‘The next time you look into your letterbox… something totally out-of-the-box is about to drop into your hands. Once you open it up, you will be looking forward to receiving more in the future.’

A new advertising service provided by SingPost, Things Box allows advertisers to promote their products and services in a three-dimensional box. Similar to requesting for product samples on websites, those who subscribe to Things Box will receive a package directly delivered to their home, from time to time. Each issue of Things Box contain different products which are specially crafted to match the personal preferences of each individual.

‘Things Box is a box full of interesting things that you can read, play with, try at your leisure or display as a decorative piece. Things Box is something you will be looking forward to because you will never know what you are going to get.’

For those who are interested to receive Things Box, simply visit http://thingsbox.singpost.com/ to subscribe. SingPost will send an email notification to those who are selected to receive Things Box. However, subscribers would need to complete an online survey after trying out the items contained therein.

The first issue of Things Box will be released on 15 May 2010.

From 25 January to 14 February 2010, Singapore Post is offering festive rates for greeting cards of any size, shape or colour. This discounted rate is especially useful when sending greeting cards to other countries.

For postage to a local address, the postage fees is 26 cents (up to 20 grams) and 32 cents (up to 40 grams) respectively. Wait, isn’t this the usual rates? True, but not exactly. Now, cards with creative designs can also be sent. For example, posting a red square envelope would require a postage of 50 cents due to its non-standard nature. Now, it only costs 26 cents, provided that the weight does not exceed 20 grams.

For Malaysia and Brunei, the festive rate for a greeting card is 45 cents (up to 20 grams) and 55 cents (up to 50 grams) respectively. For all other countries in the world, the festive rate is 55 cents for a weight of up to 40 grams. The usual rates for sending a card of weight up to 20 grams range from 65 cents to $1.10, depending on the destination. Every additional 10 grams ranges from an extra charge of 25 cents to 35 cents respectively.

If you would like to send or exchange a greeting card, simply drop me an email or send a card to Tan Wei Jie, VBox 887977, Singapore.

It’s a bit late, but there is still one day left. Yahoo! Singapore is having some treasure hunt around their website. By uncovering the clues provided in the boxes at http://www.youreka.com.sg, you can find the coloured Tickets which are hidden on Yahoo! Singapore, Yahoo! Singapore News, Yahoo! Singapore Messenger and Yahoo! Singapore Mail. All you need is a Yahoo! ID in order to claim a special reward, which I shall not reveal. Here’s the hint which I used: Check out the latest news and find the Red Ticket!

When you uncover this clue, just click on the yellow ‘Take Me There’ button. You will see the button straight away. However, redemption has to be made either today or tomorrow from 1300 hours to 2100 hours at the adidas Flagship Store at The Cathay, Level 2. However, do take note that it is the one at Dhoby Ghaut MRT, not Cathay Cineleisure at Somerset MRT!

The weekend of the Singapore Grand Prix 2009 at the Marina Bay Street Circuit has once again arrived. Fans from all over the world have purchased tickets since April this year. However, those without tickets would get to watch the cars too (not on television)!

After leaving Clarke Quay MRT Station, one would find giant footprints in two colours, orange and blue, left by some large animal. If you follow the animal’s trail, you would end up walking past several bridges, indicating that you are on the right track to the Singapore Grand Prix.

Coleman Bridge

Elgin Bridge

Caution Low Bridge

Gates are set up all around the circuit area, where ticket holders are able to enter and watch the cars up close. If you forgot to purchase a ticket, you may do so at any ticketing office located near each gate. Alternatively, if you walk around City Hall MRT station, you may find foreigners reciting the phrase “buy and sell F1 tickets, buy and sell F1 tickets”.

However, those without tickets would have to find ways to catch a glimpse of the cars. Below are three of the many areas around Marina Square which are suitable for watching the Formula 1 race without spending a single cent. Of course, the view would be better with a ticket.

Gallery A – Marina Mandarin Seating Gallery

If you enlarge the photo above, you may see groups of people standing along the staircase well on the left of the picture. Although you are only likely to see the cars for only a fraction of a second at this seating gallery, it would be a place where you can go closest to the cars without paying for a ticket. Some people have brought cardboard there as picnic mats as well. In addition, you have a choice of seats on various levels on a first come first served basis. Bring a handheld fan along just in case.

For those taking photographs here, remember to use maximum ISO and aperture, as well as a shutter speed of at least 1/2000 second to obtain the following:

Gallery B – Outside Marina Square, Beside Gate 7

This gallery is a popular spot among Singaporeans, regardless of age or gender. Out of the three galleries, this standing gallery gives the worst view. Firstly, there is a fence in front of you which blocks your view. Secondly, there are many people clinging on to the fence. However, due to its accessibility, it is a popular place to view the race. If you are heading towards this gallery, just locate Gate 7 on the map. Photographers should avoid this gallery due to the presence of a fence.

Gallery C – Marina Square Staircase Standing Gallery

If you head further down from Gallery B, you would see another Standing Gallery overlooking Turn 17. As drivers negotiate this turn at a slow speed, you have a better chance of taking a photograph. However, there are two vertical beams present as seen in the photos below. Also, this gallery is located furthest from the track, so bring a binoculars if necessary. If it rains, avoid this gallery and head to the indoor Seating Gallery A, unless you do not mind getting really drenched.

Well, I may not consider the next one a gallery, but if you would really like to watch the cars drive in front of you for at least five seconds, you may wish to try nearby skyscrapers such as Bras Basah Complex or the National Library. Note that photography is not allowed at the National Library.

Enjoy the race!

Information counter

As the clock approaches exactly 365 days, the crowd became more excited.

A large crowd at the event

It is now less than a minute away to the moment. The Countdown Clock, sponsored by Omega, was unveiled a while ago by Professor S. Jayakumar, Senior Minister and Co-ordinating Minister for National Security.

It is less than a minute...

Just one second left!

It is exactly one year to the 2010 Youth Olympic Games!

One second later...

At the same time, fireworks shot up from behind City Hall, as everyone whipped out their cameras and mobile phones.

Fireworks display

There were many performances at the countdown event.

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In addition, there were Singapore 2010 flags available on a first come first served basis.

Other than?the new issue of stamps, limited edition pens bearing the Singapore 2010 print were on sale. Each set of pen is priced at SGD 10, but half of the sale proceeds are donated to charity.

Limited edition white Singapore 2010 pen