Month: February 2008

Terence,

In your comments on the comprehensive activities for March, you forgot to include the very FIRST activity, i.e. THE TENNIS at Tanah Merah Condo. We have around 20 people who have signed for this activity!

Roland

 Hi, all:

I have been in touch with Hotboys Kelong and am pleased to say that the closing date for payments to be made towards the kelong trip has been extended to 31 March 2008, or when the seating capacities of each coach minibus is taken up. (As stated in my earler post no. 1473)

I should also mention that there is a possibilty that groups other than SHC who confirm their trips before us may get the limited coach/minibus seats. This means we may have to seek other means of land transport, or could be left without land transport.

For this reason, I have to ask all who intend making the trip and require land transport not to put off payment to the last minute, but to make your payments early as you are able. Those who withdrew earlier may rejoin if conditions are more favourable now.

Also, the following individuals have still not responded to my earlier post re their intentions (going or not going) and whether they need land transport to and from Tanjong Leman Jetty, etc, with regards to to my post no. 1473 (Update on Kelong Trip (19/20 April 2008):

1. Chian Wah
2. Vincent Wong (withdrawn 8/3)
3. Jimmy Chew
4. Sally Chew
5. Alfred Ang
6. Margie Koh

To avoid confusion, I have closed this thread from comments. If you wish to write anything in connection with the above, please do so at Post No. 1473: Update on Kelong Trip (19/20 April 2008 –  (https://silverhairsclub.com/2008/02/1473).

Thank you, and have a nice day.

Ron Koh

I asked an Italian friend. "Do you make your own pasta?" She asked me. "Do you make your own chicken rice?" Which set me thinking.

Obviously, she can’t cook to save her life. But that’s not the important question.

Besides Italian pasta, many countries are identified by their favorite food eg British Fish and Chips, American Burger, Japanese Sushi etc. What do you think the world think of us.

What is our national dish. Which is the best version of the dish in question.  Are you Sporean enough to be able to cook it yourself.

Time to resume our mthly walk to burn up the calories accumulated during the festive celebrations.

Walk:  S’pore Guilin Park & Bt Batok Nature Park
Date:  08 March 2008 (second Sat/month)
Time: 4.30pm
Meeting Place:  Bt Gombak MRT Stn.  Those who drive, park behind the Stn or check comments Dolly#27 & Veronique#52
Total Time taken for walk:  one half to 2 hrs.
Do not forget umbrella, water bottle & camera (beautiful scenic spots).
NB: Slopes & steps to climb

From MRT stn, 5 mins walk to reach Guilin Park.  We walk 2 trails (15-20min).
We then proceed to Bt Batok Nature Reserve by the connector (half hr). The main entrance leads directly to "pond plaza".
Surrounding – very scenic and rich in fauna & floral & many species of birds.
We will also visit the site where Japanes soldies built a shrine to commemorate the dead (WWII).
More info: visit http://www.ecologyasia.com/html-loc/bukit-batok.htm

After walk: We take a bus to Bt Batok MRT stn.  Those who can stay, join us for dinner at Kopitiam.  Those who drive, can take MRT to Gomak stn to pick car after dinner.

We hope to see all the regulars and a warm welcome to New comers
Rain or shine – we’ll be there 4 u
VeronW, Mary, Charles,Christina CL
Philip Wee-  help with photography for tis walk. TQ

To facilitate those who wld like 2 know who’s coming

1Charles,  2Mary,    3ChristinaCL,   4Veron,   5Veronique    6June  ,     7Steven   
8Ah Nee,  9Eleanor,  10Lina Ng   11Gingko,  12Ann,    13John     14/15Paul&Jenny     16Dolly.  17EvelynOng  18CatherineChong    19/20 Rose&JackieChin      21DaisyPhua      22Leekingseng    23JoyceKwok    24MelissaKhng     25GraceWong    26/27 Kristin&VenikaLeong    28-31 janetNg, GraceTan, TaiJoo, Gek Hong,
32Mikekoh,      33Dennis&Wendy    34EstherPoon   35JoyceTan     36AaronHow   37 Philip    38 MaryChan
39HelenWong 40PhilipWee   41WeeChin     42LimSiewEng     43SusanChang 44NoraChia  45 Margie 46 Pauline    47 Sally         48 Karan

I want to share a good article on the budget and state of the real economy. We thank a SHC member for reminding me.
"Stagflation Hits Singapore as Inequity Grows"  Andy Mukherjee  Feb. 18 (Bloomberg)
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aZM2OxYMU7f8

"the perils of slowing growth and accelerating inflation"
GDP growth coming in at or less than 4% sees the economy braking. In addition, "..the bigger threat is clearly the 4.4 percent rate at which consumer prices rose from a year earlier in December, the quickest pace in a quarter century."
Translation :  Money comes in a drying trickle and pours out in a torrent.

We will have a free time slot for an informal meeting for SHC Investment Club at Scorebot on Thursday 20 Feb 2008 at 7pm. Free. We will discuss
(a) The Budget
(b)  CPF and implications
(c)  How to compute your annuity payout and manage your CPF.
(d)  Strategies to stay on top of the Real Economy 

"However, the rich have fared much better. Starting in 2000, inequality has widened a little every year. Singapore’s Gini coefficient, a widely used measure of income concentration, overtook that of the U.S. in 2006 and rose further last year to 0.485, a very high level of disparity for a society with an educated workforce."
In other words, being smart is suppose be the universal economic leveller. But in Singapore, the rich is even smarter in staying ahead.

Personally, I think the overall statistics understimates the truth. The offical inflation rate has long become a joke. Do you know a single living Sporean who is facing less than double digit inflation of costs? Hint: Forget CPI. See what they do, not what they say. Annualised their pay rise over the years to arrive at a true inflation index. The day that they pay themselves less than inflation will be the day that furry animals fly.

I was at a house party last Sat in Tanjong Rhu. Someone said  that every block in the area has enbloced except one. No wonder than there are so many parties there. So many relatively unassuming and unambitious people have become millionaires overnight doing nothing much except for holding on to their assets for long term until the right time. Smart investments can look very unfair to the guy who is asked to work to his grave. It takes only one good run and you are home on the beach.

Life is actually fair. Everyone has many chances in a lifetime. Few take them.  Question is which side on the inequity line stands thee. If you are on the wrong side, do you know how to cross over?

Here are the pictures of the CNY Lunch, taken by Dan Huang and Roland Tong.  Do you know 10 friends from the group photos?  Click Here.

And, if you have pictures of the event, and would like it published, please email me.

Terence Seah

Hi all Line Dancers,

 Here is a chance to join in to
participate in the 2008 NDP Line Dance performance (only 1 dance) ,
costumes and transport to stadium will be provided.  A total of
500 participants are needed , and a 90% attendance is required for all
practices (12 in all starting in May , for only 1 dance) to received
your free costumes and also tickets for you family for the NDP preview
(not the actual day) only.   For more details email me "bswi@yahoo.com". Closing
date is 30 Mar 2008 but act fast as there are more than 100,000 line
dancers in Spore.

Understand that some members here are interested 2 learn the followings –

1. How 2 convert normal songs into mp3 format.
2. How 2 record songs onto blank CD.
3. How 2 make copies (aka backup) of DVD of size below 4.7gb.
4. How 2 make copies (aka backup) of DVD of size exceeding 4.7gb (aka Dual Layer)
5. How 2 download songs from YouTube’s website 2 your PC.

What U must 1st have –

1. A PC or lappy (aka notebook)
2. A DVD writer
3. Blank DVDr n CDr
4. Nero Burning software (bundles with your DVD writer)
5. Cyberlink DVD player software (bundles with your DVD writer)
6. DVD Decrypter software (downloadable free)
7. DVD Shrink software (downloadable free)
8. Windows Media Player 10 or 11 (downloadable from Microsoft’s website)
9. Zamzar file conversion

One simple and convenient method is 2 search "how 2" on the Internet, a place with lots of guides. Otherwise, lets have your responses n see if we can find a way 2 cater to your needs.

Interested members –

1. Dan Huang (Queenstown/Redhill)
2. John Howe (Queenstown/Redhill)
3. Boon Liang (Tlk Blangah)
4. Catherine Chong
5. Ah Nee (Hougang)
6. Peng Peng
7. Eileen Lee
8. Lina Ng (Bishan)
9. Wee Chin
10. Gingko Tay (Pasir Ris)
11. Agnes Tan
12. Jie
13. Jonathan Ong
14. Alicia Soh
15. Ann To (Jurong)
16. Dennis Wee (Pasir Ris)
17. Rene Leong (Siglap)
18. Roland Tong (Tanah Merah)
19. Andrew Kuan (Tanah Merah)
20. Veronique Lee (Bt Batok)
21. Linda Chang
22. Norlinda (Siglap)
23. Marg Koh
24. Grace Kok (Bishan)
25. Elaine K
26. Annie Loh (Bedok)
27. Margaret Chan
28. Karen Thio
29. YH
30. Ann Lim

FAQ –

1. Venue – not fixed yet. Maybe Paya Lebar CC, Henderson CC, at your home if it can take in a group of 4 with broadband access n at least 1 PC or at McDonald if U can bring along a lappy.
2. Time Slot – likely on a Sat afternoon unless aft mid-Apr 08.

Just need your (only those who have indiciated their interest) opinion n comment –

If we hold I.T. workshops at ScoreBot, would U prefer to use PCs/Laptops provided or bring your own assuming that chargeable fees are the same?

Dear dancers, The Rumba and the Disco Rock classes has just ended! Now we are on to the Latin Cha Cha. Class will start every Tuesday starting February 26th, 2008, (7.30-8.30pm) Cost $90.00 for 8 lesson. If we exceed 15 persons, cost reduced to $85.00! Venue: Block 70A Geylang Bahru #02-2721 (above jalan besar Town Touncil) Rhythm n Waltz class Starting Saturday February 23rd, 2008, (7.15-8.30pm) Venue: Bishan Community Club Cost  $90.00 for 8 lessons (will be reduced further if we have more than 15 persons) Coach: Allan n Irene Bus n MRT route will be provided at a later date.  Please let me know your interest in joining in the fun! Danz, EO

Hi, kelong kakis :  

In a few days, Terence will let us know the bank account number to which we will be able to make our payments towards the kelong trip on 19/20 April 2008.

At the moment, 63 people have registered for the trip. The coach to/from Tg Leman Jetty is able to carry only 40 passengers, which means 23 people will have to find alternative land transport. We can hire smaller vehicles for 10 to 12 persons, but the cost per person is higher. I also believe some of you may prefer to drive up on your own, or are able to ‘tumpang’ others who are driving up.

Could those who have registered for the trip please indicate (by posting a comment here)  whether you need land transport to/from Tg. Leman Jetty, or whether you will be making the trip with your own transport?

We will be collecting S$100 per person who require land (coach, minibus) transport, and S$75 for those who are driving up or have buddies to ‘tumpang’ them.

We hope that this amount is enough to pay for the cost for the trip. Any money collected in excess will be refunded. In the unlikely event that the amount collected is insufficient, we trust that those going will not mind topping up the difference.

The S$100 will cover the cost of : 

• Transport by coach/minibus to & from Tg Leman Jetty;
• Entrance fee to the Tg. Leman Jetty;
• Stay at the Hotboys Kelong (including meals)

Meanwhile, Zen of Hotboys Kelong has provided the following clarifications to the questions some of you raised:

Beds  

Bunk beds will be provided, with mattresses, etc.

Toilet Facilities  

Let’s just say that the facilities are the type where denizens of the deep will be waiting to consume – directly – what the human body rejects.

First Aid Kits  

Basic First Aid kits will be available

Drinks  

Free flow of coffee, tea and drinking water will be provided

Sea Transport  (safety)  

I have been assured that life jackets will be available. The boats used are safe, in good condition and will not be overloaded.

Cost of Optional Activities, Purchases and Rentals  

A limited number of fishing rods and hand lines will be available for rent.

Fishing hooks, sinkers, lines, etc will be available for sale.

While activities such as mahjong, carrom, island hopping, etc are provided at no additional cost, a number of optional activities have to be paid for.

Please note that the S$100 / S$75 each person pays does not include the cost of such optional rentals / purchases / activities.

You may want to familarise yourselves with the kelong and its optional rentals / purchase / activities by visiting http://www.kelongfishing.com/index.asp.

Travel Insurance  

 Those requiring travel insurance are advised to purchase the insurance on their own.

Terence :  

Could you handle the collection and keeping track (who is paying and for whom) of payments, or assign someone else to manage this aspect of the trip?

Thanks.

Ron Koh

List of Participants who Require Land Transport To and From Tg Leman Jetty as at 21/2/2008: 

1. Tim Liu
2. Lily Ho Willocq
3. Dan Huang
4. Peng Peng
5. Mary Chan
6. Charles
7. S.B. Khoo
8. L.H. Jie
9. Gingko
10. Catherine Yeo
11. Eyvonne Chew
12. Grace Kok
13. Douglas Chan
14. Boon Liang
15. Veronique Lee
16. Ron Koh
17. Rosalind Koh
18. Ron Lai
19. Alice Lai
20. Alan Bok
21. Ann Chew
22. S.K. Chua
23. Andrew Koh
24. Grace Kang
25. Terence Seah
26. Dennis Wee
27. Wendy Wee
28. Veron Wong
29. Gwenyth
30. Eliza Chua
31. Alice Seah
32. Fong Cheong Kong
33. Pearlyn Tan
34. Wana Tay
35. Catherine Chan
36. Jennifer Ong
    

Dear cycling kakis

Rene and I intend to explore the park connectors beginning from Tanah Merah/Bedok area to Pasir Ris PK. This is an extension to the monthly cycling event and for those who feel cycling once a month is not enough.

This could be a long leisure ride of about 2hrs or less. Let us start early and enjoy the exercise.  We are looking for a show of hands.

Can I count- in : Charles, Andrew Kuan,  T.Seah, Tim L . Dennis W.  Alicia,  Ah nee, Daisy P.  Margie, Linda N. Boonliang, Jocye Tan and not forgetting Norlinda, Norlinda-no JB shopping for you.  I believe Yew Kwong will jog along or he has his own bike.

Please include your name If I have miss you.  Suggestions from members are welcom.

• Date : Feb23
• Time:08.30hrs
• Meeting PT: Bus stop beside Tanah Merah MRT stn.

Regards

Rene and Douglas

I had received some request for the above preview. To benefits those we are seriously interested to create a passive income I had arranged

Wednesday, 20 Feb 2008

7.30 pm at Scorebot for another preview.

It’s a two evening course with 3 months Expert Advisor Mentorship @$2,960 Public.

I am arranging for a special discount at $1k for SHC members only. If the batch can start with a minimium of 10 paxs. There will be a further discount of 30%. If neccessary, I will personally assist during the full Course and Mentorship period.

Pls note that a US$500 will be needed for opening a Micro A/C with FXDD to trade LIVE and test the auto trading & manual trading.

The trainer will be our SHC member KT Wong and his associate who had tested Algo trading for more than 3 years. The Algo are their own tested scripts.

This will be my 2008 resolution for all interested members.

Sign up HERE as comments.

Dennis Har,  Together we can achieve MORE.

The Travel Club idea has started, with some brilliant ideas from Joan (Perth), Mary (Perth), Ronald Wie (retirement living), KT Wong and EleanorC.

On 4 Jan 2008, KT Wong called a meeting to discuss the idea of a Travel Club.  I think we should take the various ideas further, and openly discuss the different ideas on this forum.  We should discuss the different opportunities here, until one or two solid directions appear on the horizon.  And, we can then put the ideas on a commercial platform.  It is always difficult to move further, after the small group discussions, if participants see no commercial gains.  I feel this project can benefit members who have retired, and would like to get into something financially meaningful, besides enjoying the fun of a Travel Club.

Topics of interests can include:  accommodatioin for incoming travellers, tourist guiding, niche packages, an online Travel Club portal to take reservations, promotions and marketing, participation by SilverHairsClub members, costs, IR opportunities, etc.

Initially, we might get off hand in the discussion, but we will finally find an angle.  So, if you feel you like this discussion topic, and are interesting to participate in the Travel Club, keep joining us on this thread.  For SilverHairs with experience in travel or property rental, please give  us your guidance.  Do you see a business opportunity in a Travel Club?

If you personally have an area you can contribute to the Travel Club, please raise your hand, and make sure we see you.  We are not expecting a free service, although we should be conscious of supply and demand forces.  Let’s start.

* Comments which stray away from the subject may be deleted.  We will close this thread for a consoidation on 31 March 2008.

Terence Seah

Hi everybody,  we shall try to give 2GreenDots.com another go.  It has not been successful, since it was first launched.  I guess there are a few reasons why ta boleh jalan.  Suggestions for improvements welcome.

If you have a business, and have a special offer or % discount to SHC members, please do let us know.   An apartment for rent, a car for sale, a seminiar or talk, rose for sale, special spa offer, books, tuition, looking for teachers, kueh kuehs for sale, delivery services, etc.

Please note advertising on the SilverHairsClub forum is not permitted.

Terence Seah

4.00 p.m. – Assemble outstide BHG (formerly known as Seiyu Dept Store) above Bugis mrt station, Bugis Junction, besides entrance facing direction of Victoria Street / Bugis Square.

4.10 p.m. – Walk over to coffee shop at Kelantan Lane for yummy original Sg Rd Laksa. (And famous Chendol mentioned by Terence – anyone knows where is this stall located?).

I will share with you tips on buying music CDs, VCDs & DVDs. How U can do quick browsing, check if they are originals, check conditions, how much U should pay n bargain, how 2 avoid nasty vendors, mind your manners, etc.

4.45 – 5.00 p.m. – Tour begins.

6.30 p.m. or later. Have dinner at Jalan Bersih hawker centre (remember the delicious turtle soup) or cross over to Little India (to have Indian food).

What U should bring – hat or shade (if U are afraid of the sun), poncho (in event it rains), camera (if U like 2 snap photos), pen n paper (if U want 2 take own notes), small changes like $1 coins, $2 n $10 notes.

What U shouldnt bring – umbrella and big handbags (may get into your way).

We hope this tour will get U familarise with what flea market is all about, what are the stuff U can sell, how U can organise your stall better, etc.

Who are coming –

1. Yew Kwong
2. Terence
3. Jie
4. Mary Chan
5. Catherine Chong
6. Ann To
7. Andrew Kuan
8. Ann Lim
9. Rosna Rauaee
10. Lily Ho
11. June Chin
12. Caroline Gee
13. SK Chua
14. Margaret Tian
15. Philip Wee
16. Priscilla Wee
17. Eleanor Chan
18. Oi Cheng
19. CJ
20. Ron Koh (hope 2 make it)
21. KT (hope 2 make it 2)

This is exciting. Incubated in the womb  of SHC’s forum
https://silverhairsclub.com/2008/01/1423

This is the long awaited planning meeting for Flea market and Origami project.

Venue:   Scorebot, 18 Bali Lane (nearest MRT Bugis Junction; Opposite Raffles Hospital; Other Parking at Kg Gelam open area,  Landmark, Bugis Junction or Raffles Hospital)

Date:    Monday, 11 Feb

Tine:    12:30 pm

Mentor:  Ron Koh

Free seating. All SHC members invited

The main subject is the Origami classes-cum-project. "Learn Origami and Earn $$$" program.

If time permits, we will unveil plans for the Flea Market program which also includes a total support program for SHC Flea Marketrepreneurs.

A fellow SHC member sent to me what seems to be very good advice in a chain e-mail. I double check its authencity.

http://www.hoax-slayer.com/identify-stroke.html

Here’s the abridged version

Identifying a stroke early can save life. Here’s how

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

S – Ask the individual to SMILE.

T – Ask the person to TALK and SPE AK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently, i.e. It is sunny out today)

R – Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

S – Stick out Your Tongue. If the tongue is ‘crooked’, if it goes to one side or the other , that is also an indication of a stroke.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call for help.

Hi! All,

I wish to start two tennis groups sometime in March if the response is good.

Group 1 : Those who can play the game

Group 2 : Those who are interested in learning the game

Please respond if you are interested and state which Group you wish to join.

1st Meeting : Saturday, 1st March, 2008

Time: 6.00pm – 8.00p.m.

Attire: Tennis Attire and Tennis Shoes{Please don’t wear "marking shoes"}

Tennis Rackets : Please bring your own

Tennis Balls : To share the cost of 100 Coach Balls (About $5-$10 each)

Please bring your own water as the weather can be very hot

Group 1                                                                           Group 2

1. John Seah                                                                   1. Dolly Lim

2. Loh Yew Kwong                                                          2. Caroline Gee

3. Andrew Kuan                                                              3. June Lim

4. Molly                                                                           4. Lee Ah Nee

5. Jeffrey Lim                                                                 5. Oi Cheng

6. Margie                                                                        6. Gingko

7. Ronald Wie                                                                 7. Veron Lee

8. Janet Loo                                                                   8. Fong Cheong Kong

9. Eunice                                                                        9. Rene Leong

10.Hock Lye                                                                  10. Norlinda

11.Michael Ong                                                              11. Agnes Tan

12.                                                                                 12. Jasmine Teo

13.                                                                                 13. Elaine Kong

14.                                                                                 14. Bira

15.                                                                                 15. Angeline Kong

Get it. It is the most important policy statement for your financial planning.

http://www.straitstimes.com/print/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/STIStory_202070.html

To sum 5 recommendations + 1

1 Refunds. Families of those who die before reaping the full sum of what they had paid in premiums, get back the remainder

2 Flexibility. The choice of deciding at what age they want to start getting money from their annuity.

3 Payout. Default from 85 to 80

4 CPF Board to administer it.

5 New Name. Rename Longevity Insurance as Life-Long Income

6 Exemptions. Not compulsory for People who do not have enough in their CPF Minimum Sum, the medically unfit, people with private annuity plans and civil servants with pensions.

The last may be the best. This is the one that is not included in the publised summary of 5 recommendations. The one they hope that you missed in the fine print.

What do you think?

Have you hooked your tV up to internet? What is the best way to view your  multimedia internet content from photos to video on your big screen TV.

Tell us about your favorite content provider.  Share your experience.