A very near miss…

Life is fragile and unpredictable –  we are all aware of it, but when one is directly involved in a very near miss, I’m sure some people will feel they have been given a second chance and they generally become better people, certainly not as petty as they were before. I’m referring to the very near miss over Ukraine air space for SQ 351 which was just minutes behind MH17 when the latter was shot out of the sky!

Wonder who those in SQ 351 were and wonder if the knowledge that they had a very, very,  narrow escape affected them deeply in some ways.  Often it takes a close brush with the grim reaper to effect a real change for the better in a person.

Just reflecting, after reading the revelation that SQ was just 90 km behind MH and with *“The Road Not Taken” in mind.

*The Road Not Taken by R Frost

Online business

I’ve always been interested in starting an online business but have yet to take concrete action because of a reluctance to move out of my comfort zone. Today in the Sunday Times there is an article about an online business in renting – “Just rent and save” – toys, cars, tools.. and once again I started dreaming… I have a few pieces of retro clothing – cat-suit, cheongsam..i think I can rent them out…my mind went.

Hmm, anyone else enthusiastic about starting an online business in renting out things? We could brainstorm over coffee. :) We could collaborate if feasible or start individual platforms. Wonder what the pitfalls are.

Update:

The brainstorming session will be held on Thursday 5th June.

Time: 2.30 – 4.30 p.m.

Venue: Dignity Kitchen.

Blk 267, Serangoon Ave 3 #02 -02

 

Season of grief

Spring becomes the season of grief (ST 21/4) this year for S Koreans because of the ferry sinking disaster with so many still missing. The suicide of the vice principal who was rescued but found the burden of guilt unbearable – why could she not see it was not her fault? Today’s ST – all the desperate calls for help…heartrending.

Season of blossoms,

The eye sees, the mind enjoys –

This time tears falling

Online Flea Mart – February 2014

Breaking news! The online flea mart advertisement site will no longer be available come March because of underutilization.  Members with things to sell or give away can put up their own posts.

February’s online flea mart is now open for your advertisements. A gentle reminder:

Please read the guidelines carefully before posting your advertisements.

Guidelines

1. Only advertisements of personal belongings/services are permitted.

2. No advertisements of company/shop products/services (directly/indirectly).

3. Two advertisements per month per member.

4. Each advertisement must not exceed 10 lines.

5. No telephone numbers are allowed.

6. Include your e-mail address for contact.

Online Flea Mart – January 2014

Happy New Year. Hope that more members would take advantage of this free advertising space in 2014. It’s fun to barter, sell or give away your things. You can also advertise your personal services or place a “looking for…” advertisement.

 Here is something new.  If you have an item you want to barter trade but are not sure what you want to barter it for, you could just state/describe your item for barter on the flea mart. Anyone interested in your item can offer you their item in exchange (publicly/privately) and you can accept or reject the offer.

Just a reminder – not all advertisements are acceptable, so do read the guidelines below carefully before posting your advertisements.  Good luck.

Guidelines:

      1. Only advertisements of personal belongings/services are permitted.   

2. No advertisements of company/shop products/services (directly/indirectly).

3. Two advertisements per month per member.

4. Each advertisement must not exceed 10 lines.

5. No telephone numbers are allowed.

6. Include your e-mail address for contact.

Light Moments: Where is the reindeer?

Fairprice at NEX has an unusual Christmas display. It is a big animal rearing up on its hind legs and it is wearing a Santa cap and has some small Christmas decorations on its muscular, brown body. It also seems to be ‘pulling’ a cart of Cadbury products.

Is it Rudolf’s new pose? No. It is a HORSE!

No one stopped to look at the Christmas horse except me who was wondering what had happened to the reindeer? Sigh. 

Readers are free to speculate (seriously/creatively) on why the store/sponsor chose the horse and not the reindeer for its Christmas theme.  :)

Online Flea Mart & Barter – December 2013

Anything to sell or barter or give away this Christmas month? Do advertise here. If you are thinking of sharing your knowledge but do not want to collect a fee, you can use barter for knowledge where interested participants bring something from your wish list to exchange for your knowledge. You can advertise your class here.

A gentle reminder: please be guided by the guidelines when placing advertisements on this free advertisement site.

Guidelines:
1. Only advertisements of personal belongings and personal services are permitted. Advertisements of company/shop products/services are not permitted.
2. Two advertisements per month per member.
3. Each advertisement must not exceed 10 lines.
4. No telephone numbers are allowed. Use e-mail addresses.
5. Advertisements on barter are permitted.

A little about barter of knowledge

This idea started in New York in 2010. The ‘class’ runs on barter. “Anyone can teach and pupils sign up by agreeing to meet the barter requests of teachers”.

Named Trade School, the concept has gone global. It came to S’pore last year, brought by three young, energetic ladies. They ran the first round of activities last year, and this year, they plan to run the second round.

We, the silver generation, can adapt the ideas from the Trade Schools around the world. The silver generation is a large resource pool for skills and knowledge and is well-placed, in my opinion, to contribute to the nurturing of an ethos of generosity and trust in our community.

The challenge is how to adapt. Hmmm…Any ideas from the SHC community? :)

Online Flea Mart & Barter – November 2013

As the heading declares – the flea mart has expanded to include barter of goods and services .We are getting beyond money! Is there something or a service you need or wish to acquire? What can you offer in exchange? Do place an advertisement here and who knows, you may just find a match!

You can also offer knowledge in exchange for something from the people who are interested in attending your class.  The something will be an item from your wish list, so you must make known your wish list. Barter of knowledge was reported in the S.T. recently. It is a meaningful and fun idea.

Spring cleaning for Christmas and the new year is round the corner. Anything from your store room to give away or sell for a token price?  Do advertise and see how much fun and satisfaction you can get, especially from giving away your possessions!

A gentle reminder: When placing an advertisement, do be guided by the guidelines. Okay, looking forward to your advertisements especially if you are giving away stuff!. :)

Guidelines on placing advertisements

1. NO corporate/company/shop advertisements. Only advertisements of personal belongings and personal services are permitted.

2. Two advertisements per month per member.

3. Each advertisement must not exceed 10 lines.

4. No telephone numbers allowed. Only e-mail addresses

5. Advertisements on barter are permitted

Online Flea Mart – October 2013

The scope of permitted advertisements on this free online flea mart site is expanding! You can place advertisements regarding  job-seeking, garage/jumble sales, self-led trips …

Free lancers can advertise their services. If you have things to give away or if you are looking for something or some service, do advertise here.

With the expansion of permitted advertisements, the online flea mart hopes to serve more members.

The October online flea mart is now open for your advertisements.

Guidelines on placing advertisements

1. NO corporate/company/shop advertisements. Only personal advertisements are permitted.

2. Two advertisements per month per member.

3. Each advertisement must not exceed 10 lines.

4. No telephone numbers allowed. Only e-mail addresses

Online Flea Mart – September 2013

The scope of permitted advertisements on this free online flea mart site is expanding! You can now place advertisements on job opportunities, job-seeking, garage/jumble sales, self-led trips …

Free lancers can advertise their services. If you have things to give away or if you are looking for something or some service, do advertise here.

With the expansion of permitted advertisements, the online flea mart hopes to serve more members.

The September online flea mart is now open for your advertisements.
Guidelines on placing advertisements

1. NO corporate/company/shop advertisements. Only personal advertisements are permitted.
2. Two advertisements per month per member.
3. Each advertisement must not exceed 10 lines.
4. No telephone numbers allowed. Only e-mail addresses

ONLINE FLEA MART – AUGUST 2013

Great news! The scope of permitted advertisements on this free online flea mart site is expanding! You can now place advertisements on job opportunities, job-seeking, garage/jumble sales, self-led trips …

Free lancers can advertise their services. If you have things to give away or if you are looking for something or some service, do advertise here.

With the expansion of permitted advertisements, the online flea mart hopes to serve more members.

Guidelines on placing advertisements

1. NO corporate/company/shop advertisements. Only personal advertisements are permitted.
2. Two advertisements per month per member.
3. Each advertisement must not exceed 10 lines.
4. No telephone numbers allowed. Only e-mail addresses

Online Flea Mart – July 2013

The online flea mart for July is now open for your advertisements. Besides advertisements on sale of things, and advertisements on services provided,  you can also post an advertisement if you are looking to buy something or looking for a service provider. If you are giving away something, you can also publicize it on the online flea mart.  

Please read the guidelines before placing your advertisements/notices.

Guidelines (regulations)

1. Members can advertise twice per month

2. Each advertisement must not be longer than 10 lines.

3. Members can advertise their personal services. eg, dress alteration, plumbing etc

4. “Giveaways” notices and “looking for…” advertisements are permitted.

5. Enquiries/comments regarding the item/service advertised are permitted but NOT chatting.

6. Company products, agent’s services are not permitted.

7. For contact purposes, provide e-mail addresses instead of telephone numbers.

 

Online Flea Mart – June 2013

The online flea mart for June is now open for your advertisements. Besides advertisements on sale of things, and advertisements on services provided,  you can also post an advertisement if you are looking to buy something or looking for a service provider. If you are giving away something, you can also publicize it on the online flea mart.  

Please read the guidelines before placing your advertisements/notices.

Guidelines (regulations)

1. Members can advertise twice per month

2. Each advertisement must not be longer than 10 lines.

3. Members can advertise their personal services. eg, dress alteration, plumbing etc

4. “Giveaways” notices and “looking for…” advertisements are permitted.

5. Enquiries/comments regarding the item/service advertised are permitted but NOT chatting.

6. Company products, agent’s services are not permitted.

7. For contact purposes, provide e-mail addresses instead of telephone numbers.

 

Interesting part-time work

One of the nicest things about retirement/semi-retirement is the opportunity to take on part time work/jobs on an ad hoc or short term basis, thus enjoying the varied experiences that life has to offer.

Recently I went to work for four hours as a Standardised Patient – a what? yes, i was also baffled when i first heard this label. Basically, an SP role plays in a set clinical scenario. This scenario forms the practical assessment of mainly medical and nursing students.

After several days of bracing myself for the ‘job’, i went to report at the venue and saw the great buzz at the lift lobby. How exciting, i thought.  Well, I was really relieved that my ‘debut’ went smoothly and i found the whole experience very interesting, so much so, i’m looking forward to my second assignment!  lol!

I know there are other interesting part time work/jobs  and it’ll be nice if you could share your experience. Who knows – we might form a network of sorts. A part-timers network?  lol!   :)

 

Online Flea Mart – May 2013

The online flea mart for the month of May is now open for your advertisements. The guidelines and regulations for advertising on the online flea mart have been revised and updated to include more services and to widen the scope of advertisements. Comments/queries regarding an advertisement are now permitted. It is also hoped that advertiser inform readers if their advertised items have been sold so that the usefulness of the online flea mart to members can be assessed.

If you have personal/’professional’ skills like dressmaking, clothes alteration, repairing / mending/fixing…. do advertise your services. This online flea mart site is here to serve members (not companies), so do make full use of it. :)

Guidelines (regulations)

1. Members can advertise twice per month

2. Each advertisement must not be longer than 10 lines.

3. Members can advertise their personal services. eg, dress alteration, plumbing etc

5. Enquiries/comments regarding the item/service advertised are permitted but NOT chatting.

6, Company products, agent’s services are not permitted.

7. For contact purposes, provide e-mail addresses instead of telephone numbers.

8. Pictures of items advertised are limited to one per advertisement.

Online Flea Mart – APRIL 2013

shcfleamart

 The guidelines and regulations for advertising on the online flea mart have been revised and updated to include more services and to widen the scope of advertisements.  Comments/queries regarding an advertisement are now permitted.  It is also hoped that advertiser inform readers if their advertised items have been sold  so that the usefulness of the online flea mart to members can be assessed.

 If you have personal/’professional’ skills like dressmaking, clothes alteration,  repairing / mending/fixing…. do advertise your services.  This online flea mart site is here to serve members (not companies), so do make full use of it.   :)

 

Guidelines (regulations)

1. Members can advertise twice per month

2. Each advertisement must not be longer than 10 lines.

3. Members can advertise their personal services. eg, dress alteration, plumbing etc

5. Enquiries/comments  regarding the item/service advertised are permitted but NOT  chatting.

6, Company products, agent’s services are not permitted.

7. For contact purposes, provide e-mail addresses instead of telephone numbers.

8. Pictures of items advertised are limited to one per advertisement.

Discussion: Affordable Retirement community in S’pore

I chanced upon an article about a retirement community called Nalcrest in Florida. It was built for the retirement of poorly-paid  postal workers in the 1960s. It got me reflecting: Can S’pore have an affordable retirement community for ordinary S’poreans (a.k.a. HDB flat dwellers)? I say yes because we have CPF ,  Medisafe and private savings to support a simple, dignified retirement life for the ordinary man in the street.

The idea is feasible if based on three main criteria: The retirement flats have a short lease,  are non- transferrable and open only to HDB flat dwellers.

If you are interested in this topic, do put in your take and/or share your suggestions/ideas. Perhaps we could send a proposal to the Minister for consideration. :)

Online Flea Mart – March 2013

GREAT NEWS! From this month onwards, advertisers will be able to attach pictures of their items in their advertisements. Now, with pictures, those difficult to describe things can also be put up for sale (or to give away). emoticon

If you are looking for a certain thing to buy (or to borrow), you can also advertise your interest/search on this flea mart site.

A gentle reminder: Go through the guidelines before posting your advertisements. 

The March online flea mart is now open for your advertisements.

Guidelines:

2 advertisements of 5 lines each per registered member.
OR

1 advertisement of 10 lines per month.

Self-organised and self-led trips advertisements are permitted.

1 picture per advertisement.

NOT PERMITTED:

1. advertisements of company
products/services

2.advertiser’s telephone number.

3.comments/queries about the advertised items.

Please include your e-mail contact.

Online Flea Mart – February 2013

 

  • I am sure the CNY spring cleaning has begun. Any white elephants you would like to give away or sell? Do advertise this on the online flea mart. The online flea mart for February is now open for your advertisements. Do please go through the guidelines carefully before posting your advertisements.

    Guidelines

    2 advertisements of 5 lines each per registered member.
    OR

    1 advertisement of 10 lines per month.

    Self-organised and self-led trips advertisements are permitted.

    Sale of home baked cakes/cookies for CNY advertisements are permitted.

    NOT PERMITTED:

    1. advertisements of company
    products/services

    2.advertiser’s telephone number.

    3.comments/queries about the advertised items.

    Please include your e-mail contact.

Online Flea Mart – January 2013

  • It’s 2013! Time to think about Chinese New year spring cleaning and cookie baking! There will be some ‘junk’ you might want to give away or to sell at a token price. Do advertise this on the online flea mart. If you are selling CNY cookies, do advertise here too.  The online flea mart is now open for your advertisements. Do please go through the guidelines carefully before posting your advertisements. 

Guidelines

2 advertisements of 5 lines each per registered member.
OR

1 advertisement of 10 lines per month.

Self-organised and self-led trips advertisements are permitted.

Sale of home baked cakes/cookies for CNY advertisements are permitted.

NOT PERMITTED:

1. advertisements of company
products/services

2.advertiser’s telephone number.

3.comments/queries about the advertised items.

Please include your e-mail contact.

ONLINE Flea Mart – December 2012

  • It’s DECEMBER! For many of us, December is holiday time and also spring cleaning time! Here’s the opportunity to GIVE AWAY your still usable junk/white elephants etc,  or better still, sell them at a token price on this online flea mart site.     
  • The December  online flea mart is now open for your advertisements.
  • A gentle reminder to ADHERE to the guidelines when composing your advertisements.

Guidelines

2 advertisements of 5 lines each per registered member.
OR

1 advertisement of 10 lines per month.

Self-organised and self-led trips advertisements are permitted.

Sale of home baked cakes/cookies for X’mas advertisements are permitted.

NOT PERMITTED:

 1. advertisements of company
products/services

2.advertiser’s telephone number.

3.comments/queries about the advertised items.

Please include your e-mail contact.

Online Flea Mart – November 2012

  • The November online flea mart is now open for advertisements.
  • Here is an opportunity for members  to sell/give away
    their clutter, white elephants, self-made stuffs etc. 
  • A gentle reminder to adhere  to the guidelines when composing your advertisements.

Guidelines

2 advertisements of 5 lines each per registered member.
OR

1 advertisement of 10 lines per month.

Self-organised and self-led trips are permitted.

NOT PERMITTED: 1. advertisements of company
products/service

2.advertiser’s telephone number.

3.comments/queries

Please include your e-mail contact.

ONLINE FLEA MART – OCTOBER 2012

  • The online flea mart is an opportunity for members to sell/give away
    their clutter, white elephants, self-made stuffs etc. It is now open for
    advertisements. Please adhere to the guidelines when composing your
    advertisements.

Guidelines

2 advertisements of 5 lines each per registered member.
OR

1 advertisement of 10 lines per month.

Self-organised  and self-led trips are permitted.

NOT PERMITTED: 1. advertisements of company
products/service

2.advertiser’s telephone number.

3.comments/queries

Please include your e-mail contact.

ONLINE FLEA MART – September 2012

  •  The online flea mart for September is now open for advertisements. Please adhere to the guidelines when composing your advertisements. 

    Guidelines

  • Two advertisements per registered member per month.
  • 5 line limit per advertisement. For self-organized and self-led trip/tour advertisements, the limit is 10 lines per advertisement.
  • A 10-line advertisement is permitted if advertiser places only one advertisement  per month.
  • "For sale" , "Looking for" , "giveaway" advertisements and the status of the advertised items eg.
    "sold" or "withdrawn" are welcome.
  • Not permitted: (i)advertisements of corporate goods/items,
  • (ii) telephone numbers of advertisers,
  • (iii)queries and comments on advertised items.
  • Advertisers must include their e-mail addresses for contact purpose.

Critical Thinking: Viewpoints

  • A few days ago I happened to catch on Talking
    Point (tv prog), a very interesting and informative talk on the topic "How to
    raise the fertility rate in S’pore". One of the viewers who called in suggested
    that a young married couple be allowed to jump queue and be allotted a flat on
    condition they produce a baby within a year. Immediately the two hosts and the
    panel of speakers laughed at the amusing suggestion, with a grinning host
    saying in general "what happens if there’s no baby after a year…"
  • I thought this kind of engagement is good for
    critical thinking and decided to start this post to provide an opportunity for
    interested members to write and share their views, thoughts, ideas…etc to
    questions/statements posed on this post. I think Silverhair can contribute to
    challenges facing our  nation. 
  • However. i must add that comments CRITICIZING
    other people’s opinions are NOT WELCOME. This post does
    not support superior/judgmental attitude.

To get the ball rolling, here is the first
poser: What can be done to increase the fertility rate in
S’pore?

  • Do you think adult children should give their
    parents a monthly allowance?
  • Are you comfortable with the idea of today’s
    youth asking the rich for expensive things?

Put on your thinking cap and cepat tulis/
???????  emoticon


ONLINE FLEA MART – AUGUST 2012

  •  The online flea mart for August is now open for advertisements. Please adhere to the guidelines when composing your advertisements.

    Guidelines

  • Two advertisements per registered member per month.
  • 5 line limit per advertisement. For self-organized and self-led trip/tour advertisements, the limit is 10 lines per advertisement.
  • A 10-line advertisement is permitted if advertiser places only one advertisement  per month.
  • "For sale" , "Looking for" , "giveaway" advertisements and the status of the advertised items eg.
    "sold" or "withdrawn" are welcome.
  • Not permitted: (i)advertisements of corporate goods/items,
  • (ii) telephone numbers of advertisers,
  • (iii)queries and comments on advertised items.
  • Advertisers must include their e-mail addresses for contact purpose.

Whither Conscience?

  • How does one make sense of charities that enrich the top dogs running the organizations? (How rich? (i) from HDB flat dwelling to Sentosa Cove penthouse and a mansion in Hollywood (ii) horse-buying (iii) $25K/mth ‘peanuts’ salary, 1st class travels and gold plated tap). Can there be real charity when wolves in sheep’s clothing are running the show?
  • Just when the depressing thought that Conscience had gone to the dogs(!), up popped an *article in the S.T – about a wealthy entrepreneur setting up  orphanages in  countries where the poor/needy are left to fence for themselves –  to revive the drooping spirit. :) His mission is to empower the poor with the skills to lift themselves (and their families) out of abject poverty.
  • With his revelation in the press, especially the one on how the charity dollar is spent, Conscience has a chance to return as the main ingredient in the making of a moral compass.

(a personal opinion)

*S.T. Friday 13/7/2012, page A32

ONLINE FLEA MART – JULY 2012

  • The online flea mart for July is now open for advertisements. Please refer to the guidelines below before placing your advertisements. 

   Guidelines

  • Two advertisements per registered member per month.
  • 5 line limit per advertisement. For trip/tour advertisements, the limit is 10 lines per ad.
  • "For sale" , "Looking for" , "giveaway" advertisements and the status of the advertised items eg.
    "sold" or "withdrawn" are welcome.
  • Not permitted: (i)advertisements of
    corporate goods/items, (ii) telephone numbers of advertisers, (iii)
    queries and comments on advertised items.
  • Advertisers must include their e-mail addresses for contact purpose.

ONLINE FLEA MART – JUNE 2012

  • The June flea mart is now open for advertisements. Before placing an advertisement, please read the rules :
  • Two advertisements per registered member per month.
  • 5 line limit per advertisement. For trip/tour advertisements, the limit is 10 lines per ad.
  • "For sale" , "Looking for" , "giveaway" advertisements and the status of the advertised items eg.
    "sold" or "withdrawn" are welcome.
  • Not permitted: (i)advertisements of corporate goods/items, (ii) telephone numbers of advertisers, (iii) queries and comments on advertised items.
  • Advertisers must include their e-mail addresses for contact purpose.