Latest news with #officeworkers
Independent Singapore
an hour ago
- General
- Independent Singapore
'What's that smell?' — Netizen asks why Marina Bay suddenly reeks of manure
Screengrab from SINGAPORE: If you've recently sauntered around Singapore's famous Marina Bay and caught a scent of something less-than-agreeable in the air, you're not alone. Over the past week, locals and office workers have taken to social media—particularly Reddit—to sympathise and solve an unidentified smell that's plainly been dangling in the air — Why does the whole Marina Bay expanse smell like dung? The initial post was as candid as it was significant: 'Why does the whole Marina Bay area smell like manure? Has been for a week. Very strong smell blanketing the whole area. Is there some manure factory nearby?' Then came a torrent of replies. One Redditor, who works in an office within that zone, quickly presented some insight: 'Our offices are there, so I know a thing or two. NParks has just distributed fertiliser on all the greenery around the Marina Bay area. Will need 'a few weeks for it to dissipate' apparently. Still nasty, especially with the humidity.' That appears to be the most probable elucidation—good, antiquated fertiliser, and not just any fertiliser, but the kind that brings you memories of cow grassland on a scorching afternoon. The odour, strengthened by Singapore's dampness, has become a prominent occurrence in the otherwise unspoiled business and leisure area. Others joined in with their experiences. 'OMG YAAAR,' one netizen exclaimed. 'I was just thinking the same and wanted to post on Reddit also. LOL. Glad you asked—have to breathe shallowly every time I pass that field.' Some picked humour as their coping mechanism—'I farted… Thought no one would notice. Sorry…' Others presumed that it might be barge-related: 'Probably planting works going on somewhere… In the absence of that, maybe a barge offshore somewhere carrying a load of fertiliser.' Based on the post's responses, everything points back to the fertiliser. NParks, Singapore's National Parks Board, sporadically treats green spaces around the city with organic fertiliser to preserve the opulent landscape gardening that the tiny nation is renowned for. Regrettably, it's not always a scent-free process. So, if you're passing through Marina Bay and find yourself holding your breath—or breathing superficially, like one ingenious Redditor—you now know why. It's not a cesspit issue, not an offshore accident, and not an impish barge. It's just the price of keeping Singapore green and alive. The odour should dwindle in a week or two. Until then, maybe pack a box of handkerchiefs? () => { const trigger = if ('IntersectionObserver' in window && trigger) { const observer = new IntersectionObserver((entries, observer) => { => { if ( { lazyLoader(); // You should define lazyLoader() elsewhere or inline here // Run once } }); }, { rootMargin: '800px', threshold: 0.1 }); } else { // Fallback setTimeout(lazyLoader, 3000); } });
Daily Mail
6 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
A new $20 buy from Kmart calmed my frantic, stressed mind in seconds
A $20 lamp has emerged as an unlikely favourite at Kmart this week, with the unique buy dubbed a 'hero' among the luxe new August Living collection. The Water Ripple Light, which is inspired by the trending ambient décor trend of late, projects 'soothing' wave patterns onto walls in different colours. The ripple effect is thought to transform any room into a 'calm and ambient' space, with many shoppers already reporting 'instant relaxation' and 'serenity'. Perfect for weary office workers and frantic parents, the light also comes with 16 colour options, boasts a five-hour run time after charging and has adjustable brightness for 'different moods'. The light also has intuitive touch control, a wireless remote and easy USB charging. While it may seem like a bit of a novelty 'fad', research has reported significant benefits of waterscapes and water-themed lighting on psychological health. These include a potential reduction in anxiety, a boost in creativity and a noticeable positive impact on insomnia, burnout and stress. As always, it's best to visit a health professional if you are struggling with any of these conditions or symptoms. The quirky lamp has already sold out online - but it's not the only light at Kmart causing a buzz recently. The Kmart LED Light with Sensor, $12, has been a popular buy since its launch and has received more than 120 five-star reviews. The light panel contains four white LED lights with an adhesive strip on the back that can be affixed to walls and other surfaces for an instant touch of luxury. Many creative shoppers have positioned them underneath benches, counters and cupboards to create an up-lit effect. 'Love this light, it looks amazing under the kitchen cupboard and adds a little bit of class,' noted one. One mum added that the lights have 'worked wonders' in her home, especially in the corridor, which is usually too dark to walk through to the bathroom in the middle of the night. 'My son is afraid of the dark. I placed the LED sensor lights in the corridor for him to help light his way if he ever needs to use the toilet at night. They have worked wonders. Everyone in the family is happy... it has saved my sleep,' she raved. Another way that DIY enthusiasts have used the light is to create a spotlight effect on feature points. The quirky lamp has already sold out online - but it's not the only light at Kmart causing a buzz recently. The Kmart LED Light with Sensor, $12, has been a popular buy since its launch and has received more than 120 five-star reviews For instance, one shopper shared a photo of how they'd placed it above their chic designer appliances. While some shoppers appreciated the light for its aesthetic capabilities, others were impressed by it on a purely practical level. The only complaint was that the product is so popular, it's often sold out. 'Shame that these are so hard to come by as they are fantastic,' a disappointed shopper wrote.
Wall Street Journal
2 days ago
- Wall Street Journal
Beyond ‘Run, Hide, Fight': What to Do in an Active-Shooter Situation
It's a rare, nightmare scenario yet one that more people have confronted in recent years: A shooter shows up at your workplace—as one did at a Park Avenue office tower in New York City this week—forcing quick decisions. For years, the most commonly advised approach has boiled down to three words: run, hide, fight. But many security experts say that thinking has evolved and that additional tactics, such as building barricades, breaking through windows and creating distractions, can be critical to survival.
CTV News
4 days ago
- CTV News
Our Guide To The Best Portable Fans In Canada In 2025 (And Where To Get Them)
Discover the top portable fans in Canada: compare airflow, battery life, noise levels, and portability, plus where to buy them at the best prices. Staying cool on the go isn't the easiest thing to do, is it? Cold drinks can help for a short time, and AC at a store or in your car can be a big relief, but what do you do if those things aren't enough? Or aren't available at all? Whether you're overheating in a stuffy office or you're working hard outside and need some air flow, there's one thing that can save the day. What are we talking about? A portable fan, of course. These handheld fans are super compact, super affordable, and offer a ton of features designed to keep you comfortable (and your dignity intact!) no matter where you are or what you're doing. Some of them even have extras like cooling technology or misting powers to keep you even cooler! Don't they sound amazing? If a portable fan sounds like exactly the thing you've been waiting for, we're here to make sure the one you choose is perfect for you. Portable fans will vary in things like price, overall size and portability, fan speeds, battery life, and more. You'll want to think about every feature if you're keen on finding your perfect match. And who wouldn't want that? This comprehensive guide will investigate the best portable fans in Canada right now and outline the criteria you should consider while making your purchase decision. Let's dive right into our top five products. The Best Portable Fans Right Now Our Top Pick for The Best Portable Fan Diveblues N607D Portable Handheld Turbo Fan Review What We Think of the Diveblues N607D Portable Handheld Turbo Fan We are big fans of the Diveblues N607D Portable Handheld Turbo Fan, and by the end of this, we think you'll be on board, too. One of our favourite features is the turbo motor. It makes this fan a lot more powerful than the average portable fan, and that means more cooling for less battery power! And with a battery life ranging from 3.5 hrs to 12 hours, you'll never be left alone in the heat. The maximum air speed of this fan is 10 m/s, so you can be confident in its ability to cool you down even on the sweatiest days. Plus, it can be used as a handheld fan, placed on a desk for hands-free cooling, and even worn on a lanyard. We love that versatility. Since the fan blades are protected by a solid mesh screen, you won't have to worry about any little fingers getting caught, either. Brilliant. The only thing that might not thrill you here is the noise level. Due to the turbo motor, this fan is louder than average, even on the lower settings. If excess noise bothers you, it might not be the most ideal choice. And yes, that's really the only flaw. Happy cooling! All in all, the Diveblues N607D Portable Handheld Turbo Fan has something to offer everybody. Whether your priority is a low price tag, versatile speed settings, or a long battery life, you'll be very happy with this option. They don't get much better than this, folks. Performance: 5/5 Usability: 5/5 Price: 5/5 Quality: 5/5 What Reviewers Are Saying About the Diveblues N607D Portable Handheld Turbo Fan Reviewers have a very high opinion of the Diveblues N607D Portable Handheld Turbo Fan. It's pretty powerful even on the lower settings, and the battery life makes it great for long days out and about. It can be pretty loud, especially on the higher settings, but most feel that it's worth the noise for the extra power. They highly recommend it for others. Diveblues N607D Portable Handheld Turbo Fan Pros and Cons Buy If… You'd appreciate multiple ways to use it A long battery life would be nice Strong airflow will be needed sometimes You need a fan that's safe for all ages Don't Buy If… You don't do well with excess noise Diveblues N607D Portable Handheld Turbo Fan Specifications Dimensions: 2.2' x 1.8' x 6.7' Weight: 0.42 lbs Colour: 6 options Speeds: 5 Battery Life: 3.5 to 12 hrs Charge Time: 3.5 hrs Our Runner-Up JisuLife Life7 Handheld Fan Review What We Think of the JisuLife Life7 Handheld Fan There are a lot of reasons to like the JisuLife Life7 Handheld Fan. One of the main ones is its versatility. It comes with a lanyard and has a tiltable head so you can wear it around your neck, place it on a flat surface, or hold it up to your face. There's nothing it can't do! The 12-blade design gives it a lot of power, too, so you won't be overheated for long after turning to this fan for relief. We're also really impressed with the battery life on this thing. At its highest speed, it can run for 3.5 hours, but on its lowest, you get over 19 hours of runtime. It's perfect for all-day comfort. You won't ever be caught with a dead fan, either, because it has a display to keep you informed about the remaining battery life and your chosen speed. Who doesn't love knowledge? The only potential issue we can see with this fan is its size. It's larger than many other portable fans and a little bit heavier, so it isn't quite as portable as you might need it to be. If you want something for all-day wear or that's pocket-friendly, a smaller option might be better for you. Otherwise, everything about this fan is just right. All in all, the JisuLife Life7 Handheld Fan is pretty awesome. With 3-in-1 usability, an exceptionally long runtime on the lower settings, and strong wind speeds for quick cooling, it's well-rounded enough to suit every activity. Performance: 5/5 Usability: 5/5 Price: 4.5/5 Quality: 5/5 What Reviewers Are Saying About the JisuLife Life7 Handheld Fan Reviewers are very happy with the JisuLife Life7 Handheld Fan. The 3-in-1 design makes it usable in a ton of different situations, and they're very impressed by the strength of the wind it produces. The battery life hasn't let them down yet, and they love being able to monitor it on the screen. It's a bit bigger than some people expected, but they still love it. JisuLife Life7 Handheld Fan Pros and Cons Buy If… A 3-in-1 design would be useful You need a fan that can easily last all day You'd love to stay informed about wind speed and remaining battery life Quick cooling would be nice Don't Buy If… You need something really compact JisuLife Life7 Handheld Fan Specifications Dimensions: 3.3' x 1.7' x 7.6' Weight: 0.52 lbs Colour: Black, grey, or pink Speeds: 5 Battery Life: 3.5 to 19.5 hrs Charge Time: 4-5 hrs Our Mist-Enabled Pick Sweetfull S5 Portable Misting Fan Review What We Think of the Sweetfull S5 Portable Misting Fan If airflow alone isn't enough to help you stay cool on the hottest or busiest days, the Sweetfull S5 Portable Misting Fan is exactly what you've been looking for. In addition to three fan speeds, this gem can also produce mist for up to 20 minutes. We won't say that it's the most refreshing thing ever, but it sure comes pretty close. You don't even have to fork over much cash to make it yours! We love that for you. The aesthetic of this fan is also something we admire. In addition to black, this fan is available in three vibrant hues—blue, pink, and purple. If you want to add a splash of colour to your splash of misty air, this one is the perfect choice. It comes with a lanyard and has a tiltable head, so you can use it hands-free, too. You can't beat that convenience. Unfortunately, there are a couple of features that might not meet your expectations. One of them is the size of this portable fan. Since it's larger and heavier (with the water tank full) than other portable fans, it isn't as easy to travel with or as comfortable to wear around your neck. Its power also leaves a little something to be desired. All in all, the Sweetfull S5 Portable Misting Fan is the perfect choice if airflow alone isn't quite enough to keep you feeling good on hot days. With a built-in water tank for mist production, a great price tag, and tons of ways to use it, you'll be all set for every adventure. Performance: 4.5/5 Usability: 4.5/5 Price: 5/5 Quality: 5/5 What Reviewers Are Saying About the Sweetfull S5 Portable Misting Fan Reviewers have great things to say about the Sweetfull S5 Portable Misting Fan and only a couple of cons to mention. It isn't as powerful as other fans they've used (although the misting function helps make up for that), and it's a bit too large to wear comfortably. They like the hands-free options, though, and the mist is incredibly refreshing on hot days. Sweetfull S5 Portable Misting Fan Pros and Cons Buy If… You'd appreciate some hydration with your cooling Vibrant colours make you happy You want to be able to use it hands-free sometimes A low price is ideal Don't Buy If… You need powerful airflow You're looking for something really portable Sweetfull S5 Portable Misting Fan Specifications Dimensions: 1.7' x 4.2' x 8.5' Weight: 0.39 lbs Colour: Black, blue, purple, or pink Speeds: 3 Our Compact Pick Wnteple Portable Handheld Fan Review What We Think of the Wnteple Portable Handheld Fan The Wnteple Portable Handheld Fan is our favourite option for folks who need the smallest and lightest possible fan. It weighs almost nothing and folds up to store easily in the included travel case—you seriously can't find anything more portable than this fan. The exceptionally low price is another huge incentive for choosing this fan. Another huge benefit is the fact that it doubles as a power bank. That's right, you can plug your phone into your fan to get some extra juice during a long day out. And even if you do that, you won't have to worry about your fan dying when you need it most. It has enough battery power to run for up to 15 hours, so there's plenty to go around. There are a few things that we'd improve about this one if we could. The exposed fan blades can be a safety concern with young kids or long hair, so you'll need to be vigilant. This also means you won't be able to wear it around your neck for hands-free cooling on the move. Its durability is questionable, too, but the low price tag does make up for that a little bit. All in all, the Wnteple Portable Handheld Fan is an amazing option if your priority is finding something compact. It's one of the smallest and most affordable portable fans out there, and with a long runtime and power bank function, it's perfect for travel. Performance: 4/5 Usability: 4.5/5 Price: 5/5 Quality: 4/5 What Reviewers Are Saying About the Wnteple Portable Handheld Fan Reviewers have mostly good things to say about the Wnteple Portable Handheld Fan. They appreciate how small and lightweight it is (it's great for sightseeing and similar activities), and the battery life is great for how quickly it charges. However, it feels pretty flimsy and can be hard to fold up properly. The exposed fan blades can be a safety risk, too, even though they're rubber. Wnteple Portable Handheld Fan Pros and Cons Buy If… Portability is your top priority You'd like to pay as little as possible You'd love a quick charge for a long runtime You'd make use of a portable fan that doubles as a power bank Don't Buy If… Safety is something you need to think about You'll need to wear your portable fan occasionally Longevity is important to you Wnteple Portable Handheld Fan Specifications Dimensions: 1.4' x 1.5' x 4.7' Weight: 0.29 lbs Colour: 7 options Speeds: 3 Battery Life: 9-15 hrs Charge Time: 1.5 Warranty: 1 year Our Cooling Zone Pick Siyomg B19 Portable Handheld Turbo Fan with Ice Cooler Review What We Think of the Siyomg B19 Portable Handheld Turbo Fan with Ice Cooler The Siyomg B19 Portable Handheld Turbo Fan with Ice Cooler is pretty unique. What is an ice cooler, you might be wondering? It's essentially a cooling pad that you can rest on your skin to provide instant relief from the heat. Sounds like a selling point all on its own, huh? We think so too. The five fan speeds also do a lot to promote cooling. Since it's powered by a turbo motor, it provides double the power of most portable fans. You'll notice the difference, trust us. Despite the air strength, this fan is fairly quiet, so it won't be much of a disruption in your day. Plus, it charges in under three hours, so it'll always be ready to go when you are. One of the only things that might not wow you is the battery life. At most, you'll get 13 hours on the lowest speed with no cooling, and only two hours at the highest speed with cooling. If you need a fan that'll last all day in extreme heat, this one isn't it. If this doesn't sound like a problem for you, this fan is a perfect choice. All in all, the Siyomg B19 Portable Handheld Turbo Fan with Ice Cooler is the best choice for people who need some extra relief from the heat. With a built-in cooling pad, five high-powered fan speeds, and a quick charging time, this portable model is a superb choice for every occasion. Performance: 5/5 Usability: 5/5 Price: 5/5 Quality: 5/5 What Reviewers Are Saying About the Siyomg B19 Portable Handheld Turbo Fan with Ice Cooler Reviewers have a very high opinion of the Siyomg B19 Portable Handheld Turbo Fan with Ice Cooler. The ice cooler is incredibly refreshing for instant cooling of their skin, and the strong fan helps reduce sweating. It's surprisingly quiet even on the higher settings, too. They also like that they don't have to wait forever for it to charge. Some people would prefer a longer battery life, though. Siyomg B19 Portable Handheld Turbo Fan with Ice Cooler Pros and Cons Buy If… Regular airflow just won't cut it Versatile speed options appeal to you Quick charging would be nice You'd appreciate a quiet fan Don't Buy If… An extra-long battery life is what you're looking for Siyomg B19 Portable Handheld Turbo Fan with Ice Cooler Specifications Dimensions: 2.3' x 1.5' x 6.1' Weight: 0.44 lbs Colour: White, pink, or black Speeds: 5 Battery Life: 2-13 hrs Charge Time: 2-3 hrs Why Trust Shopping Trends? At Shopping Trends, every product we review goes through rigorous hands-on testing to ensure we're recommending only the best for Canadian households. With over a decade of experience in product evaluation and consumer reporting, I personally oversee each test and comparison. Our process is transparent, methodical, and grounded in real-world usage. Whether it's a cordless vacuum, a 4K TV, or a hammock for your next camping trip, we evaluate items the way you'd use them at home. When needed, we also consult Canadian industry experts to offer context and help readers make confident, informed decisions. Every 'top pick' featured in our guides has earned its spot through careful analysis, not sponsorship. How to Properly Choose Your Portable Fan Price Some portable fans cost only $15 or so, but others can cost close to $50. Generally, more expensive portable fans will have five speeds instead of three, more powerful motors, and longer battery lives. They might even offer extras like cooling pads or misters. Speeds Most portable fans will offer either three or five fan speeds. The exact airflow of each speed will vary depending on how strong the motor is. If you like to be precise with the amount of airflow you're getting, a five-speed option is the ideal choice. Battery Life The runtime of a portable fan will typically range between 2-4 hours at the least and 18-20 hours at the most. Higher speed settings will drain the battery faster, so if you'll be using those levels more than most, a long battery life should be a priority. Charge Time Portable fans will take anywhere from 1.5-5 hours to charge fully. Generally, models with a bigger battery and longer runtime will require more time to charge, but that isn't always the case. Portability Of course, the portability of a portable fan is an important factor to consider. Most of them will weigh less than a pound, but even small differences in weight can affect how comfortable it is to hold for hours. Some fans will be foldable for more compact storage, and you can also see travel cases included from time to time. If portability is your priority, you'll want to look for a lightweight, compact size and a travel case. Extras Some portable fans offer extra functionality in addition to the fan. One of the more common additions is a water tank that allows the fan to double as a mister for more efficient cooling. Another rarer find is a cooling plate that can be pressed directly to your skin for additional cooling. How To Choose A Portable Air Conditioner How To Stay Cool Without Air Conditioning This Summer: 17 Essentials For Surviving A Hot Home Without AC The Best Beach Products For Summer 2025 Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We'll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes. The products in this list are ranked by independent third parties. Rankings are based on both reviews and independent testing.
Independent Singapore
18-07-2025
- Independent Singapore
'Be my boyfriend tonight' — Open solicitation by foreign women at Orchard Road sparks public concern
Depositphoto/TKKurikawa SINGAPORE: A growing presence of foreign women openly soliciting along Orchard Road has sparked concern and unease among members of the public. Shin Min Daily News reported that it has received multiple tip-offs about groups of foreign women being spotted outside Forum The Shopping Mall in recent months, after dark. The activity, believed to involve sex work, has drawn the attention of both residents and office workers in the area. During an evening visit to the area, a Shin Min reporter observed approximately 10 women gathered along the pavement near the mall. Some sat on stone benches while others lingered on the steps, engaging passers-by. The women, estimated to be in their 20s to 40s, appeared to approach men who showed more than a passing glance. In some instances, physical contact was initiated or suggestive remarks were made, with phrases like 'Be my boyfriend tonight' reportedly used. The encounters were brief. Observers noted that some men stopped to converse with the women, negotiated discreetly, and then left with them in taxis or private-hire vehicles within minutes. An office employee who works nearby told the Chinese daily that the activity has been ongoing for about three months. He claimed that most of the women appeared to be foreigners, with several of them likely hailing from Vietnam. 'There are a lot of tourists here, many of them with families,' he said, 'Having women openly soliciting in such a public place could affect Singapore's image.' According to him, the number of women present peaks around 11 p.m. and can extend until the early hours of the morning, sometimes as late as 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. He estimated that during these peak periods, up to 30 women might be seen lining the stretch outside the mall. Members of the public who witness suspected vice activity are encouraged to report it to the police. Under Singapore law, public solicitation is a criminal offence. () => { const trigger = if ('IntersectionObserver' in window && trigger) { const observer = new IntersectionObserver((entries, observer) => { => { if ( { lazyLoader(); // You should define lazyLoader() elsewhere or inline here // Run once } }); }, { rootMargin: '800px', threshold: 0.1 }); } else { // Fallback setTimeout(lazyLoader, 3000); } });
