Author: Terence Seah

For new Forum users:  There are two ways to participate in this forum.  One is to write a Post; Two is to write a Comment.

All Comments are automatically approved, if the comment has no URL or links.  There are also some few hundred words which are considered sensitive.  In this case, they go into a moderation queue, and we may approve them within 48 hours.  If the comment is not approved, they will be deleted.

All SilverHairsClub members using this forum can write a new Post.  However, they would need to save as Draft.  Within 48 hours, the Post would be approved.  If the Post is not approved, they will be deleted.  Experienced Forum users, who have successfully written a number of Posts, would have their Posts automatically published.  Only appointed SHC Event Organisers would be given the Edit feature.

As a rule, forum users should not Post or Comment, edit or delete for another person or organisation.

You will know that your membership has been terminated, if you do not receive the monthly SHC updates or you can no longer participate in this forum.  But, no problem, if you have a Q, you can SMS me, with your name attached.

Terence Seah 9489-4360

If you know of a place for rent, not for a few days, but from 1 month to 1 year to a few years, please let us know here.  I shall get someone to organise this availability to members. 

The place can be a house, condo or a townhouse.  Location can be Singapore, China, Philippines, India, Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos or Indonesia.

Get one digital picture of the place, the street name (exact address not required), city, number of rooms, no. of bathrooms, dates availability, TV, internet, proximity to hospitals, markets and department stores, contact email address, mobile tel (optional), distance from airport and interesting sites and places of interests around the place, and finally the rate on a per week or per month basis.  Dont worry if the place is on the tree top, somewhere up in the mountains, on some rice fields, remote beaches or right in the middle of the city. Once you have the above details, you may email me all the above, at one time please.

Compilation will be done on the internet (www.2GreenDots.com).  Responses will go directly to you, via your mobile number or email address given.  When we reach approx 50 locations, we shall invite one or two members to manage this project professionally. 

Hopefully, this will be another way of getting short-term retirement living or holidays started.  This idea came about from yesterday’s monthly gathering.  Have fun.  Let’s get started.

Terence Seah

We have had a number of discussions on retirement and retirement village.  Ronald Wi (retired) went to Phuket, and we should hear from him.  For those who have not retired, share with us your plans and thoughts.  For those who have retired, share with us your ideas too.

What is your dream retirement?  Please comment on your retirement plan and ideas.

Terence Seah

Hi everybody,

The good thing with members of this forum is that there is no shortage of suggestions.  The latest suggestion is to link a member’s Post or Comment to his/her photo.  I think it is a good idea too, but gosh this is going to take up a lot of time.  But, I think it is good and we should go ahead.  Very often, we cannot tell one June from another June or even another June.

Putting up a photo is optional.  So, it goes like this.  When you read a Post or a comment, you will see this, for example.

Name: Terence | E-mail: terences@silverhairsclub.com | URI: https://silverhairsclub.com | IP: 58.143.73.0

Usually, the URI is empty.  This is because there is no link to a webpage.  We can link your photo to the above URI.

As this requires time, I would like two show of hands.  The job is to take a photo of forum members (optional), and upload this to the SHC server.  Alternatively, the forum participant sends you a digital photo.  This photo is then given to the forum member, as a URI link.  The URI link is inserted into the forum member’s profile.  So, when a Post or Comment is posted, new members can click on the URI and see the photo.

I have to apologise I am unable to do this function due to my travel schedule.  If you would like to do this task, please raise your hand.  The requirement is you must be willing to spend 30 mins a day, anytime of the day.  Important you have a PC, preferably with broadband access.  Ideally, you should be retired, and very patient with forum members who are not internet savvy.  No experience is not a problem, as you will be trained.  You must love chatting, and loves meeting members, especialy at monthly gatherings.  Should have a simple digital camera, if not, one will be provided.  Male or Female.  Age over 45.  This is volunteer service, and the term is two years, ending 31 Dec 2007.

Look forward to hearing from you. 

Terence Seah

When you write a POST, please add it to a Category.  This helps other SilverHairs find your POST when searching for an activity.

When someone writes a Comment in your POST, you will also receive an alert in your email.  You are therefore encouraged to write a Profile of yourself, so that others can contact you.

Terence Seah

I have been a golf player since 1990.  My swings can be soso or bad, depending on whether I have a couple of beers with me.  Used to play at least twice a week.  But, really, can’t seem to find enough time nowadays.

In the last few years, I prefer to play during competitions, and usually, I land up being the last or second last.  But, not shy, I continue to enjoy the game.  It’s fun and relaxing.  Golf is not cheap; and it’s time-consuming for some.  But, the game is healthy, considering the walk and the body swings.  For many, golf is good exercise for the body, and good for friendship.  Maybe good for retirees too.

We have some good golfers in the SilverHairsClub.  And, of course, we have some, who likes to try a hand at it.  There are interests to play in Malaysia, and there are in interests to go to the driving range.

We can start a Golf Kakis list here.  Newbies and amateurs, feel free to put your name here.  And, if you have a spare or unwanted golf set, hiding somewhere in your home or office, you can offer it here too.   Someone may want it.  Even, the odd iron 5, or 5 wood or the single putter.

So, let’s proceed with the list first.  Calling all Golf Kakis….

Registration:

• Good enough on the green – Daniel Kang, Terence Seah, Charles Wee, Pauline ?, Eleanor Chan, Ronald Wie, Ah Nee, Molly, Bessie Lam, Jeremy, Andrew, Gywneth Lee, Daniel Kang (left hand golfer)
• Good enough to start on the driving range – Annto, Ann Lim, Susan Chang, Norlinda

Terence Seah

The Blue Helmet project is currently at its business plan stage.  For SHC members who may not be familiar with this project, Blue Helmet is intended to take the tasks of being a one-stop shop where companies can recruit experienced professions.  Other tasks include training and continued education.  Many SilverHairs have retired, and Blue Helmet hopes that their skills, knowledge and experience can continue, after 55 or 62.

Currently, we are looking for SilverHairs, with experience in:

• Managing Human Resource departments
• Managing Finance and accounting departments.

If you feel you can contribute to the Blue Helmet project, at this stage of project submission, please raise your hands.  If you put your name here, KT Wong or myself will be in touch with you.

For earlier discussion on this forum, please click onto category ‘Blue Helmet".

Terence Seah/KT Wong

The July gathering focused on small business ideas.  But, importantly, as I see it, many of the ideas centred around "What can SilverHairs do to keep ourselves financially sufficient to bring us through our retirement years". 

What’s enough?  Two years ago, Vincent said $500 is enough.  A few days ago, we hear from the floor that we need $1,500 or $2,500 per month.

During the gathering, participants had only 5 minutes or less.  Presentations had to be brief.  We can now continue the discussion without being cut short for time.  Let’s use this forum.  I took some notes; but really did not do a good job.  Let me put the pointers down; and you can elaborate from here.

We had how to tap funds for business, bicycle rental, hot dogs, an investment club, retirement villages, Blue Helmet, online trading and investing, service to look after elderly, community work, family tree, and cakes to friends and neighbours.

Don’t be shy.  Write your ideas here.  Many SilverHairs read this forum.  Your participation can help create the bigger picture of what we SilverHairs can do when we retire, at 50, 60 or 65. 

Terence Seah

The July SilverHairsClub gathering is confirmed as follows:

• Date:  Tues, 17 July 2007
• Time:  1700 – 2100 hrs.  (1700 – 1800 hrs Getting to know one another. Free sitting).
• Place: Pret A Manger, 35 Robinson Road, The Ogilvy Centre #01-02/06.
• Toilets at Lau Pa Sat.
• Entrance:  Free.  Strictly for registered SHC members. 
• Hungry? Try the Roti Prata at Lau Pa Sat first.
• Background comments by other Silverhairs, Click here.
• Voucher: $2 for drinks or food, at cafe.
• Housekeeping:  On arrival, get a sticky label and a voucher from Oi Cheng.  Write your name clearly on the label, and paste it on your blouse/shirt. 

The discussion topics will centre around "Small Business by SilverHairs".  Ideal for SilverHairs with the entrepreneur spirit.  Also, an opportunity to pool together resources as a group.  Focus on continued income for retirees or would-be retirees.  If you have a topic, please raise your hands now.  We shall allocate you 5 minutes.  Write your idea on a piece of paper.  It helps when you come up to speak during the evening.

This session is NOT for discussions on financial investments, retirement savings, online trading on stocks, commodities or forex, retirement village, travel or short-term living overseas, insurance, MLM and jobs.

Get to meet other SilverHairs.  Come share your ideas.  What can the SilverHairsClub do together as a group; to keep our minds active, body fit and ATM working? 

Please observe strictly the rules on popolitics, religion, race, sex, direct selling or MLM.

Registered to come:

1. Gingko Tay – like to meet more members
2. Susan Chan
3. Molly Chua
4. Andrew Yeung
5. Oi Cheng (Registration)
6. KT Wong – Moonmask, how to commercialize an outrageous invention.
7. Terence Seah
8. Rene Leong
9. Peggy Ho
10. Benson Koh
11. Lee Ah Nee
12. Ann To
13. Clara Chay
14. Kenneth Tan
15. Tim Liu S B Khoo
16. Mary Tan
17. Shirley Wong – Event organiser
18. Catherine Ho – fingers crossed, hoping to come.
19. Alice Teo
20. Caroline Gee
21. Thomas Kwan
22. Patrick Yeo
23. Chin Kim Sen
24. Michelle Siew
25. Mike Seah
26. C J Ang
27. Dennis Wee
28. Maria Tan
29. Edwin Ong
30. LH Jie – (Registration)
31. Daisy Leng
32. Brian Lau
33. Caroline Gee K F Soong
34. Christina Chan
35. Bernard Lau
36. Alfred Ang
37. Leo Sim
38. Pauline Tan
39. Alfred Mak
40. Joe Khoo
41. Richard Lim
42. Eileen Ang
43. Cindy Low
44. Catherine Yeo
45. Linda Chang
46. Chris Sew
47. Mani Palanisamy
48. Thomas Goh
49. Hasimah Hashim
50. Clarice Ng
51. Dolly Lim
52. Benson Sim
53. Richard Baey
54. James Chan
55. Victor Tng
56. Eyvonne Chew
57. Prema Lata
58. Grace Wong
59. Joe Kang
60. April Tan
61. Patrick Lim
62. Gary Loke – Education and training in China
63. Jo Tay
64. Rosalind Koh
65. Sophia Lim
66. Jeffrey Chan
67. Peter Goh
68. Louis Kong
69. Huang Choon Swee
70. Cheryl Ho
71. Loh Yew Kwong
72. Patrick Koh
73. Winnie Lim
74. Geoffrey Lim
75. Aaron How
76. Jessica Chua
77. Veronica Ng
78. Laura Wee
79. Edwin Fong
80. Daniel Kang
81. C Y Lee
82. Charles Wee
83. James Seah – Project YoungOnce
84. Mike Koh
85. Rene Leong Catherine Chong
86. Thomas Ong
87. Janet Ng
88. Christopher Lim
89. Teresa Chuah
90. Jocelyn Giam
91. Francis Sim
92. Wong Li Li
93. Norlinda
94. Strictly for SilverHairsClub Members. Registration closed.  New registers will be placed on waiting list.  The speaking list is limited.  Don’t be shy.  If you have an idea, please raise your hand.  "What can SilverHairs do in small groups?"  Waiting list below.
95. Agnes Tan

Shirley Wong/Terence Seah

The SHC website is not designed conveniently for members to sell their new or unwanted items, services, food items, rent their premises or sell their cars.  We have heard your feedback for some months; and the website is now relaunched.

Please feel free to advertise any product or services.  For example:

1. Renting out your car on a daily or weekly basis.
2. Offering home made food, bread or pastries.
3. Conducting courses in finger massage, using the internet or learning Indonesia or how to bowl?
4. Undersized dresses or clothes, which you no longer use.
5. Toys, sofas, television, walking sticks, unwanted PCs, bags
6. Renting or selling your 5-room apartment.
7. Conducting hobbies classes, swimming, Chinese chess, etc.
8. Anything.

This is open to the public, and not limited to SilverHairs.  So, please look into your store, or sell your skills and services.  Have fun!.

Terence Seah

Some of the 2005 members may remember that in 2005, we were looking for Match makers for the SilverHairsClub.   Unlike the typical roles of Match makers, the SHC Match Makers do not play the role of matching singles or male/female pairs.

Many of us join the SilverHairsClub to meet friends, and share our interests with other SilverHairs.  However, some of us are shy, or may not feel comfortable to share our interests with others.  This is where the role of SHC Match Makers come in.

A SHC Match Maker would usually know between 100 and 300 members.   Definitely someone who regularly participates on the website forum or during the monthly gatherings.  A key task would be to know each and everybody’s interest.

For example if you are in one of the groups, and would like to know there is someone who loves oil painting, the Match Maker may be able to help you.  If you are a fan of Korean movies, the Match Maker may be able to introduce you to another member who watches Korean movies from 8am to 8pm.

In August, some of you will be introduced to the Match Maker in your group.  We hope you will get to know him/her better, and that you will be able to find new friends with common interests.

Do continue to share your interests on this website.  You have to open up, so that others will know you.  The Match Makers can help you to some extent, but you have to make the first move.  Dont be shy.  

Terence Seah

In the past, we rely on letters, postcards, meetings.  Today, we have the internet.  SHC promotes the use of the internet and email.  More than 99% of our members have email addresses.  But, many are not comfortable with using the internet for other purposes.  SHC has tried online webchats; but this has not been successful.  Well, let’s try again.

The benefits of SHC webchats:

1. A great e-learning activity.
2. Enables you to contact members from other parts of the world.
3. Enables you to give small seminars to the SilverHairs, from your home.
4. Enables you to teach your favourite subject, to the world.

I have just enabled the star-conference software, and if you have successfully downloaded this program on your computer, you will hear a radio program.  Successful users will be invited to participate in SHC webchats, participate in seminars and give talks and presentations.

Successful users, please let us know here.  Click here to start.

Terence Seah

I guess we can now take the next active approach towards setting up a cafe or a F&B joint.  To read what other SilverHairs had discussed, read about earlier discussion here.  If, after reading the discussion, and you have a strong interest in setting up a F&B joint, you can join the discussion.

Two SilverHairs Shirley Wong and Daniel Kang have positively indicated tremendous interest.  At the same time, we have Lily Ho, Margaret Cheo, and Andrew Yeung, with previous experience in F&B.  Rene, SB Khoo, Ronald Wi and June have expressed interests to participate.

• Date:  Thur 5 July 2007.
• Time:  1900 – 2100 hrs
• Place:  Raffles MRT (exact place will be informed to participants).

Please note this meeting is not a discussion on the pros and cons of setting up a F&B joint.  The purpose of the meeting is to turn the ideas into fruit.

Terence Seah

All of us have books at home.  We have read them, and they are nicely left on the shelf.  It would be nice if we can borrow some of these books; equally nice, if we can lend others these books.

Books helps us to stay alive.  It refreshes the minds.

All SilverHairsClub members meet regularly, at monthly gatherings, walks, cycling, chats or parties.  We can exchange these books.  Remember to return though.  If you have a book that you like to lend someone, share the name of your book here.

Lending and borrowing books are also excellent ways to get to know one another better.

Terence Seah

Have a look at the photo at the top of the SilverHairsClub website.  Don’t you think it needs a change?  Instead of me taking the photograph, how about you making use of your telephone camera, and emailing me the digital photo.  If we receive more than one photo, we shall have a vote.

Let your fingers follow your heart.

Terence Seah

Here are some statistics.  Most members start to visit the SHC website at 0800 hrs and 2300 hrs each day.  Usually, the lowest peak period is 1700 hrs.  Maybe, this is because many SilverHairs are still working.  See the trends here.

You are encouraged to share your interests with other SilverHairs.  We want to hear from you.  I see there are interests to discuss investments, health and business issues.  These topics are encouraged.  If your Posts or Comments are not published or deleted, you may email the administrator to enquire.  We will get you a reply within 48 hours.

Here are some reasons why your Posts or Comments may not be published.

• Some key words are objectional.  Note the club’s taboos.
• Any reference to external websites, names, addresses or telephone numbers.  Promoting any external organisation without administrator’s approval.
• Automatic Posting authority may be granted to those who have posted at least 3 Posts.
• Comments authority is granted to all members.
• For jokes, and information only articles, please  use Non-SHC stories, jokes, info   under Pages.
• And, if you write a Post, without a category, chances are your Posts will be held back.
• Other than SHC activities, any Post over 15 lines may be delayed.  Please keep within the 15  line text box.  No limit on comments

As a new feature, we have added "Latest Posts" and "Latest Comments" for your convenience.  This is at the very top of the website.

Have fun.

A couple of times, Christina Chan had requested for an easier way to have a Calendar of Events, which can be easily seen by all members.  However, I have conveniently forgotten about the request each time.  Sorry about this.  With the current system, when events are posted, they are usually lost after a number of postings by members.

Well, we have just purchased a Web Calendar, latest Version 2.2c.  This is an online calendar which members can view, at the click of a button.

However, some work is needed.  We have to learn how to use it.  But, it’s easy.  So, I am looking for a SilverHairsClub member with a neck for playing with websites.  Someone who would download the file, learn how to set up events, and then upload the whole calendar to the internet.  You will be given a username and password.  Once you become an expert, you will continue to maintain the SHC Calendar of Events.

You will then have to teach all the Event Organisers how to use it and post their programs on this calendar.  If they cannot do it, and find such work too demanding, then you will have to do it, for all of them.

Would you like to do it?  Term of office: 2 years.  It’s fun, because you wont be paid.  Let me know if you are keen. I shall then give you the basic URL to start reading.

Terence Seah

Currently, the SHC website is moderated.  We get approx 5 spams a week, and usually, they are killed before you see it.  The spams are usually about viagra and online medical purchase.  With this change, spams will appear; but we will kill them, once we spot them.

"Comments" are moderated.  They make take between 1 minute to 24 hours, before they are approved to appear on this website.  Considering the type of comments we are getting so far, I am thinking of allowing Comments" to be approved in real time.  We skip the moderation process.  In other words, if you write a "Comment", and submit it, the "Comment" is automatically approved.  This will make the SilverHairsClub website fast and more exciting.

As for "Post", everybody can write a "Post".  If you have a record of keeping within the rules of the club on this website, your "Post" will appear automatically too.  If not, you can still write, but your "Post" will be moderated.

This means that username "Guest" will have to be deleted.  This also means that a published "Comment" or "Post" can be deleted by the administrator whenver it is found to be unacceptable.

For SilverHairs who have long stories to tell or share with other members, please use Pages "Non-SHC stories, jokes, info".  Do not write as a Post or a Comment.  This is space optimisation.

Effective immediately.  This feature may be withdrawn, if widely abused.  I hope not, as we are all SilverHairs.

(And, if this feature does not work today, I am sure I can get it to work by Monday.  I see a little snag.) 

Terence Seah

Let’s see if this idea makes cents.

Last Sunday, I was in Perth, and while looking around the city, I saw a group of SilverHairs, under some large trees.  They were having a car boot sales.  Various items eg unusused home items, small plants, Malaysian coffee, old pictures and books and clothes were placed at the back of the car or on small tables.  The items sell for a few cents to a few tens of dollars.  There were no commercial items.  No open air or cooking.  Maybe, some tightly closed bottles of curry gravy or home made chilli sauces.

Well, I was wondering if these SilverHairs really make any pocket money, selling their used wares.  In fact, they were having fun, and were chatting with one another, sharing their coffee which they had brought along in hot flasks and enjoying the morning sun.  They had become good friends.

The SilverHairsClub hopes to organise the 1st car boot sales, in a private car park or at a relaxing spot, under some coconut trees.  This could be a Sunday, say from 4 – 6pm.  Every SilverHairsClub member, with a car or pickup, can put items for sale at the the back of the car or lay them on a table.  All proceeds go directly to the individual SilverHairs.  Budget $3 for the use of the space and a classified ad in the Straits Times..  We need to look for a space.

Tentatively, Sunday, 22 July 2007, 1600 – 1800 hrs.   I guess we need to work the details.  But, if you are interested, please put your name here. 

I am also looking for an Event Organiser for the Car Boot Sales.  Please put your hands up.  The idea is to make this car boot sales a regular SilverHairsClub activity.

Participation:

1. Lily Ho
2. Dolly Lim
3. Caroline Gee
4. Yew Kwong
5. Suzhang
6. Charles Wee
7. Joyce Kwik
8. Veron Lee
9. June Lim
10. Joyce Kwik
11. Ivy Low
12. KT Wong
13. Joy Chuang
14. Chee
15. Lee Ah Nee
16. Strictly for SilverHairsClub members.

This carboot sales planned for 22 July 2007 is OFF for the moment, due to no approval for the use of the carpark space.  We will get back with other ideas, raised in this Post.

Terence Seah