Month: January 2008

Dear Friends,

The Fortunate Restaurant has allowed us to extend our Final Booking and Deposit up to 2nd February, 2008. Hence those who have registered but NOT PAID up, please do so by 2nd February.

Roland

A few days ago, I made a comment in ID 1399 (Art of Making Fans) in response to Terence’s call for people with some skills they can share to step forward (something like that). I thought I should start a separate thread on the subject, as I seem to have gatecrashed (with apologies) into June Chin’s thread.

Basically, I have been involved in origami for many years, and would be able to conduct classes for SHCians if there is sufficient interest. However, I will only be in a position to start the classes at a later, yet undetermined date. So this is just a feeler, to gauge whether there is sufficient interest.

The history of origami – the art of paperfolding – is cloudy at best, but is believed to have originated in China with the invention of paper in or about 600BC (recent studies suggest that it could be much earlier). It is believed to have been introduced to Japan by Buddhist monks where it became part of Japanese ceremonies and culture. And where it got its name. For many years, the development of origami did not go beyond a few simple models that most of us are familar with. This changed after the Second World War, with the pioneering work of origami enthusiasts like Akira Yoshizawa, Robert Harbin, etc . Soon, origami gained popularity in the west, with origami societies sprouting first in the UK and USA, then much of Europe and parts of South America.

Since those early years, the development of origami has been nothing short of phenomenal. There are origami societies in almost every corner of the world today, many holding annual conventions and exhibitions that attract wide international participation. Amongst the ranks of origami enthusiasts today are numerous mathematicians, engineers, scientists, IT professionals, etc., who apply their professional training and skills to the further development of origami.

Today, origami is being exhibited in established art museums, gaining recognition as an art form in its own right. Origami is also used as a tool in education, physical and mental therapy, R & D, rehabilitation, and to bridge cultural, language and religious differences.

Origami is also an activity that can be enjoyed by everyone in the family, bonding grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren. And the family maid, bringing everyone together irrespective of differences in skill levels or subject preferences.

It allows individuals to challenge and express themselves intellectually and artistically, and perhaps attain a degree of self-actualization. More importantly, it is loads of fun.

Origami, anyone? :o)

Ron Koh

PS:

Some of my original origami creations can be viewed at http://design.origami.free.fr/bestof/koh/index.htm

Please also see also my comments at #48 and #57 at ID1399 – Art of making fans.

Update:

Following is the list of SHCians who have registered for the origami classes as at 23 May 2008:

1. Peng Peng
2. Annto
3. L H Jie
4. Gingko
5. Boon Liang
6. Joy
7. Mary Chan
8. Dennis Wee
9. Veronique
10. Eleanor Chan
11. Suzhang
12. Andrew Kuan
13. Lee Ah Nee
14. Caroline Gee
15. Jackie Chin
16. Renee Leong
17. Cecilia Lim
18. V Wong
19. Dan Huang
20. Ann Lim
21. Norlinda
22. Eileen Lee
23. Grace Kok
24. Grace Kang
25. Grace Wong
26. Cheng
27. Dennis Har
28. Alice Teo
29. Wong Kong Thean
30. Jessie Tan
31. Bira
32. Lina Ng
33. Agnes Tan
34. Patricia Lim
35. Alicia Soh
36. Andrew Yeung
37. Catherine Yeo
38. Jeremy Tan
39. Margaret Chan
40. Rose Yong
41. Steven Chan

Numbers 1 to 8 of the above registered earlier at ID 1399. Please let me know if I have left anyone out.

Ron Koh

This is an exercise to determine the degree of interest in the SHC Flea Mart.

We have not identified the venue, cost and date/time to launch the first SHC Flea Mart.  However, I think we should try to determine the degree of interest.  And, let’s also say we have the car boot sales running side by side.  If you have an idea to take part as a seller in the SHC Flea Mart, please add your name here.  If you have something in mind which you like to sell, please do indicate too.  And, make it fun.  If two persons like to share a spot, it’s fine too.  Do note the buyers would be the public, overseas visitors and SHC members.

Hope we can make this event a truly SHC grown project, and fulfil our objective to provide a platform to meet new and more friends.

Tentative Table list (starting Table 1):

1. Joy Chuang – goldfish bowl, candle burners, squash racquet, toy figurines, books, photo frames, …
2. Terence Seah/Yew Kwong – colourful mugs. Many many things.
3. Andrew Kuan – books.  Not able to commit taking a table.
4. Norlinda – many barang2.  May sell or give them to Karang Guni.
5. Jasmine Tan – a variety of things eg. books, cards, toys, jackets…etc.
6. Dan Huang – books and chess sets, costume jewelleries, T-shirt.  Car boot or sharing table.
7. Eleanor Chan – personal and corporate gifts.  Likes to share table.
8. Kenneth Tan – books.  Looking for a  partner to share table.
9. Catherine Chong – lots of things from the store.
10. Kathy Dng – also lots of things.  Can be car boot or share table.
11. Mary Chan – some things, can share table.
12. Sophia Lim – Cook books.  Partner to share table, anyone?
13. LH Jie – bunch of items, good and unused, in storeroom.
14. Ann Lim/Rosna b Rauaee – toys, books, clothing, kitchenware.
15. Daisy Phua – soft toys and nick nacks, like to share a table
16. Ann Seet  – costume jewellery
17. 20 tables/car park space for a start.

Terence Seah

The mood is here.  And as SHCians, we have lots of memories, with each of us having at least 45 years celebrating this long Chinese history and Lunar New Year festival.  Flash backs to the days igniting crackers on the ground, giving oranges to our parents, pasting red decors everywhere around the house and giving angpows to the young ones.

You may like to send your New Year wishes to someone in the club.  Go ahead.  Don’t be shy.  This forum accepts all languages and dialects.

Terence Seah

Cycling over 1500km of terrain covering high altitudes, difficult climbs and long stretches may not sound like your kind of fun.

How about exploring the Eastern Coastal Park Connectors – lush landscape, away from the hustle and bustle of traffic noise and exhaust fumes.  This is not meant to substitute or replace Yew Kwong’s (Lau Ta) monthly cycling event.  It is an extension for those who feel cycling once a month is insufficient.  The park connectors vary in lengh, ranging from 2km to 10km, cater for cyclists who prefer longer distances.

Our initial recommendation, try cycling from EC MacDonald to Changi Point.  Have some snack/drink before cycling back via the same route.  If Kakis are tired along the route, they may "U’ turn or wait/rest at the spot for our return (there are rest stops along the way and you can also see plane taking off or landing).  This route is straight, no hills, good shade, you can feel and see the distance.  It is simple and less stressful on beginners too.

BTW, Airshow is from 18-24 Feb (am I right?).  It would be a good idea if we could cycle along the park connector that is parallel to the airport runway on 24 Feb so that we could also view the fly past, provided the police do not seal off the park connector.

We do not know how many Kakis could cover that distance.  Worry you can’t do it?  Go through regular cycling regime in order to be able to maintain your strength.  It’s all in the Mind.

Much talk about this excitement! Let’s have a show of hands here before we confirmed the dates – other Sats or Sun (do not want to clash with monthly walk too)

Enjoy the festive season’s goodies first and then, come back to cycle harder.

If I am free and have no other commitments, I will be riding on either Sat or Sun – Feb 2/3

Extreme Sports fan, are you enthusiastic about this kind of ride?

Douglas and Rene

We had successfully completed 4 workshops at Henderson CC in Jan 08. A big thank you to all those who had attended. Although there were some hitches, nevertheless the workshops were great opportunities for members to get together to refresh their IT skills n to those who were new pick up new IT skills.

I hope the experiences picked up from these workshops will harness your IT skills. If they are insufficient, pls do come back for more. On the choice of centre n location selection, we are in negotiation with an external organisation in a central location fully equipped with equipment n w/o restriction in loading software that we need to use on the PCs. We await to hear the good news.

What we had done –

1) Buying n selling stuff online, 2) Internet banking, 3) Online chat & 4) Emailing Enhanced

Out of the 4 workshops, #2 was the most successful with 95% out of 100% attempted and subscribed to Internet Banking. They were also 1st timers.

I also wish to extend my thanks to members who had volunteered their time to assist at the workshops. They were Chan Kwong Wah, Ronald Lee, Edward Lim, Christina Chan CL & Jade Phua.

We may re-run the 4 workshops n some others at later dates. Other workshops like photo editing, downloading images n videos, selling on Ebay, uploading photos to n managing online photo albums, burning images n videos onto media, creating your own webpage n latest craze, blogging.

We welcome all suggestions. In the event we do take time to run those courses it’s likely that we cant find volunteer trainers. Pls excuse us. If you are able n available to run any course pls come n join us.

Until you hear from us again, a big thank you to all you once again.

Hi,

I am a new member. Will be turning 52 soon. Currently still teaching full time. Apart from reading, I love animals and walking. In fact, I have 2 beautiful dogs – a Chihuahua and a Pomeranian – and I can wax lyrical about them so I better not start. I hope I can find time to join in one or two activities this year. Hope all of you will have a great year ahead.

Christina

Dear Friends,

I’ve updated the list of attendees for the above lunch on 16th February, 2008. My apologies for inadvertently leaving out the names from the first Post. Please confirm your participation together with payment as we have to arrange the menu and the tables for the lunch. Thank you.

Roland

The headline “Global markets plunge” appears in almost all newspapers around the world.

Fear of a US recession behind plunge. World waiting for the Fed to do an emergency rate cut. Analysts looking for a catalyst to turn markets around. Another black Monday. Has the world lost confidence? Is the panic mainly in the Asia market? Is this mass behaviour?

What do you think this mean to all of us? Share what you think?

Terence Seah

We had tried car boot sales but we failed because the venue was not approved. We also like to try flea market sales or push cart sales.

The idea is to give some SilverHairsClub members the opportunity to try ways and means to make some income and keep themselves active. I suspect and believe there are opportunities as a group. It can be organised during weekends, a festive period or even monthly basis.

Now, I am going to try again. Don’t give up. Mati Mati. Must succeed. As a group, we can succeed.

Do you have any experience organising or participating in car boot or flea market sales? If you have, plse raise your hand, and I shall contact you.

If you have a private condo, that will allow car boot sales or a garage sale or bazaar, plse raise your hands too. Let’s try it. It will cost some monies, but it can work.

Any ideas, most welcome. Let’s stay active, for fun, for the money or for the friendship.

Terence Seah

Date : Sat. 26 Jan.2008, Time 3pm.-5p.m. (or thereafter)

Venue : Han’s Cafe & Cake-House, 1 Pickering Street (where we had SHC Jan 17, 2008 monthly gathering).

I shall be pleased to show you how to make fans for Lunar New Year decorations.  As some of you have seen the samples I brought to our last gathering, these fans make attractive wall, door and flower arrangements (centre pieces of art work) to beautify your homes for the coming CNY.  If you are interested, pls register your response to this post by Thurs. 24 Jan,2008.  As we are using the facilities at the cafe, pls do order snacks/tea/coffee or whatever makan to help Han’s management generate some business.

Pls bring the following material : 1 pair of scissors, stapler/staples, a couple of rubber bands, and most importantly 26 pieces of Ang Pows.

•  My mobile number : 96322081

June Chin

Hi KT Wong,  You have been very vivid, sharing your thoughts on investments with fellow SHCians.  I read your latest comment today, in Jeffrrey’s Post, and I wont let the opportunity slip.  Timing is right.  You should share your thoughts with us.  Cut it short, you gave 3 scenarios on where SHCians can go, with their monies.

1. The US has bottomed up.  Put your money  against US$assets, US equities or local equities with high exposure to US markets.  The US market has already been on the decline for a long time.
2. The markets are still trending downwards. And, most people have debts, and values are very low.  Keep selling.
3. Don’t do anything.  Sit on your money, and wait for the tides to change.

I have a timeslot next Thurs, 24 Jan, when I am back from overseas.  Judging from the recent gathering at Hans Cafe, the time will be 6.30 pm, and you can start at 7.00pm.  Over the next few days, I shall look for a venue, preferably with a overhead project and screen.  Suggestions for venue welcome.

Can you be speaker and moderator?  On this forum, I see other active an dlike-minded participants – Kenneth Tan, Dennis Har, Tim Liu and Jeffrey Lim.  Can you come and share your ideas too?  The topic can be "Markets are down.  What are the options?".

Meantime, if SilverHairs like to come, please register your interest here.  Strictly for SHC members only.  No entrance fee, just buy your F&B at the counter.

Terence Seah

Anyone for SCUBA diving? Not so much weekend dives which are limited to Singapore waters. But short trips to Tioman, Pulau Aur or Phuket. Maybe even longer trips or live on-aboard further afield.

There has been frequent requests to have more discussions on business and investment on this forum.  However, many members feel that since the club’s  objective is to provide a platform to meet new friends, and that too much of business and investments issues on this forum tend to clog up this website, especially for those with no interests in business or investments.

I guess many members are still working, and many are comfortable with their retirement plans.  Some have reacted strongly and negatively to pure business and investment discussions.  A good number sees such discussions as advertising.  Advertising is not allowed on this website.  However, I am equally aware that there is also a strong desire by some members to develop business ideas and investment.

This website isn’t ideal to meet different group’s needs.

However, we can easily allow those who are interested in business or investment discussions, to view the thread, while those who are not interested, will not see the thread.  The forum wont be cluttered.

I am not so sure how to do it yet; but for a start if you wish to lead a discussion on business or investments, please write directly to me.  Leaders of such groups must be active, and keep the discussions or projects going.  Examples:  "An adverture club", "setting up shop", "investment seminars", etc. In principle, if a member has an interest to do something worthwhile to the SHC community, we will support the idea.

Terence Seah

Hi, Gang:

Apart from some former colleagues and pre-SHCian friends who have joined SHC, I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting any of you. I find it a little odd, being new to SHC and all, but I did agree to help Terence with the organisation of the Kelong Trip.  So here I am, you got me, for better or worse. :o)

I had a bit of bother compiling the list as not everyone registered on the same thread, and a few registered more than once on different threads. As far as I can make out from the two threads that I know of, the #33 people listed below have registered for the trip.

If I have inadvertently left anyone out, spelled your name wrongly (blame it on feeble eyesight) or there are others who have not yet done so but wish to register for the trip, please let me know as soon as you are able.

If there are more than 42 people wanting to go, we will have to work something out

Thanks and best regards,

Ron Koh

Note: #62 people have registered as at 4 Feb 2008,  including 6 tentative:

1. Tim Liu
2. Lily Ho Willocq
3. Dan Huang
4. Peng Peng
5. Mary Chan
6. V Wong (Tentative)
7. Dennis Wee
8. Wendy Goh*
9. Alice Seah
10. Margaret Chan
11. Ron Koh
12. Ros Chan
    
13. Paul Leong
14. Jenny Leong
15. Christina C L Chan* (Tentative)
    
16. S B Khoo
17. L H Jie
18. Gingko
19. Veronique Lee*
    
20. Catherine Yeo
21. Joyce Tan
22. Christina Chan
23. Fong Cheong Kong
24. Eyvonne Chew
25. Josephine Yap
26. Grace Kok
27. Rene Leong*
    
28. Maria Tan
29. Douglas Chan
30. Mary Tan
31. Annie Loh
32. Peter Goh
33. Linda Chang
34. Boon Liang
35. Meifoo
36. Terence Seah
37. Janet Chan
38. Chian Wah*
39. Charles Wee*
40. Ron Lai*
41. Alice Lai*
42. Alan Bock*
43. Ann Chew*
44. Vincent Wong*
45. Eliza Chua* (Tentative)
46. Gwyneth Lee* (Tentative)
47. Kris Leong*
48. Venika*
49. Andrew Kuan* (Tentative)
50. Aileen Kuan* (Tentative)
51. S K Chua*
52. Andrew Koh*
53. Jimmy Chew*
54. Sally Chew*
55. Pearlynn Tan*
56. Wana Tay*
57. Catherine Chan*
58. Jennifer Ong*
59. William Wong*
60. Grace Kang*
61. Alfred Ang*
62. Margie Koh*
    

* updated as 5.17pm, 4 Feb 2008

Ron Koh

Charles Wee has put up the pictures of the walk on Sat 12 Jan.  See if you remember any of the walkers.  And, the place Bishan Park and Lower Pierce.

Click here to see the pictures.

On behalf of Charles Wee and team.

Just what is this game anyway?

The game of Lawn Bowls is played on a large, rectangular, precisely leveled and manicured grass or synthetic surface known as bowling green which is divided into parallel playing strips called rinks.

The general object of the game is for participants to roll each of their BOWLS as close as possible to a single small white ball called the JACK (or kitty). Bowls may hit the jack, but the jack must remain within the boundary markers or the END will be declared "dead." Bowls are likely to hit other bowls, and may propel them into a position that is perhaps nearer to the jack, or perhaps to a distant position outside the boundary marker line that will take them out of play.

Games are played between opposing teams, each with from one to four players. SINGLES games are played between two players, DOUBLES between two pairs, TRIPLES between teams of three, and rinks between teams of four players.

After all members of each team have rolled a set of bowls (the completion of an END), the bowl closest to the jack counts one point for its team, and every other bowl belonging to that same team that is closer to the jack than the nearest one of the competitors’ counts 1 additional point. Game is made up of a series of these completed ends.

Each BOWLER has a matching set of four bowls. Each bowl in a set has a matching pair of distinguishing decorations on opposite sides. The number of bowls that each player uses is dependent on the number of team members. Bowls are not perfectly spherical, and will not roll straight. One side is slightly flattened, and it is toward that side with its BIAS that will draw the path of the bowl in a sweeping arc. The mastery of this phenomenon is at the heart of the challenge and excitement of the game.

What can we do for you?

1. We’ll tell you about the game.

Lawn Bowling has its roots in antiquity and has been played where English is spoken since the l3th century. There are over 130 Clubs in the United States and thousands more around the world. We are mostly amateurs and we bowl for the fun of it.

2. We’ll meet you at the Green.

After you’ve rolled that first bowl you’ll know why lawn bowlers love the sport. You too can become addicted to the sport of the ages. Just contact me (Chin) at h/p nos 98797949 if you are interested. 

3. Training lessons are free.

Our trained instructors will soon have you bowling on the green.

4. Low cost for a lifetime of enjoyment

A set of four bowls costs about the same as a good tennis racket or one of the better golf clubs and will last as long as you want it to. The club probably has some second hand bowls for sale.

Here it is. This is one rare payback for suffering unprecedented inflation and vaporising CPF values.  But it is up to you to take it up.

If you have an idea of devices and systems for the idea, you can tap into the new established government fund.  The Government’s focus is on developing and adapting new ideas and technologies to local conditions and producing prototypes for HDB living

http://www.straitstimes.com/Free/Story/STIStory_195694.html

Any ideas? Get together?

From last night’s SHC Saturday Online, I think there is a topic which interests many people.  This is about investments in anything else, other than savings, fixed deposits and insurance.  Our newspapers carry many articles on seniors, and how to maximise returns in preparation for retirement. 

Last night, though adhoc, the participants shared some of their experience on interest rates in Australia, bonds and exchange rates.  We had a good discussion, although I must admit the discussion was not structured.  I dont know if there is a demand for such discussions, although investments can be a pretty private activity.  I use to believe that most SHC members keep their monies under the pillow.  But, in reality, I see many SHC members do try to get more than 1 – 2%.  Some make, but, of course, many do lose monies too.

Picking up from this evening, i think we can have a similar activity, a SHC investment chat online.  We pick a date and time, and if it works or is interesting, we can have a regular timing.  For a start, I would suggest 1000 to 1100 hrs on Wed 16 Jan 2008.  You can participate without leaving your home or your office, just infront of your computer.  It’s live.

For this event, we welcome the newbies investors, those who lost monies, and those who make some monies.  If you are a small or part-time trader, has some experience in equities, forex, bonds, etc, come join in too.  After this event, we shall develop further into more specific groups, if there is interest.

If you like to participate, please register your name here.  Here’s how to enter the conference.  https://silverhairsclub.com/monthly-sunday-meeting/.  This is a live event,  and participants must be on time.

Strictly for registered SHC members only.   Not for institutional traders. 

Terence Seah

I read the Straits Times today.  The heading "Retirement means death" and the sub-heading "Urging seniors to stay active" and that "those who lead sedentary lives after retirement die quickly".  Pretty gloomy; but the message was strong.  Don’t retire, work.  People must remain active.  Use all your faculties.  Use them or lose. When a person retires, he must have a second career. 

For many of us, at our age, we do have strong views on retirement.  We have experience 45 years living on this earth.

Do you agree?  What do you think?  We can shout and we can complain.  Many of us have a good feel of the situation each of us are in today, and maybe tomorrow.  What can we do?  What should we do?  And, maybe as a club, what can we do?

Terence Seah 

Sat, 19 Jan 08 from 4 p.m. at East Coat Park Meet at the rear of McDonald Marine Cove (former East Coast Recreational Park). Rented bicycles are abundantly available at reasonable rates.

Activity will not be cancelled even if it rains but will be brought indoor to turn into chitchat session.

We will go for a dinner together after the session. Please come and join us.

Rain or shine, we will definitely be there 4 U. Look forward to seeing you guys.

Ah Nee, Jade Phua, Lily Ho n Yew Kwong

Who Are Coming – Ah Nee, Yew Kwong, Caroline, Andrew, Norlinda, Douglas Chan, Dan, Lina Ng, Anne To, Gingko, Veronique, Daisy Phua, Eileen Lee, Lisa Ong, Grace Kok, Mollie Tan, John Howe, Jimmy Chew & Sally & …

For guys n gals who cant make it tis time, no wori n we shall c u on 16 Feb 08.

Hi all SHCians

I came to know the club thru  the eNN newsletter and have been enjoying reading the interesting activities organised by the club. Cheers.

I am Alicia who loves the sun and that is why I look forward to my weekends doing either one of these activities like  roller-blading (not-pro), cycling, nature walking, swimming, trekking (if got kakis) etc etc. I also enjoy playing scrabble and practising yoga.

I am presently still working full time in a healthcare industry and hope to be able to work for the next ten years to come (official retirement age – 62)

Hope to see you all on the 17/1/08 meeting.

KONG HEE HUAT CHYE.

Alicia Soh