionist when I ordered my room service.

Bathroom

The bathroom was well-stocked and well-designed. There was plenty of space at the vanity area as well as in the shower area for personal toiletries. Other than the standard toiletries, they also provided mouth wash, toothbrush/toothpaste and a mini nail-care kit. It was so well-stocked that the only personal stuff you need to bring was facial cleanser!

I will side-track a bit to talk about their shampoo – it tend to dry the hair out (which can be mitigated by using the conditioner provided). I know some people are very particular about the shampoo they use, so do take note of this.

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When it comes to getting cleaned, well, this room fell short as it did not have a bathtub. Yep, no insta-worthy drop-the-bath-ball moment TT On the flip side, I loved how the hot water came on almost instantaneously! If you can’t get my drift, there were many hotels where the hot water would only start flowing about 1 minute later (and perhaps after a lot of adjusting of the mixer taps), which meant 1 minute in buff in the cold! I really appreciated their prompt hot water mechanism!

Amenities

The gym, located on the 5th floor with the pool, was split into 2 rooms, with one containing treadmills and crosstrainer (for cardio) and the other for free weights, balls and bikes. Each room faced the pool and was stocked up with towels and water cooler. The cardio room had an added view of the buildings across the river, though it had a strong stench (from too much sweat shed in the room?).

The leisure pool had plenty of sundecks around the pool and even had tables for people to lounge around with wine bought from the poolside bar (which was not opened when I was there).

One aspect the Four Points pool had over M Hotel was that for the latter, the sun is only “available” between 10am – 1pm. Before that, the sun was blocked by the hotel’s building, and after, by a neighbouring skyscraper. Four Points being by a riverside mean the neighbouring building is further. Its own building did not block the sun due to its orientation. If you are looking for a good tan during your staycation, the pool at Four Points will be ideal!

Side-note: There were also coin-operated washing machines and dryers beside the pool for those looking to do their own laundry!

Another often overlooked facility is the lift. Despite having over 10 floors of rooms being served by 6 lifts, one never had to wait long for the lift, and most of the time, I need not share the lift with another person. Again, I’m writing this with M Hotel in mind… 😛

Four Points Eatery

The hotel has a Chinese restaurant (Imperial Restaurant), Japanese restaurant (Irodori), a bar (The Best Brew) and a restaurant for mass market dining (Four Points Eatery), which was also the place for buffet breakfast.

My package did not include breakfast, so I paid $27.16 just to try out their breakfast spread.

The variety was decent, covering Western, pastries and Asian – Unlike M Hotel which caters to Indian palette under their “Asian” segment, Four Points had a more Southeast Asian flavour.

There was a self-service noodle bar which was a good alternative to congee (also served in the Eatery) for those who liked to “warm up” their tummy with their first meal of the day. However, be warned that the soup was literally “warm”, which I know would be too “cold” for many people (though just nice for me). The ingredient was also rather limited to shredded chicken and friend onions, with the choice of bee hoon or thick yellow noodles, or both, though one can always add-on the Fish Roe Ball from another part of the buffet.

Another unique SEA cuisine served was the Nasi Lemak – the rice was fragrant and the peanuts was stir-fried to the right degree of wok-hey. The chilli might be too sweet for some, but hey! I prefer something less stimulating for breakfast!

The rest of the spread was meh. The kimchi pancake had too much flour and was bland even after I added the chilli-soy sauce. The others, like scrambled egg/sunny side up, hash brown and teriyaki chicken was average-tasting.

The only item I liked the best was the handmade waffle – I picked the one that was most “chao tar” and I really liked the crispiness covering the milky goodness! Its good friend, handmade pancake also suffered the fate of being too starchy for my comfort… lol

Was the breakfast worth that extra ~$30? Well, I did not go for breakfast on my 2nd morning; with Food Panda, who needs hotel breakfast like that?

Security

For those concerned about security, note that there is card access to all floors with rooms, as well as amenities like gym and pool.

Neighbourhood

If you like M Social, Studio M or Intercontinental Hotel, you must have loved the enclave that was Robertson Quay. Therefore, Four Points by Sheraton would be a good choice too. Walking down Robertson Quay felt like walking down Canary Wharf (with the added humid weather, that is). There was also plenty of pubs and hipster cafes serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, which was also the reason why I thought there was no need to put up with the average hotel breakfast!

However, if you are like me, you most likely would want a grocery/supermarket nearby. The nearest place to buy mineral water and snacks would be the SPC petrol station across the road (there was also a 7-11 and a mama-shop across the river, which would be more convenient if you are having lunch there).

The nearest mall, however, was Great World City, which was 12 minute-walk away according to Google Maps, followed by Liang Court at a 15-minute walk away.

Room Service

What’s a staycay without in-room dining? I had “late dinners” on both nights. On the first night, I had Seafood Char Kway Teow and Thick Cut Fries. Skip the fries if you are not particularly hungry, though the Char Kway Teow is worth a try.

On my 2nd night, I tried its Seafood Fried Rice Istimerawa, paired with a glass of white wine. The wine was sweet and smooth to the palette. I really liked the fried rice; it was spicy, yet yummy – a rarity for me, I would say. It came with a drumstick (over-fried, with some parts of the meat smelly), crackers, achar (Southeast Asian salad) and otak-otak (thick and juicy). Again, this is something worth busting the calories for! 🙂

All in all, Four Points by Sheraton had its hits and misses. The friendly staff, spacious room, good location and yummy in-room dining made it a staycay-worthy place despite its other shortcomings. Do fork out time (and money) to come stay over for a weekend!

How to Get There

Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Riverview

382 Havelock Rd, Singapore 169629 http://www.fourpointssingaporeriverview.com +65 6732 9922

Just how good is Four Points by Sheraton for a staycay? Although it has opened its door for business for nearly 2 years, many people are not familiar with "Four Points by Sheraton" or "Four Points Singapore Riverview".

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globalworship · 3 years ago

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‘The Aroma of the New’ by Makoto Fujimura, in the “Top 16 Greatest Commencement Speeches ever given”

“The arts are not a peripheral luxury for the elite few, but a central necessity, how a civilization is to be defined, and how our humanity is to be restored. The arts, like the spring flowers all about Belhaven this day, bring the aroma of the New ... to create is to hope. To create is to live … Come and dance, play and paint upon your Ground Zero ashes. That is how we must now love the world. Step into the receding (cultural) waters filled with poison, but do it with faith. Then the stench of death will be replaced by the aroma of the New ...”

From ‘The Aroma of the New,’ a commencement speech given by Makoto Fujimura at Belhaven University in 2011.

It’s included in ncluded in the “Top 16 Greatest Commencement Speeches ever given” as ranked by CNN this year. https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/13/world/most-memorable-commencement-speeches-spc-intl/index.html

(Makoto is featured in the 7th photo.)

Read the entire speech at https://makotofujimura.com/writings/the-aroma-of-the-new-2011-belhaven-university-commencement-address

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midwestplumbers · 3 years ago

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Home remedies for backed up septic tank

SEPTIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE HOME REMEDIES

Every four years, the majority of homeowners maintain a healthy septic tank maintenance program. However, we rarely consider how hard our septic system works to keep our house running. According to experts, our house septic systems should be inspected at least once a month. Your tank may require some attention from time to time, and hiring a pumping business isn't always a viable solution.

If your tank starts to look dirty in between pumpings, consider some of these home solutions to keep your system functioning smoothly until your next maintenance appointment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxUUsgq9wlY

USE VINEGAR TO CLEAN OUT YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM MAINLINE

Applying a vinegar mixture to your system once a month is a straightforward approach to keep your mainline clear. This mixture is simple to make and just takes the following ingredients:

vinegar (distilled white)

scalding liquid

A gallon jug is a container that holds a gallon of liquid.

Half-fill your gallon jug with boiling water and the other half with distilled vinegar. Mix the ingredients together, then pour the cleaner down the nearest toilet to your septic system's mainline. After pouring, flush, and then flush again the next morning.

This mixture will dissolve any obstructions and even remove any cooking fat that may be causing major damage to your system.

SUBSTITUTE BAKING SODA

You can also mix a 14 cup of baking soda with a 12 cup of vinegar and pour it down your drains to maintain your septic system healthy even faster. This is a simple way to keep dirt and grime out of your system, which is surprisingly delicate.

CHEMICALS AND ANTIBACTERIAL SOAPS ARE TO BE AVOIDED.

As we've previously stated, what you put in your tank has a direct impact on the health of your septic system. Most people are aware of the principal items that should not be flushed down the drain, but there are a few goods that may surprise you with their septic tank-damaging effects.

Despite the fact that antibacterial soaps and chemicals such as bleach claim to be safe solutions to keep a person's lavatory plumbing and cleanliness in good working order. Your septic tank relies on bacteria to work properly, and these products end up performing a better job than they should by killing bacteria and slowing the natural decomposition of waste in the tank.

DO I NEED TO PUMP MY SEPTIC SYSTEM? PLUMBERS IN THE MIDWEST CAN HELP!

A septic tank that has reached capacity is the last thing any homeowner wants. This is not just a nasty scenario, but it also poses a health risk to everyone in the system's vicinity.

Midwest Plumbers takes pride in being the most dependable septic service provider. We can make sure that your system keeps running smoothly in between services. If you know it's time to clean out your septic tank, call Midwest Plumbers today to set up an appointment.

SEPTIC PIPE CLEANING (SPC): WHAT IS IT AND HOW DOES IT AFFECT MY SEPTIC TANK?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A726uJmnHv0

Bits of waste material build up on the interior walls of the septic drain pipe over time. This typical organic buildup gradually accumulates until it can effectively block the pipe, resulting in sewage drain jams and backups. As a result of this build-up, a septic pipe can lose half of its diameter in just five years or so. Clogging and backups can be avoided by cleaning the septic drain pipe on a regular basis to maintain its maximum diameter.

What is the Best Way to Clean Septic Pipes?

Cleaning septic systems necessitates the employment of a bacterial digestant with enzymes that can continually digest waste particles. The bacteria can grow and live in the material, digesting organic debris that clings to the drain's inside walls, thanks to monthly pipe cleaning procedures.

Most clogs and backups can be avoided with this practice, as well as the requirement for expert pipe cleaning.

Which Cleaning Agents Should You Use to Clean Septic Pipes?

Septic tank drain pipes cannot be cleaned with usual harsh, abrasive store-bought chemicals without causing costly septic system damage. Important microorganisms that are required for moving waste through the sewage system's effluent pipes and filters can be killed by such cleaning solutions.

Simple Cleaning Agent – White vinegar is a preferable option, since it is a natural cleaning agent that can help prevent mold growth and stench in septic drains. One cup of vinegar should be poured down the drains once a week and left to soak for about a half hour before flushing it out with water. This procedure cleans drains without causing harm to pipes or other components of your septic system.

Ask your plumber for recommendations on a bacterial strain product that is best appropriate for maintaining your septic system if you think you might need a commercial grade treatment.

Professional Septic System Maintenance on a Regular Basis

A septic tank requires frequent expert maintenance in addition to applying an appropriate cleaning solution on a regular basis to keep it running correctly and to maintain a healthy septic system for the usual life of a property. Solid waste material, in particular, must be drained out of the septic tank on a regular basis.

The frequency with which septic tanks are pumped varies by household. Experts recommend that homes with four occupants and septic tanks with a capacity of 1,000 gallons be properly serviced every three to five years, or more frequently if necessary.

Non-professionals should not try such maintenance work since septic tank fumes and microorganisms pose a major health risk.

What Impact Does Septic Pipe Cleaning Have on My Septic Tank?

Cleaning the system properly slows the buildup of layers of heavier and lighter waste sediments, allowing the bacteria that digest these materials to do their job effectively. Every few years, the waste layers will inevitably grow to the point where the tank will need to be pumped out by a professional.

Weekly Cleaning – Ensuring that the working bacteria are not injured by the use of improper chemical cleaners on a frequent basis will help to slow down the build-up process inside the pipe.

Regular Annual Maintenance – Waiting too long to have your septic tank pumped might cause layers of improperly processed sewage to run into the drain field, which can damage your septic system. Deferred septic tank maintenance can lead to a wide range of potentially catastrophic health and sanitary problems.

During a septic tank inspection, what should you expect?

Have your septic tank tested once a year to ensure proper maintenance. During the examination, the following items were examined:

Take note of the scum and sludge levels in the pipe.

Request a written record of the inspection from the service technician, including notes on the septic tank's condition and the amount of scum inside.

If the level of accumulation is too high, have the tank pumped as soon as possible (typically every 3-5 years).

Precautions for Septic Tanks

Prevent Overload – Make sure your septic system isn't overburdened. Repair any leaking faucets or toilets as soon as possible, and turn off the water to those outlets until they're fixed.

Prevent Imbalance – Toxic chemicals should not be used to cause an imbalance in your septic system. Paints, flammable cleaning chemicals, motor oil, and other similar items should not be flushed or washed down sinks. Clean paint rollers with paper towels and dispose of surplus paint at a chemical disposal site specified by your local government.

Dont wait till your Septic tank backing up into bathtub

The following blog post Home remedies for backed up septic tank Read more on: MWP

Originally published here: https://us.midwestplumbing.org/blog/septic/home-remedies-for-backed-up-septic-tank/

#US Midwest Plumbers - Feed

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swipestream · 6 years ago

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New Release Roundup, 2 February 2019: Fantasy and Adventure

The Devil is not in the details, but on the battlefield. In his shadow, infernal hitmen and detective saints; Nazi wizards and British mages; dragon slayers and divine champions clash in this week’s roundup of the newest releases in fantasy and adventure.

The Caster of Destruction (Overlord #9) – Kugane Maruyama

For twelve years, the virtual world of Yggdrasil has served as the playground and battlefield for the skeletal lord Momonga and his guild of fellow monsters, Ainz Ooal Gown. But the guild’s glory days are over, and the game is shutting down permanently. When Momonga logs in one last time just to be there when the servers go dark, something happens–and suddenly, fantasy is reality. A rogues’ gallery of fanatically devoted NPCs is ready to obey his every order, but the world Momonga now inhabits is not the one he remembers. The game may be over, but the epic tale of Ainz Ooal Gown is only beginning…

The annual war between the kingdom and the empire almost always ends in little more than a staring contest. This year, the Fresh Blood Emperor’s visit to Nazarick will change everything. Ainz himself has joined the fray, which is a dark omen of the coming storm. The arrival of the absolute ruler of Nazarick means only horror and death await those who stand on what will become the most hellish battlefield anyone has seen in living memory…!

Chuck Dixon’s Avalon #3: The Conscience of the King – Chuck Dixon and Frank Fosco

While King Ace is in training with Big Simba and the Specials of the UN-SPC, his former partner-in-fighting-crime Fazer languishes in a prison designed especially for people with superhuman powers. Fazer is desperate to escape, but how can he get out when his jailors possess the technology required to block his unique abilities?

But Fazer isn’t the only one feeling trapped, as King Ace quickly comes to learn that his new team isn’t tasked with fighting crime in the city of Avalon, but rather, tracking down other people like him and Fazer. And he also discovers that signing on with the official forces of law and order means accepting restrictions on your ability to do what you think is right.

Chuck Dixon is the most prolific comic book writer in history. Set in the world of Alt★Hero, CHUCK DIXON’S AVALON is the legend’s newest creation.

The Circle of St. George – John Auber Armstrong

Nothing in his life prepared Charlie Walker for meeting King Arthur and Merlin, King Oberon and Puck, or to find himself riding with the Wild Hunt and fighting a cohort of bloodthirsty Valkyries attacking GI’s on the beaches of France! Compared to that, a naked Winston Churchill barely rates mentioning …

Britain, 1940: a coalition of British magicians have united to oppose the Nazi’s use of black magic, and a young American soldier is sent to observe and report on the program code-named The Circle of St. George. Captain Charlie Walker doesn’t believe in gods, ghosts, or magic … until he has no choice in the matter!

Charlie’s education in magick is a hero’s journey like no other you’ve read. His instructors include Aleister Crowley and a who’s who of British occultists. Together, from the great plain of Glastonbury and the isle of Avalon to the Fae Kingdom and the death camps of the Third Reich, Charlie and The Circle of St. George stand alone against Hitler’s magicians.

The Devil’s Gunman (The Devil’s Gunman #1) – Philip S. Bolger

Working as a hitman for the devil of paperwork is a pretty good gig. Until you settle your obligation and don’t have the job anymore. Then what do you do?

For Nick Soren, it was the best of times and the worst of times. Having made more money working for the devil than he could ever spend, he lived it up in a haze of booze and drugs. Until the devil put a hit out on him.

On the run, Nick finds help from someone he never expected—another of the devil’s previous hitmen—who wants Nick to kill the devil. But there are vampires and Hellhounds on his tail, and that is going to make things…difficult. Can Nick get clear of the supernatural creatures hunting him long enough to take his shot and get revenge on the devil?

He’s not alone in his mission—a jiangshi mage and a chimera are along for the ride, and may help even the odds…or just get him killed all the faster.

Time is running out and the vampires are closing in…is this the end for the devil’s gunman?

Flying Sparks: Meta-Man Special – Jon del Arroz

For the last fifty years, Meta-Man has been an enigma—a reclusive hero who does his duty but shies away from the public eye. What happened? Who is he?

Unlocked from the archives for the first time, you can dive into one of Meta-Man’s early adventures and get a glimpse into his heroic world as he works to stave off a plot from his nemesis Dr. Malicious and his communist commandos! Can Meta-Man prevail, or will the U.S.S.R. interfere with the American presidential election and spread the reach of the Iron Curtain across the globe? Read this action-packed superhero comic and find out!

“A touch of backstory for a side character, a dash of 60s comics-style fisticuffs, and a sprinkle of the classic tragedy of missing out on important personal moments for the sake of saving the day for someone else. “–Amazon Reader Review

Infernal Affairs (Saint Tommy, NYPD #3) – Declan Finn

My name is Officer Thomas Nolan, and I am a saint.

I can smell evil. I show mercy to the lesser criminals – the desperate. Even those I’ve put behind bars seem to like me. But now there’s a serial killer bringing darkness beyond imagination to my city. I can smell his stench a mile away.

Detective Tommy Nolan is having a bad day.

First, the celebrant was murdered during mass. Then the SWAT team knocked down his door trying to kill him.

With the million dollar bounty on his head, every gunman and demonic monster is coming out of the pit to collect it.

Tommy has to discover who’s out to make him a martyr before he becomes a saint for real.

Sowing Dragon Teeth (The Iron Disciplines #1) – James Alderdice

Nobody said getting revenge on a dragon that killed your father would be easy, but nobody said it would be this hard either.

War looms on the horizon. Aisha is scouting the borderlands wary of a coming secret invasion when she is ambushed by a crazed old shaman who was sure that she was trying learn his secrets. She isn’t interested in the old legends about a dragon graveyard but after burning the secret map she is the only one who knows where it is supposed to exist and every gold hungry rogue crawls out of hiding to try and force her to take them there for riches untold.

The journey will take them across a cursed landscape brimming with foul sorceries and terrible monsters, but the promise of both treasure and revenge is irresistible. Sowing Dragon Teeth is an action-packed heroic fantasy in the vein of classic pulp fiction and thrilling treasure hunts. If you like gory battles, larger-than-life characters, and witty humor, then you’ll love James Alderice’s gritty tale.

A Thousand Drunken Monkeys (The Hero of Thera #2) – Eric Nylund

Continue Playing the Game? Yes / No

The Kingdom of Thera is a crossroads to many worlds and realities. Here a secret war between the gods plays out via their proxy mortal champions. These player-champions use all the augmented-reality interfaces and game mechanics that role-playing and video-gamers know and love.

Join Hektor Saint-Savage, Marine and martial artist extraordinaire; Morgana Nox, shapeshifting druid-thief and trickster; and the cantankerous dwarf, Elmac Arguson—as they punch, blast, stab, and slither their way through the second Hero of Thera novel.

Can they outwit, outfight, and outrun assassins? The Imperial Knight Champion of Chaos? Feisty gnomes with slide rules? A horde of a thousand inebriated simians?

There’s only one way to find out…

Viridian Gate Online: Doom Forge (The Viridian Gate Archives #6) – James Hunter

Jack and the crew of the Crimson Alliance have finally made it back from the Realm of Order, but the threat to Eldgard is deadlier than ever.

Vogthar incursions are increasing, dungeons falling in droves, towns and cities ravaged by Darklings—Players and NPCs who have willingly sided with the Dark Overmind Thanatos. But thanks to a priceless artifact Jack found after defeating the Lich Priest, there might be a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Jack and company have unearthed a Doom-Forged relic, one part of an ancient weapon capable of killing even a god. But to assemble the legendary god-killer, they’ll need to find the other relics and locate the fabled Doom Forge of the Dwarven godling Khalkeús, all while unraveling a mystery five hundred years in the making.

New Release Roundup, 2 February 2019: Fantasy and Adventure published first on https://medium.com/@ReloadedPCGames

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