Staff Appreciation - Volunteers Needed

To express our appreciation for a year's worth of excellence, the PTA will host Staff Appreciation Day on Tuesday, April 26. All SAS teachers, staff, and administrators will be treated to a meal in their division, provided and staffed by parents. There is also a lovely Halal buffet in the PTA office. Please help support this special day with a contribution of food, time, or money. Click link to view the details by your child's division.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1pPxK42

Deciding if a log home is right for you!

To build or not to build…that is the question. Is building a custom log home something you’ve been considering? Whether you build or buy, your home will be one of the biggest investments you will make, so you want to ensure that your home is right for you. We are not going to pretend and say that a custom log and timber home is perfect for everyone, because it isn’t. Here are some things to consider:

Types of Log and Timber Homes

Firstly, it’s important to understand that log homes have come a long way from the old rustic four-wall cabin tucked away in the woods. There are many different styles of log homes. The three main styles are full scribe, timber frame, and post and beam. Many of today’s designs combine elements from each  style to create a new style known as a hybrid. If you don’t like the look and style of an entire home made of wood, post and beam and timber frame are great alternatives.

Read the full article here, difference between full scribe, timber frame and post and beam homes.

Owning Property

Like any custom home you will need to purchase land in order to build. Generally, you will want to build on property—preferably a more rural setting, and not in an established neighbourhood. A log home may look out of place amongst traditional homes. We aren’t saying that a log home can’t look great next to a more traditional house, because they are custom built, log homes that can be tailored to suit any neighbourhood. However, if you have a small lot it may create some challenges when bringing in cranes and other equipment required to build your home in already developed areas.

Cost to Build

The cost of a custom log and timber home can vary in price depending on size, location, species of timber and special features. On average you can expect to pay 20-30% more than traditional homes but the upside is it will be worth 30-40% more at time of resale. If you have a tight budget and limitations there are other options to consider when you are building such as considering a hybrid, prefab or kit home. But, if you are planning a long term home with character and an appeal that will stand the test of time, a log or timber home could be for you.

For a full breakdown on cost check out our article How Much Do Log Homes Cost?

Maintaining Your Home

There is no doubt about it, homes require maintenance and a log home is no different. If you have exterior logs they will need to be checked for rot and cracks that may occur over time. The south- and north-facing exterior walls require different treatment with preservatives. With a full scribe home settling occurs within the first few years requiring the windows and doors needing to be checked. Log homes can withstand anything Mother Nature throws at them and will stay strong and secure if you maintain them. If you ignore maintenance your home will continue to stand, but it will definitely look weathered so upkeep is important for the health of the logs.

For more information on log home maintenance check our article on Protecting Your Home from Dry rot.

To sum it all up, if you are looking for a home with character and unique appeal unlike the traditional box homes that you can find in any neighbourhood, a log and timber home may be the perfect home for you.

 

 

The post Deciding if a log home is right for you! appeared first on Artisan Custom Log Homes.

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Badminton IASAS BBQ

Volunteers are needed for the badminton IASAS BBQ on Friday, April 8 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. outside of outside of the high school cafeteria. Click for more info or to volunteer.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1pLS0nf

Booster Senior Scholarships

The Booster Club is pleased to grant scholarships to 10 graduating seniors for their contributions to the SAS school community. Each recipient will receive a cash award in the amount of $2,000. Click for more information or to apply now.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1M1E2bp

Cook Love Eat with Celebrity Chef Sarab

The Booster Club proudly invites you to a Southeast Asian cooking demonstration followed by lunch with Singaporean celebrity chef, Sarab Kapoor, featuring Thai, Indonesian, Singaporean, and Indian cuisines on Friday, May 6 at 11:00 a.m. at the APS Lifestyle Gallery in the Boat Quay area. Tickets are $70 per person and include a complimentary cookbook by the chef (a $35 value), lunch, and a goodie bag. Purchase your tickets at the Booster Booth or online at sasboosterstore.com.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1q3J11u

PTA Coffee this Friday!

Join us for a PTA coffee on Friday, April 1 in the PTA office from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Enjoy coffee, tea, and refreshments while you learn about what the PTA does, how we help the school, and ways you can get involved in 2016-17. There are so many ways to get involved with your child's school community. We can help you find the right fit. No job is too small and the big jobs, we will tackle together!

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1on85yK

Open House on April 12

Join us on April 12 for a look at our preschool through grade two from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Registration is required. Book now for a limited space in either our preschool and pre-kindergarten tour or our kindergarten through grade two tour. Register at http://ift.tt/1LT7G2n

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1q3J0KM

Booster Senior Scholarships

The Booster Club is pleased to grant scholarships to 10 graduating seniors for their contributions to the SAS school community. Each recipient will receive a cash award in the amount of $2,000. Click for more information or to apply now.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1PEWDEP

Cook Love Eat with Celebrity Chef Sarab

The Booster Club proudly invites you to a Southeast Asian cooking demonstration followed by lunch with Singaporean celebrity chef, Sarab Kapoor, featuring Thai, Indonesian, Singaporean, and Indian cuisines on Friday, May 6 at 11:00 a.m. at the APS Lifestyle Gallery in the Boat Quay area. Tickets are $70 per person and include a complimentary cookbook by the chef (a $35 value), lunch, and a goodie bag. Purchase your tickets at the Booster Booth or online at sasboosterstore.com.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1VSp8WY

PTA Coffee this Friday!

Join us for a PTA coffee on Friday, April 1 in the PTA office from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Enjoy coffee, tea, and refreshments while you learn about what the PTA does, how we help the school, and ways you can get involved in 2016-17. There are so many ways to get involved with your child's school community. We can help you find the right fit. No job is too small and the big jobs, we will tackle together!

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1okOv6c

Marmot Space Walk Jacket and Edge Insulated Pants Review

Skiing, sledding, hiking and building an igloo: Winter is a great time for kids to be outside & enjoy the snow. So that he does not get cold, our son wore the Marmot Space Walk Jacket and Edge Insulated Pants - which we review here.

Winter, also known to parents as the time where you need to get ready 15 minutes before you plan to leave - because your little ones need help dressing up in the multitude of layers we make them wear so they do not get cold. Because only when they’re not cold they actually enjoy being outdoors (much like adults, really). We tested the Marmot Space Walk Jacket and Edge Insulated Pants during the last four months outside while alpine skiing, sledding, building snowmen and XC skiing.

Space Walk Jacket

The Space Walk Jacket in Size XS equals size 110 and weighs 512 g. Our son loved the colour combination of orange and reds, and we too really liked it. Outside a waterproof & breathable Marmot MemBrain® Fabric keeps snow and moisture at bay, while on the inside a Thermal R 100 g insulation ensures generated warmth stays inside. The hood is removable, and a really good fit, even over a bobble hat. The Powder Skirt keeps the snow out and is extremely useful for little skiers and playing in the snow. It has a silicone band on the inside which keeps it in place and has two levels of tightness. In the back, chin and neck a fleece lining makes it comfortable against the skin and likely helps with breathability, too. What we found overkill were the six pockets, we could have done easily with only the one large mesh pocket on the inside (which is great to store beanie, neck warmer and gloves!) and one of the outside pockets. Our son never used the Velcro hand pockets nor the other two pockets on the inside. The hem is adjustable, though with the toggles in the pockets it is difficult to do so - happily we never needed it. The sleeves have Velcro closures and also can be adjusted, and most importantly are wide enough so gloves can be worn underneath the sleeves to keep the snow out. The jacket closes high and our son found the area in the front of the face constricting, something we solved by leaving the zipper always a couple of centimetre open.

In terms of warmth, we feel the jacket (and pants for that matter) are warm till -10°C with a thin midlayer on (plus normal clothes), probably more with a thicker midlayer. The jacket has plenty of space underneath for layering, and our son never was cold in a variety of activities and weather conditions. It gives little skiers and climbers great freedom of movement, and the Powder Skirt ensures no cold and wet snow comes inside. After four months of use and a couple of washes the jacket also still looks like new, also at high-stress areas like the cuffs and back. Overall our son really liked his Space Walk Jacket - it is warm, has nice colours and is easy for him to put on and off on his own.

Get the Marmot Space Walk Jacket right now with great discounts at Bergfreunde.co.uk, Backcountry, Campsaver, evo or REI.com.

Edge Insulated Pants

In size XS the Edge Insulated Pants weighs 444 g. They are, as the name suggests, insulated pants, made of the proprietary Marmot MemBrain® fabric on the outside which makes the pants water-resistant, while on the inside a Thermal R™ insulation keeps little winter lovers warm. We found the internal flex boot gaiters great to keep shoes & socks dry from the inside, and the reinforced inside leg is useful for skiing as well as scrambling on rocks. The waist is adjustable via Velcros on the inside, but sadly the adjustment is only minimal - we feel a bit more adjustment in width or a stretchy waist could have been better and would possibly make it possible to use the pants two winter seasons. The removable suspenders where great, and the soft inside lining makes it easy to put the pants on over other pants. We never used the three pockets on the pants, so maybe it’d make sense to get rid of at least the two zippered pockets.

Putting the pants on is easy thanks to the smooth lining and it stays well in place with the adjustable suspenders and button closure. After four months of use outside the Edge Insulated Pants still looks like new after a couple of washes. The Marmot MemBrain® fabric kept the snow & wetness always reliable outside and it was easy to brush off dirt of the pants. They allow for great freedom of movement, be it scrambling up the snow hills along the streets, climbing on the playground or Alpine and XC skiing. The sizing is good for kids between 108 and 112 cm, though if your child is wearing more than one baselayer the waist might get tight (we just left the button open). Asides from these little things from us parents our son liked his Edge Insulated Pants: They were toasty, allowed him to go sledding on his pants down steep snow hills and also looked cool!

Buy the Marmot Edge Insulated Pants at Backcountry, Bergfreunde.co.uk, Campsaver or evo - all of them have great offers on the pants thanks to their winter sales!

Disclaimer: The jacket and pants have been provided by Marmot for review. This does not influence the article as I maintain full editorial control of the content published on this site.

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3 Tips for Selling Your Home During Holidays

Thinking about selling your home on holidays? Fortunately, we’ll give some tips that might help you selling your home during holidays, such as: minimizing holiday decorations, keeping it clean, and pricing it right.

Below are 3 tips for selling your home during holidays:

Minimizing Holiday Decorations 
Not everyone has the same love of holiday decorations, and poorly maintained, tacky, or overly religious displays can be a turnoff for potential buyers. Keep the seasonal decorations simple and easy to maintain. 

That applies to the outside as well as the inside of your home – avoid browning out the neighborhood with your awesome light display. Source:  AJC

Keeping It Clean
Keeping the home free of tracked-in mud, snow, and other debris is even tougher in the winter months, and arguably even more important. Vacuum well and vacuum often.

Don’t neglect the outside. Bare trees may show areas of your home that are usually hidden; make sure these areas are clean and presentable. Deal with any cosmetic maintenance issues such as leaf-filled gutters. Keep your yard raked free of leaves to the extent possible and keep your driveway, sidewalk, and front steps free of snow. Source:  FoxBusiness

Pricing it Right 
Buyers at this time of year are typically motivated and not interested in dickering.

The post 3 Tips for Selling Your Home During Holidays appeared first on Gary Wong Realty Vancouver, BC.

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Open House on April 12

Join us on April 12 for a look at our preschool through grade two from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Registration is required. Register at http://ift.tt/1LT7G2n

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1PzKGAb

Wishing Everyone a happy Easter Weekend!

Easter weekend signals a new beginning of greater prosperity, success and happiness. It is a time to gather around family and loved ones to celebrate new hope, good fortune and the joys we share in life. Things have been cooking away here at the shop. We barely had a chance to welcome in 2016 and Spring is already at our doors. We have been loving every second of it, the projects have a been whirlwind of creativity and excitement!

On behalf of everyone here on the Fabulous team

We wish you a Happy Easter!

 

Photo by Brittney Kwasney.

With the arrival of Spring, the weather turns a new leaf and the days start to become longer than the nights again. It’s that fresh start everyone looks forward to as Winter comes to end.

It’s traditionally associated with the time of year to freshen up, out with the old and in with the new is on our minds and we all have our own version of the age old concept of “Spring clean” we like to engage in this time of year.

Spring is the perfect time to spruce things up around the house. It can be anything from taking on an entire room to revamp, getting new slipcovers for the living room furniture, recovering the patio cushions or changing the colour scheme in a section of the house with a new set of toss cushions for a fresh pop of colour.

Photo by Brittney Kwasney.

New window coverings are a great way to brighten up a room and lighten up the feel of the space by adding a new element to your window space.

Slipcovers are another great idea for the spring time. They provide flexibility that you can use on and off throughout the year by providing new look options.

The post Wishing Everyone a happy Easter Weekend! appeared first on Fabulous Furnishings | Custom Furniture, Upholstery, Curtains & Blinds.

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1978

When Asian Civilisations Museum curator Mr. David Henkel was still a student at Singapore American School, he would attend Sunday school at Wesley Methodist Church. He would sometimes sneak out of the church to visit the nearby National Museum of Singapore, never imagining that he would one day become the curator for Southeast Asia, overseeing some of the collections displayed there that belong to the National Heritage Board.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1Unh7df

1973

Search the online archives of PublicationSG of the National Library Board (Singapore), and you'll find the eight known publications by the "Singapore American School Literary Society." By law, all such works had to be registered and a sample copy placed on file in the official state library. And if you were to unearth the entries under MC (P) 1449/74, you'd deduce that between December 1973 and May 1975 on the campus of Singapore American School, a science teacher was actually a pun-spouting supervillain, the physical education coach had supernatural powers to fight demonic laziness, and that the quiet algebra teacher was really a world-class secret agent.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1SoObxU

1956

The history of The American School in Singapore is fairly well-covered in the publication American Association of Singapore—50th Anniversary—1917-1967. Some of the details are omitted though, and this summary will add those few things that I still recall. As it happens, I am the only surviving member of the original board of directors, so any suggested corrections by others can only be based on interpretation.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1Unh6WI

1956

In 1962, 300 students moved into a new campus on King's Road. The facility was the pride and joy of those directly connected with it and of the numerous American business firms and other organizations that provided part of the funding. Citibank provided the King's Road land to the school at 15% of its value, and AIA offered a low-interest loan. American companies donated everything from drinking fountains and movie projectors to library books and fuel for the bulldozers. In all, 37 parents and 42 companies raised $150,000.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1SoOd8V

The Week In Review 231

“I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says “Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.” - Lewis Carroll

News

Outdoor Blogger friends, do join the Bergfreunde Affiliate Programme and earn some money with your reviews! It’s easy and a great way to help you cover the costs of running your blog.

Enjoy a weekend at the Starlight Room in the Dolomites.

The Social Travel Summit 2016 goes to Inverness.

Shaping an industry.

Outdoorline.sk has a great looking new webshop!

Win a Mammut Daypack.

The latest Mountain Podcast is out!

How to cooprtate with bloggers. [German]

You know you want to: Take 20% Off One Full-Price Item at Backcountry.com with the Coupon Code: MAR20.

Head to the REI OUTLET to save on Top Brand Outdoor Closeouts!

Trip Reports

Still in the mode for ski-touring? Check out the Graubünden Haute Route.

Erik, Jakke & Tuomas’ Pallas adventure is also sublime.

In California’s Desert Father and Daughter Find the Sublime.

La Grave.

Bikepacking from Berlin to Cologne.

Martin enjoys a white spring begin on the Krummbachstein. [German]

The Illusion of Control.

A ski-tour to Piz Beve­rin. [German]

Scott Secco’s Raw 100.

Forrest crosses the Southern Alps in New Zealand.

Mont Dolent Traverse.

Very cool: 10 Australian alpine huts you should visit!

Bikepacking the Altravesur in Southern Spain.

Tour Aotearoa 2016 - bikepacking the length of New Zealand.

Packrafting in Marocco. [German]

A week of freeriding in Davos. [German]

David explores the Culture of Nature in Upland Japan.

Bishop Pass.

Gear Reviews

Rob Greenfield’s 111 Possessions.

Bakpocket Deluxe Adventurers Hammock Review.

Patagonia Merino Daily T-Shirt Review.

Traveling light and self-contained by bike.

Alex reviews the Grivel G1 New Classic crampons.

Testing the new MRS Alligator 2S on the Ardèche in France. [German]

Did this article make you want to go outside? Great! Be even more inspired more and subscribe to the Newsletter and follow along on Instagram and Youtube for more outdoorsy updates!

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Which Realtor Is Right For You – My 5 Requirements If I Were You

 

So You’re Hiring a Realtor?

But You’re Not Sure Who To Hire?

When Realtors hire Realtors, Want To Know How They Choose?

 

There are times when a Realtor would hire another Realtor for their services.  Here are some of the reasons:

• They don’t want to sell their own house by themselves because they are not covered under errors & omissions insurance.  
• They’re looking to buy or sell a home in another province or country and they have no clue how things are done in that place

I hear a variety of answers when I ask what’s important to people when it comes to their Realtor.  They often say the noble things like honest, full disclosure, knowledgeable, helps them get top dollar when selling or helps them get a good deal when buying, but what surprises me is that what they say doesn’t always reflect what they do.  

People say they want honesty and ethical but they instruct their Realtor to do unethical things.  Or they say they care about knowledgeable, but they choose the Realtor because of the kickback the Realtor offers.  So, it’s quite interesting to see that.

Here are my top 5 requirements if I were choosing a Realtor:

1. Knowledgeable and willing to educate – they must know what they’re doing and be willing to educate me on the process
2. Willing to find the answer, constantly learning – they don’t have to be a know it all, but they have to be willing to go and find the answer
3. Ethical and Honesty through Full Disclosure – this is a given, and full disclosure is pretty clear to spot, if the Realtor keeps just saying “sign here, sign there” without explaining anything, then I know…
4. Thinks of Building a Long Term Relationship with Me (care about my long term goals) – I want a Realtor who cares about my long term goals.  

The post Which Realtor Is Right For You – My 5 Requirements If I Were You appeared first on Gary Wong Realty Vancouver, BC.

from Gary Wong Realty Vancouver, BC http://ift.tt/1ZBO9FX

1978

When Asian Civilisations Museum curator Mr. David Henkel was still a student at Singapore American School, he would attend Sunday school at Wesley Methodist Church. He would sometimes sneak out of the church to visit the nearby National Museum of Singapore, never imagining that he would one day become the curator for Southeast Asia, overseeing some of the collections displayed there that belong to the National Heritage Board.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1OFCuOX

1973

Search the online archives of PublicationSG of the National Library Board (Singapore), and you'll find the eight known publications by the "Singapore American School Literary Society." By law, all such works had to be registered and a sample copy placed on file in the official state library. And if you were to unearth the entries under MC (P) 1449/74, you'd deduce that between December 1973 and May 1975 on the campus of Singapore American School, a science teacher was actually a pun-spouting supervillain, the physical education coach had supernatural powers to fight demonic laziness, and that the quiet algebra teacher was really a world-class secret agent.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1RijhIu

The Regent at King Edward – A Courtly Condo Concept

You needn’t be an ardent monarchist to appreciate The Regent at King Edward near Queen Elizabeth Park. Urban royals like you can look forward to well-appointed interiors and extra-high ceilings to match modern architecture that will not disappoint. Penthouse units will enjoy the added benefit of private rooftop balconies. The developer rightly boasts that these homes are “transit-oriented.” They provide unparalleled access to  the King Edward Canada Line and major bus routes. Besides numerous parks, including crown jewel Queen Elizabeth Park, the address also sits close to some of the city’s finest eateries and numerous shopping opportunities.

 

 

The post The Regent at King Edward – A Courtly Condo Concept appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.

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Teaser Graubünden Haute Route

In late February and early March I made a visit to Switzerland to attempt the Graubünden Haute Route. Sadly the high avalanche danger and changing weather cut us short - here’s a first taste of four days ski-touring in Graubünden.

The Graubünden Haute Route is a five days/ four nights ski-touring trip where you visit four beautiful huts, ski great powder, test your mountaineering skills while climbing some beautiful peaks and enjoy great scenary. Well, that’s at least the normal plan, but because of not really good weather and high avalanche danger our trip was cut a wee bit short. Stay tuned for a full day-to-day account of my Haute Route experience, but for now enjoy these fine selection of photos!

Day one we skied from Madulain to the D’Es-Cha Hut, where we spent in the end two nights because we didn’t want to risk our lives in highly dangerous avalanche terrain. It’s a beautiful hut with great wardens, a wide selection of board and card games as well as interesting magazines - so we didn’t get bored while waiting for better weather.

In the end we skied back to Madulain, took the loveley UNESCO World Heritage train to Bergün and took the long way up to the Kesch Hut.

Reto, the warden, welcomed us in heinous winds to his hut with a very taste cup of hot, sweet tea. His wife Ursina cooked us a delicious dinner and we selpt great - read for our fourth day, with high hopes of better weather yet again.

But the better weather never came, so we skied back down to Bergün through sweet powder forests! Take a peek at the Flickr Album and keep your eyes on this blog as the full story will come this month!

Disclaimer: This trip was made possible with the support of Graubünden and Switzerland. As usual I maintain full editorial control of the content published on this site.

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3 Effective Home Gardening Tips to Increase Home Value

Preparing your home for viewers is important. It will not only ensure your property is sold faster, but can potentially add thousands of pounds to its value. Here are 3 effective home gardening tips to increase home value, including: maintaining your lawn, defining lawn edges and adding a touch of colors.

Maintaining your Lawn
Avoid the tendency to put off weekly landscaping tasks. Doing so can cause your landscape to fall into ruin. This would mean having to hire a landscaper to fix the issue. There are many ways to keep yard intact without spending hours on a daily basis with it. The following tips will help you consistently manage the outside of your home:

1. Mow the lawn: The lawn should be between ½ and ¾ inches high. If you cut it too short, the grass could die. If you let it grow too high, it can mar the beauty of your home exterior.
2. Pick up broken branches: If you have trees in the front yard, take the time to cull the branches and pick up the pieces. It makes your front yard look well-kept and cared for.
3. Trim overgrown shrubbery: Shrubs can be a major high point or low point for the front yard.

The post 3 Effective Home Gardening Tips to Increase Home Value appeared first on Gary Wong Realty Vancouver, BC.

from Gary Wong Realty Vancouver, BC http://ift.tt/1Vy5Q9b

The Stanton at 2095 West 43rd Avenue in Upscale Kerrisdale

Kerrisdale remains one of Vancouver’s most distinguished neighbourhoods and opportunities for condo-seekers are hardly abundant. All the more reason to stay abreast of Bogner’s new Kerrisdale project, The Stanton. We are talking about a limited number of residences, just 17, in a four-story edifice that will blend seamlessly with the surrounding neighbourhood while maintaining a distinctive character that is sure to charm passers-by. The fortunate few who succeed in securing these homes will gain doorstep access to tranquil Kerrisdale’s finest amenities. Excellent schools, high-caliber dining and shopping, Pacific Spirit Park, and the UBC campus are just a stone’s throw away.

The post The Stanton at 2095 West 43rd Avenue in Upscale Kerrisdale appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.

from Buildings – Vancouver New Condos http://ift.tt/1o2gqrr

1956

The history of The American School in Singapore is fairly well-covered in the publication American Association of Singapore—50th Anniversary—1917-1967. Some of the details are omitted though, and this summary will add those few things that I still recall. As it happens, I am the only surviving member of the original board of directors, so any suggested corrections by others can only be based on interpretation.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1RvPo3l

1956

In 1962, 300 students moved into a new campus on King's Road. The facility was the pride and joy of those directly connected with it and of the numerous American business firms and other organizations that provided part of the funding. Citibank provided the King's Road land to the school at 15% of its value, and AIA offered a low-interest loan. American companies donated everything from drinking fountains and movie projectors to library books and fuel for the bulldozers. In all, 37 parents and 42 companies raised $150,000.

from Singapore American School http://ift.tt/1XG9tIK

The Week In Review 230

“Set wide the window. Let me drink the day.” - Edith Wharton

News

Save the Blue Heart of Europe: The Balkan Rivers Story.

Why this record-breaking pro climber is devoting himself to solar energy.

An Outdoor Shop in Switzerland demands money from clients for consultancy. [German]

Falling in Love on the Trail.

Outdoor Blogger friends, do join the Bergfreunde Affiliate Programme and earn some money with your reviews! It’s easy and a great way to help you cover the costs of running your blog.

Alastair Humphreys has a new book coming out: Grand Adventures. You can pre-order it now as a Paperback or eBook.

The Husband-and-Wife Team behind the Internet’s most infuriating Outdoor Retailer.

How to shoot your tent at Night.

60% off on Garments and Shoes at Bergfreunde.

Check out the Last Chair Sale at evo.com with up to 40% off 2016 Skis, Snowboards and Outerwear!

Take an additional 20% off selected Sale Items at Backcountry.com.

ULA Equipment Backpacks has FREE US Shipping on ALL Orders!

Trip Reports

Corinna enters the Xanderklinge in Germany’s Black Forest. [German]

Chris and Mark enjoyed a Winter High Camp in the Cairngorms.

Cycling through Arunachal Pradesh.

A Fine Link.

Colin Haleys had his best Patagonia season, ever.

An interview with two Te Araroa Trail thru-hikers. [German]

Stefanie’s fourth ski day of 2016 brings snow and fog - and big smiles nevertheless. [German]

Gear Reviews

Peter reviews the Haglöfs Skarn Winter Pant.

Review of the GR1-Spain’s Sendero Historico Guide Book.

A look at the G3 Stinger Skis.

Jens wrote down his thoughts on the Gerber Survivalmesser LMF II Infantry Black. [German]

13 hiking apps.

The Merit of the 4 g Esbit Tab.

Did this article make you smile? Great! Smile more and subscribe to the Newsletter and follow along on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Youtube for more fun updates!

from Hiking in Finland http://ift.tt/1SaSCfJ

New Presales at 288 East Hastings

Wall Financial is bringing a new tower to Chinatown. 288 East Hastings will provide 68 brand new units to one of our most historic and lively neighbourhoods. Chinatown’s vibrancy stays constant while the opportunities for comfortable living space keep getting better and better. you won’t miss a beat of the action in this new development.

The post New Presales at 288 East Hastings appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.

from Buildings – Vancouver New Condos http://ift.tt/22so8ui

Little Mountain is coming to Main

The arrival of Little Mountain is going to be BIG. The development will stretch from Main to the edge of Queen Elizabeth Park. This allows developer Holborn to bring 1,400 new homes to our city. But Holborn also intends to emphasize community and social interaction with this development. Expect a new public park, community plaza, and community gardens, along with the planting of hundreds of trees and a storm water canal that will utilize rainwater for these features and amenities. Families will love the proximity to Queen Elizabeth Park and the myriad activities it offers, as well as Hillcrest Community Centre and everything Main street brings you in terms of dining and entertainment.

The post Little Mountain is coming to Main appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.

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Homei Properties Presents Henry – Queen Elizabeth Park

 

Here it comes: luxury and distinctive taste at the foot of historic Queen Elizabeth Park. This much-awaited development will bring new opportunities for high-end living near the city’s greatest gardens and vistas, with a delightful assortment of shopping, sports, and entertainment possibilities thrown in as well. Henry will offer units ranging from one-bedroom homes to a limited selection of lane-way townhouses. The anticipation continues to grow.

The post Homei Properties Presents Henry – Queen Elizabeth Park appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.

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Spring Writing

This winter and spring I was writing a lot - about Finland, Via Ferratas and bikepacking bags!

NORR

I have been writing for NORR on and off since five years and was really happy as they asked me to help them create the Special issue within the magazine on Finland. Not only has NORR some of the greatest design & layout which you also will find in this issue, the stories in it too are always inspiring and fascinating. From a visit of Tove Jansson’s island to paddling the coast of Finland, there’s plenty in this magazine which will make Finland Lovers jump with excitement into the air! Order your issue here or be smart and take out a subscription for a year!

Outdoor Enthusiast

It’s always great to be able to write for some UK publications, and I was really excited to write about Via Ferratas for the current Outdoor Enthusiast Magazine. It’s a free online Magazine and well worth checking out, with articles from trail running in North Pembrokeshire to thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail with my mate Keith Foskett.

Bike & Travel

For the spring issue of the Bike & Travel Magazine I wrote about alternative ways to carry your gear - with the great Micropanniers from Porcelain Rocket and the Oveja Negra Threadworks Frame Halfbags. Besides my contribution there’s tips on cycle-touring with kids, seven inspiring touring trip reports and some bikes have been tested, too.

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What To Look For When Reading Strata Documents

 

Am I Supposed To Read The Strata Documents When I Buy A Condo?

Rental Disclosure Statement, Form B, Strata Plan, what’s that?

Are you confused with all the documents and just want someone to tell you what to look for?

 

When I first entered the real estate industry, I quickly realized that there’s a tonne of reading to go through when it comes to strata documents.  After doing this for years and reading hundreds of pages of meeting minutes, depreciation reports, strata plans, rental disclosure statements, Form B’s, bylaws, engineering reports, etc… it’s become pretty standard for me to go through the documents.  

However, I can only imagine how my clients feel when I email them the stack of documents.  

 

What is this?

I’ve to read ALL THIS???

What do I have to look for?

I don’t know what they’re talking about.

 

That’s why you have a Realtor to help you.  You are responsible for reading the strata documents and if you don’t understand any parts of it, you ask your Realtor who SHOULD HAVE read the documents as well.  I don’t know about others, but I ALWAYS read the strata documents.  I hear from clients who’ve worked with other Realtors that many don’t read the strata documents and that’s unfortunate.  

The post What To Look For When Reading Strata Documents appeared first on Gary Wong Realty Vancouver, BC.

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Living in the US? Building With Canadian Custom Log Home Builder Offers Huge Savings

Over the years we have designed, built and exported a number of custom log and timber homes to the United States and abroad. If you live in the US and have always wanted to build a custom log and timber home right now is the perfect time to build.

Working with a number of US clients we have dedicated ourselves to not only building but also helping them understands the benefits of log and timber homes and helping them through the process.

The number one question that we get is “How much do log homes cost and how much can I save with the exchange rate?” so here is our detailed answer to help you figure that out:

When it comes to building a custom log home honestly, the sky is the limit. Depending on the style of home you are building (full scribe log home, Timber Frame, Post and Beam or Hybrid), the prices will vary. Other factors that can adjust the price include: specific features, square footage, transportation and additional add on’s.

To help give you a baseline, here is a quick breakdown of cost per square footage in Canadian Dollars:

• Timber Frame Log Home: $45 – $65 Canadian per square foot
• Post and Beam Log Home: $35 – $70 Canadian per square foot
• Full Scribe Log Home Shell: $50 – $90 Canadian per square foot

To view the entire cost article and compare log home styles click here.

Another huge savings when purchasing a Canadian log package and importing it into the USA is that there is no 5% Canadian sales tax.  So your log home package is tax free.  *Please check with individual state laws to understand if there are any import taxes involved.

To calculate these estimated costs into US funds and see the potential savings you can use an currency exchange tool.

Visit the Bank of Canada Currency Converter for the latest posted exchange rates.

For many of our clients cost becomes a big factor in deciding what to build and who will help you build it. If you would like to discuss your plans and ideas further feel free to contact us.

If you are still wanting to research and understand a bit more about what is involved when working with a Canadian custom log home builder check out these popular articles:

The Advantages of Choosing a BC Custom Log Home Builder

This article shares some of the key benefits of choosing a custom builder in British Columbia.

6 Key Questions to Ask before Hiring a Home Builder

When it comes to hiring a builder for your custom home you want to make sure you ask these questions.

Building Your Log Home 101

This sections discusses the most common questions asked by clients when it comes to building a custom log home.

The post Living in the US? Building With Canadian Custom Log Home Builder Offers Huge Savings appeared first on Artisan Custom Log Homes.

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PTA Senior Scholarships

Applications are now available! For the class of 2016, the PTA will award a maximum of three scholarships in the amount of SGD $5,000 each. Senior scholarships are designed to recognize the accomplishments of outstanding graduating seniors, by awarding scholarship monies in support of the recipients' continuing education at the college, university, or other accredited post secondary institution of their choice. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 to apply. Click title to read more.

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1970

Behind the lockers. In the bathrooms. In Mr. Hoe's room, two sneaky students at a time. In the band room. In the auditorium. Students used to smoke all over the King's Road campus in the 1970s until the smoking lounge was opened to student use on Monday, November 4, 1974.

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STORYTELLING CLUB@SAS

Join us on Friday, April 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. as SAS theater engineer, Paul Koebnick, will be sharing tips on how to use different kinds of microphones when telling stories. We will get to experience speaking with a microphone, so bring along your favorite sentence to tell.

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1964

"Where is Singapore?" That was the first question I asked my parents, Pat and Charlie Stoehrmann, when they informed my sister Bonnie ('70) and me that our family would be moving there. It was 1962, and our family was just finishing a 10-month assignment in Benghazi, Libya. Dad worked for Esso Eastern (a part of Esso Standard Oil, now Exxon) and was responsible for moving oil all over the world in Esso's large fleet of ocean-going oil tankers.

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3 Factors that Affect Mortgage Rates

A number of factors can potentially impact how much interest you’ll pay toward mortgaging a home, such as: inflation, economic growth and housing market conditions.

Below are 3 factors that affect mortgage rates:

Inflation
Let’s start with inflation, which is the phenomenon where the prices of common goods and services rise across the board. Consistent and moderate inflation is actually a sign of a healthy economy, and should ideally result in a proportional rise in wages for workers as well. For lenders, inflation poses an inherent problem — it means that the money people borrow now will be worth less when they come to pay it back. If economists predict a rise in inflation, investors will insist on higher mortgage rates to make up for this loss. Source: Money.HowStuffWorks

Economic Growth
High levels of economic growth generate higher incomes, more investment and increased consumer spending. The expectations of economic stability drive prospective homeowners into the mortgage market. The increased demand for mortgages generates upward pressure on rates in reaction to the limited supply of loanable funds. The opposite is true during periods of slower economic growth in which spending, investment and income decrease, drawing potential homeowners away from the mortgage market.

The post 3 Factors that Affect Mortgage Rates appeared first on Gary Wong Realty Vancouver, BC.

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1956

From the pages of Islander and other SAS yearbooks, here's a look back to our school's founders, principals, and superintendents through the years and their messages for the SAS community!

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1997

Nearly two decades ago, elementary school principal Mr. David Hoss returned from summer break and told elementary school deputy principal Mr. Ken Schunk that he had found two ventriloquist puppets, removed their heads, and wanted to create a show that imparted core values such as respect, responsibility, and compassion to their students.

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1980

"For me, the great joy of coaching MUN was to work closely with students who were bright, verbal, and interested in global issues of import. Furthermore, the ethos of MUN is for students to take on leadership roles, with the teacher/coach providing guidance, but incrementally handing the show over to students who were prepared to put in the long hours required to organise and to lead. MUN always attracts a very talented pool of students, so there was huge satisfaction for me in watching such raw talent become more confident and successful on the big stage," says Mr. Stagg.

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1990

The 1990s brought change, new opportunities, and fame—or notoriety—to Singapore and SAS. A war and an economic downturn both left Singapore relatively unscathed, but the Michael Fay imbroglio was, for many of Singapore's Americans, a deeply embarrassing episode. The construction of a brand-new campus in Woodlands, however, reaffirmed the community's place in its adopted home.

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#Morgentippet: Watch the Sun Rise

“What’s the best way to start the day?” God Morgon asked me a few weeks ago, so I took my Fatbike and showed them!

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by God Morgon.

I like an active start to my days, so whenever possible I like to get up before dawn and head out to watch the sun rise outside. In winter this is easier because the sun doesn’t rise until 9 o’clock or later, but of course it is a lot colder outside - like on this morning, where it was -19°C outside when I took my Fatbike to watch the sun rise out on a frozen lake:

As I skip breakfast in the mornings to not wake up the kids I usually just fill up one of my bottles with some tasty juice, as it gives more energy than plain water and does taste better - coffee and a smoothie I enjoy then when I’m back home after a nice morning ride and lots of motivation for my work day!

Make sure to check out the #Morgentippet from my fellow Nordic bloggers!

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Altura by Ramos Developments in Central Port Coquitlam

Just built on the edge of Port Coquitlam town centre, Altura is a brand new building by Ramos Developments.  It contains 35 custom condominium units with high end finishes, extra tall ceilings and high-speed internet connectivity in all rooms.  

 

Conveniently located at 2349 Welcher Avenue, Altura is only a few minutes walk from shopping, schools and all the outdoor amenities that South Port Coquitlam has to offer: Gates Park, the Coquitlam River and Colony Farms Regional Park.  Walk to the West Coast Express, or take a short ride to the new Evergreen Skytrain line.  

 

The post Altura by Ramos Developments in Central Port Coquitlam appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.

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The Lloyd at Windsor Gate – Master Planned Community by Polygon Homes in Coquitlam Town Centre

The newest addition to Polygon’s master-planned Windsor Gate commmunity in Coquitlam Town Centre. These two and three bedroom high-rise condos feature open concept floor plans, premium appliances, high-end finishes and many clever custom features. Enjoy both the private in-building amenities (including gym), as well as membership to the Nakoma Club, giving you access to resort facilities such as fitness studio, theatre room, lounge, guest suites and resident concierge.

Located at 3096 Windsor Gate, enjoy the convenience of living in the Town Centre urban village. Walk to countless shopping opportunities, plentiful restaurants, schools, parks and rapid-transit via the West Coast Express, and the upcoming Evergreen Line.

 

The post The Lloyd at Windsor Gate – Master Planned Community by Polygon Homes in Coquitlam Town Centre appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.

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Amanti on Welcher – 28 Quality Homes – The Edge of Downtown PoCo

Amanti on Welcher in beautiful Port Coqutitlam is new development by DENA Construction.  This four story low-rise features 28 modern condominium units with over-height ceilings and over-sized windows.  High-end finishes, data wiring and acoustic insulation round out the in-suite features.    

 

Conveniently located at 2280 Welcher Avenue, Avanti is mere minutes from downtown Port Coquitlam, shopping, schools and outdoor amenities like Gates Park, the Coquitlam River, the Traboulay PoCo trail and Colony Farms Regional Park.  Walk to the West Coast Express, or take a short ride to the new Evergreen Skytrain line.  

 

Amanti on Welcher

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The post Amanti on Welcher – 28 Quality Homes – The Edge of Downtown PoCo appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.

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