FaceTime and Skype

IT Event for Month of September

Topic: E-Communication (Learn how to FaceTime with iPhones & iPads and using Skype with android smartphones & tablets)

Date: 12th September 2015 (Saturday)
Time: 3PM to 5PM
Venue: Bukit Merah Library
Admission is Free.

hewlee (EC)
Those registered coming:
1) Joy Chuang
2) Lilian Teo
3) Freda Lim
4) Winnie Tan
5) Pauline Chew
6) Eyvonne Chew
7) Ann Giri
8) Priscilla Wee
9) Daisy Yeo
10) Edward Lim
11) Gingko Tay
12) Joan Ang (not coming)
13) Peter Loo
14) Jimmy Tsin
15) Theresa Seow (not coming)
16) Wendy Lum
17)

 

 

Embracing a Digital Lifestyle

I am starting a WhatsApp chat group to allow those interested to share their IT (computer) discoveries with those in the group.
For those interested, we can arrange meetups in foodcourt, cafe, library or even in a volunteer’s home. You can also provide feedback to me as to what computer topic or smart devices (iPhone, smartphone, iPad, tablet) you would like to learn more or have trouble with. I can then consider to include in my monthly free IT (computer) talks in the library or other venues.Currently I am providing an IT (computer) talks on the second Saturday of the month in Bukit Merah Library. Please visit my blog for details.

I am also, if time permits, considering doing another two hours IT (computer) Talk on a rotational monthly basis in various library branches.To keep up with active ageing, I do also organize high tea, photo walks, sculptures hunting and other anniversary type of events like the once a year Christmas Walk.

For those interested, please provide me with your full name and mobile number through email, hewlee@gmail.com. Please do not provide your telephone number in the comments of this post.

hewlee

IT Talk – Using Facebook

The talk will cover how to make a new post with photos, comment on posts received from friends including recommended settings on Facebook account and the like.

If you have an iPad or any smart devices (tablet, smartphone) please bring along.

Topic: Using Facebook
Date: 11-07-2015 (Saturday)
Time: 3PM to 5PM
Venue: Bukit Merah Library (BML), Level 3
Attendance is free

Hewlee
EC

Talk on Social Networking Using Facebook

Topic: Social Networking Using Facebook
Date: 13th June 2015 (Saturday)
Time: 3PM to 5PM
Venue: Bukit Merah Library (Swordfish Room – Level 3)
Admission is Free

What is Social Networking? Learn how to create a Facebook Account and make use of it smartly. These and more will be discussed in the June IT gathering.

We all are social animals. We need to communicate and keep in touch with our friends, our relatives and love ones. No man is an island (Ref: John Donne). NO one is self-sufficient. Everyone relies on others.
hewlee (EC)

Those registered coming:
1) Walk-in public (more than eight)
9) Susan Sia
10)

Learn how to create and use an Email Account

In 1971, the first email was sent. Before that, we write on a piece of paper, put in an envelope with an address, go to the Post Office to buy the stamps and post it. It may take about 2 weeks to reach our friends or love ones.

Though the above is still available, we now has a better and more efficient way to communicate. We call this “E-Communication”.

With E-Communication, we can communicate through emails (and other means) and your friends or love ones will receive your “letter” almost instantly.

If you have never done this before and are interested to learn, continue to read the following …

Topic for the month: E-Communication
Date: 11th April 2015 (Saturday)
Time: 3PM to 5PM
Venue: Bukit Merah Library (Level 3)
Admission is Free

Hewlee (EC)

 

2-Days Movie Making Course (11/3 & 12/3)

I am organizing another 2-sessions course on Movie Making using Microsoft Windows Movie Maker program. It will be on 11/3 & 12/3 (Wednesday & Thursday) from 2PM to 5PM. The course can only accept a maximum of six participants. I already have three registered and can take in another two or three more.

Those interested are requested to attend a briefing and also to confirm in writing that you are coming and would like to be registered. Details of the briefing session are as follows:

Date: 07-03-2015 (Saturday)
Time: 3PM to 5PM
Venue: City Hall Food Court (MRT – City Hall)
Meeting Place: Just outside ticket gates @ City Hall MRT
We will start walking to food court @ 3.05PM.

hewlee (EC)

Those registered coming:
1) registered
2) registered
3) registered
4) Doreen Tay
5) Priscilla Wee
Registration is now CLOSED.

 

Talk on Surfing the Internet (14-02-2015, Saturday)

What is the Internet?
How do we connect to the Internet?
What can Internet do for us?
Do you know if you are 50plus, you can go to any library and surf the Internet free for one hour everyday.
The above questions and others will be answered. Come and join in the discussion. It is for beginners, the 50plus, wanting to learn more about the Information Technology (IT). If you have an iPad or any smart devices (tablet, smartphone) please bring along.
Topic: Surfing the Internet.
Date: 14-02-2015 (Saturday)
Time: 3PM to 5PM
Venue: Bukit Merah Library (BML), Level 3
Attendance fee: free
Hewlee
EC

2-Sessions Course on Movie Making

I am organising a 2-sessions course on Movie Making using Microsoft Windows Movie Maker program. It will be on two Wednesdays (21/1 & 28/1) from 2PM to 5PM. The course can only accept a maximum of six participants.

Those interested are requested to attend a briefing and also to confirm in writing that you are coming and would like to be registered. Details of the briefing session are as follows:

Date: 17-01-2015 (Saturday)
Time: 3PM to 5PM
Venue: City Hall Food Court (MRT – City Hall)
Meeting Place: Just outside ticket gates @ City Hall MRT
We will start walking to food court @ 3.05PM.

Hewlee (EC)
The following are registered and confirmed coming:
1) Non-member
2) Andrew Yeung
3) Doreen Tay
4) Lawrence Lee
5) May Woo
Registration is NOW CLOSED.

iPad Tutorial on 10-01-2015 (Saturday)

NLB has an on-going iPad for loan program in Bukit Merah and Bedok Libraries. In assisting the 50plus in learning how to use an iPad and also have an opportunity to pick up some IT (Information Technology) skills, I have volunteered to assist and to compliment this iPad for loan program.All 50plus are welcome to participate in this tutorial class. To register, please contact the Library Help Desk (Reference iPad Tutorial @ Bukit Merah Library on 10-01-2015). You can either arrange to borrow an iPad from the library or bring your own to the class.If your own iPad does not have a SIM card with data plan, then you have to create a Wireless @ SG free Wi-Fi account. Assistance is provided to help you to create this account in the classroom.

Topic for the Day: How to download Apps to iPad?
(Remaining time will use as general discussion on other usage of iPad and Q&A)

Date: 10-01-2015 (Saturday)
Time: 3.00PM to 5.00PM
Venue: Bukit Merah Library (Level 3)

hewlee

Xmas Walk (19-12-2014, Friday – 6.30PM to 9.30PM)

It is the time of the year again where we will say goodbye to the current Year (2014) and welcoming the New Year (2015).

It is also timely to count our blessing year by year by meeting with like-minded people to cherish our fellowship and having a simple Christmas food court dinner together. As with any other years, this is a good time and opportunity to stroll, after dinner, along Orchard Road and try your night photography skills with your smartphone and/or camera. For those interested, please see details below.

Date: 19th Dec 2014 (Friday evening)
Time: 6.30PM to 9.30PM
Meeting Place and Start Point: Tanglin Mall Food Court (junction of Orchard Road & Grange Road). End Point will be at Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station.
Program:
1) Dinner before chat: 6.30PM to 7.30PM: for those who can come early, we can have a dinner together in the food court and getting to know each other better.
2) Fellowship: 7.30PM to 8.30PM: Chat at Mall (free n easy – form your own small group on per table basis). Share what you have experienced this year, your reflections, what you can do better,
3) Start walking: 8.30PM to 9.30PM: Start walking and picture taking.
4) For those who want to know how they can enhance their computer skills, please come a bit earlier, say 6.00PM or stay back in Plaza Singapura Kopitiem till 10.30PM.
Size of Gathering: Registration will close when 20 is reached. This is an EC (Event Coordinator) event.
Hewlee
SIWA (2013)

Those coming:
1) Charles Wee
2) Gabriella Chua
3) Winnie Tan
4) Maureen Lee
5) Grace Kang
6) Joan Ang
7) Leon Lau
8) Peter Loo
9) Laura Wee
10) Dorothy Low
11) Serene Low
12) Noelle Tan
13) Moon Wong
14) Eyvonne Chew
15) Christina Pan
16) Lily Lim
17) Irene Poh
18) Lina Tian
19) Marg Tian
20) Irene Chua
21) Dorine Tan
Registration is now CLOSED.

 

IT Camp for the K-12

Do you have any grandchildren who are savvy with smart devices and the computer? This year-end school holidays, I am organizing one IT Camp for the K-12 (i.e. those kids who have just completed the PSLE exams).

Details of the IT Camp are as follows:
Theme: To learn how to do digital storytelling.
Duration of Course: 6-sessions (3-hours each)
Time: 9.00 am to 12 noon
Dates: 8/12, 10/12, 12/12, 15/12, 17/12 & 19/12/2014
Venue: Telok Blangah (nearest MRT – HarbourFront NE Line)
Course fee: $60 per participant (parents to leave children in the class)
Maximum participants per run: Six (I only have six computers)
Registrations on first come first served after confirmation of course fee paid.

Course Contents: Participants will learn how to use their own resources (e.g. images, music and text) to develop a story using the Microsoft Windows Movie Maker. The topic of the story can be the participants’ personal experiences with events like wedding functions, birthday parties, touring other countries, or just a visit to the Gardens, etc. Images (photos) can be from the photo albums or download from the iPhone/camera. About 20-30 photos are required.
Prerequisite: Participants to have a basic knowledge of the computer and the Internet.

Please email me (hewlee@gmail.com) if you have any clarification.
Hewlee (EC)

Learning IT Without having the Smart Device

A smart device is one equipment that has a processor and can WhatsApp, sending & receiving short messages anywhere around the world for FREE and connect to the Internet. Examples … like your smartphone, tablet, iPhone, iPad, desktop & laptop computer, etc.

There are opportunities now to learn first before buying. It goes like this – There are two libraries, Bedok and Bukit Merah, having an iPad for loan program. I don’t quite know the details, but it goes something like this – you register for an iPad loan (normally is about for 3 weeks). You have to personally go to the library to collect it. Bukit Merah has the collection day, normally on the last and first Friday of the Month – in the evening. On the day of collection, a staff or volunteer (like me) will show you how to use the iPad, create a wireless@SG account (so that you can continue to use the iPad for the rest of the 3-weeks – in the library or anywhere that provide you with the free wireless@SG free Wi-Fi network.

Three weeks is not the end of your IT learning. If you are over 50 years old, you can use any library computers in any branch, FREE for the first hour. Subsequent extension of time will be on a nominal charge.

For those that are interested in this program, you can indicate your interests in this post. I will keep you inform of happenings related to IT whenever I know it.

Happy learning …

hewlee (EC)

 

 

Using Microsoft Windows Movie Maker

I am organising a 3-sessions course on using Microsoft Windows Movie Maker program. It will be on three Fridays in October from 2PM to 5PM. The course can only accept a maximum of six participants. [Ref: Please also read previous post titled “Familymemory.SG”].

Those interested are requested to attend a briefing and also to confirm in writing that you are coming and would like to be registered. Details of the briefing session are as follows:

Date: 27-09-2014 (Saturday)
Time: 3PM to 5PM
Venue: City Hall Food Court (MRT – City Hall)
Meeting Place: Just outside ticket gates @ City Hall MRT
We will start walking to food court @ 3.05PM.

The following are registered and confirmed coming:
1) Winne Tan
2) Bobby Bok
3) Non-member
4) Lilian Teo
5) Jassmine Teo
6)

hewlee (EC)

IT, computer and smartphone courses – Sharing and teaching

training3  training4  training2

All of us want to learn.  It used to be taken courses on computers – desktops and notebooks.  Today, there are smartphones.  Not a new idea, but we have always talk about closing the digital gap between the savvy and non-savvy members.  If only, we have a place. Many of our members have the knowlede and the experience.  Learners can pay a fee, and the proceeds can go to pay the cost of the venue, the instructors, etc.   Yew Kwong has suggested that we draw up a list of members who are interested to conduct e-sessions.  I too think this is a good idea.  Hew Lee is one good example. Let’s draw up a list of topics, and if you think that you can teach a particular topic, raise your hand here.  Once we have a sizeable team of instructors, we would look at a team of people to organise these courses.  Feel free to add the topics that would be of interest to seniors and Singaporeans in general.

  • Instant messaging – Viber, Whatsapps, LINE, WeChat, facebook
  • Skype
  • Games
  • Emails – smartphones,
  • Android system – Internet browsing, Maps
  • Storage – dropbox, google box, etc
  • Online TV, radio, songs, karoake, youtube
  • Online transport – IRIS, SG All bus

And, if you have suggestions for a venue, please let us know.  Members can offer to conduct these above courses, find a venue, and also charge a fee.  Please go ahead.

 

Terence Seah

Familymemory.SG

In our twilight years at 65+, we may have put a comma in our life. But hey, it is not a full stop yet, we still have some petrol left in our tank to move on.Some of us not only have done our national service, but also have raised a family. Some who are singles or living alone may have travelled wide and kept a lot of photo records.Whoever we are, there must be times we bring out our photo albums (Vol. 1, Vol. 2 and so on) and recollect the good times we had. The joy, the satisfaction, the achievement we had done to the nation, the family and with friends etc.In the spirit of sharing, do your children know what you have done, how you or your parents look like when young like your children or among friends how you all look like in your youth.In this digital age, there are better ways to share our memories. We can join all our photos with background music and create a slide show, playable with any IT equipment, DVD player or even with your smartphone. You can also burn your records into DVD disks.Let’s be forewarn, this is A PROJECT. It may take months to complete, depending how much photos you have and what story line (or theme) you have decided. A coffee meet is being organised on 27-09-2014, 3PM to 5PM @ City Hall Food Court. Also, a preliminary course of 3-sessions is being considered sometime in Oct-2014. It will be on three Fridays from 2PM to 5PM. For this preliminary course, a maximum of six participants are invited. Registration for this preliminary course is OPEN now. It will closed when six is reached.
hewlee
The following have indicated interests in this Project:
1) Jassmine Teo
2) Freda Lim
3) Karen Thio
4) Angela Straaten
5) Judy Lim
6) Winnie Tan (registered for course – 1)
7) Joan Wong (withdrawn)
8) Bobby Bok
9) Roland Leow (withdrawn)
10) Caroline Sit (withdrawn)
11) Oi Cheng
12) Cindy Wee
13) Dolly Lim
14) Lilian Teo
15) Pearl Kwan & Simon
16) ChristinaCL Chan
17)

Starting an Online Business

Planning for your retirement or have retired and wanting to try on something different. If you are thinking of online business (not online investment), this talk is right for you.

This is a talk on the prerequisites for anyone thinking of starting an online business. Like in any business studies, there are a few things we have to understand well in order to succeed.

It is not an “instant get-rich scheme”. Besides my views, come and share yours.

Details of the talk are as follows:
Topic: Talk on Starting an Online Business
Date: 19-07-2014 (Saturday)
Time: 3PM to 5PM
Attendance fee: Free (no charge)
Venue: Leng Kee Community Centre (Nearest MRT – Redhill MRT)
Address: 400, Lengkok Bahru, Singapore 159049.
Size of Class: Limited to 20.

hewlee (EC)
Those registered coming:
1) Olivia Ros
2) Vivian Lai
3) non-member
4) non-member
5) Winnie Tan
6) Cindy Wee
7) Jazzmine Soh
8) Susan CH Tan
9) Christina Pan (not coming)
10) Myra Chia (not coming)
11) Priscilla Wee
12) Bobby Bok (not coming)
13) Ann Lim
14) Daisy Yeo
15) Lam Hoy Tzee
16) Bee Gek
17) Sock Cheng aka Sockie
18) Lim Yoon Chin
19) Lilian Teo
20) Esther Mok
21) Ann Giri
22) Leon Lau Eng Seng
23) Alice Seah
24) Joan Wong
25) Registration is CLOSED.

Using MS Office (Excel) – (17th May 2014 – Saturday)

Microsoft Office (Excel) is a wonderful spreadsheet program. We can use it to develop our own family budget planning. I am no financial guru but a person who through life had managed other people’s money (as a purchaser). The bottom line is always the final balance sheet, the IN and OUT of money flow and how justify we are to spend the way it was spent. There is no one answer to every solution. If it is our own money, then plan and spend it wisely.

My intended talk, with details below, will just demonstrate to you the effects of any change in monthly income (gain or lost) will affect your projected family lifestyle.

Topic: How to prepare a family annual budget using Microsoft Office (Excel)
Date: 17.05.2014 (Saturday)
Time: 3.00PM to 5.00PM
Attendance Fee: Free (no charge)
Venue: Leng Kee Community Centre (Nearest MRT – Redhill MRT)
Venue changed to Queenstown Community Centre (Nearest MRT – Queenstown)

Address: 365 Commonwealth Ave, Singapore 149732 (Phone: 6474-1681)
Prerequisite: Understand basic computing and bring your laptop with MS Office installed if you have one.
Owing to classroom size, registration will stop at 20.

Hewlee (EC)
Those registered coming:
1) Veronica Lau
2) Lau MH
3) Olivia Ros
4) See HC
5) Sylvia Ang
6) Annie Loh Lay Kheng
7) Lilian Teo
8) Jacqueline Wong (not coming)
9) Maureen Lee
10) Lee KM
11) Yew Tiong
12) Ronald Lam
13) Laura Ng
14) Yatsing
15) Yew Kwong
16) June Koh
17) Doreen Tay
18) Jennifer Wu
19) Edward Lim
20) Priscilla Wee
21) Vivian Lai
22) Registration is now CLOSED.

The Internet and You

What can the Internet do for You?
How is the Internet governed?
How do you get entertained through the Internet?
How do you avoid getting trouble using the Internet?
How does one get a domain name?

These are, but, some of the questions we will touch on in the first session and through the 12 sessions IT course in Bukit Merah Library.

Details of the IT Course:
Title: InfoComm Skills Package for the 50plus
Venue: Bukit Merah Library
Duration: 12 sessions starting 3rd April on every Thursday (except 1st May)
Time: 6.30PM to 8.30PM
Fee: $24 for the 12 sessions
Prerequisite: You need to bring your laptop if you intend to get involved in the four hands-on sessions.  (Internet, Email, Entertainment & Skype)

Requirements to starts course: Minimum 8 participants. Max.=20
Registration: Those interested must get registered through the NLB web site or go personally to any library to register.
hewlee

Those registered coming (excluding the public)
1) Alice Seah
2) Peter Goh
3) Winnie Tan
4) Lilian Teo
5) Yew Tiong
6) Andrew Koh
7) Ronald Lam
8) Sylvia Ang
9) Richard Wong (Seat given to friend)
10) Olivia Ros
11) Registration CLOSED – Maximum of 20 is reached)

NB: Registration reached full capacity with a few still on waiting list.

Windows Movie Maker Workshop (2 sessions), 28/29 March 2014 (Fri & Sat)

The two sessions Windows Movie Maker (WMM) Workshop is ON. Names of those who had attended the CNY photo walk and indicated they are coming are listed below.

Prerequisite of the Workshop: Please bring along your PC laptop with Microsoft WMM program installed. It would be better if your laptop is able to access the Internet using your own data plan or mobile modem.

You can either use your own photos and song file or obtain my samples.

Details of workshop:
The first session, we will focus on image management and song file creation of appropriate file format.
The second session, we will touch on the WMM program proper, using it to create a movie.

Course title: Using Windows Movie Maker
Dates: 28/29 March 2014 (Fri & Sat)
Time: 3 PM to 5 PM
Venue: Leng Kee Community Club
Course Fee: no charge (FREE)

The class size will stop at 20.

Hewlee (EC)

Those registered coming:
0) Paul Kong (Helping out on 29-03-2014)
1) Winnie Tan
2) Bobby Bok
3) Serene Low
4) Judy Lim
5) Yew Tiong Soh
6) Noelle Tan
7) Lee Ah Nee
8) Peter Loo
9) Ronald Lam
10) Andrew Koh
11) Zara Lim (not coming)
12) Olivia Ros
13) Cindy Wee
14) Ann Lim
15) Peggy Yap
16) Arthur Yap
17) Ann Giri
18) May Woo (not coming)
19) Lilian Teo
20) Richard Wong
21) Theresa Seow
22) Syliva Ang

Want to know more what Internet can do for you?  If you have a working laptop, come and join us in another IT Course I am conducting, titled “Infocomm Skills Package for the 50plus” It is a 12-sessions workshop, on every Thursday, 6.30PM to 8.30PM starting 3rd April @ Bukit Merah Library. If interested, go to any library e-kiosk to register. Course fee is $24 for the 12 sessions.

Infocomm Skills means Information and Communication Skills. This is the “how to use the tools” or the hardware part. The software part is the “Application”.  How do we acquire knowledge or communicate (network) with our friends and love ones. An opportunity not to be missed.

IT Skills for Seniors (12 sessions)

This 12-sessions IT Skills Package for the 50plus provides the opportunity to acquire skills and knowledge on the basic use of the computer, the Internet as well as other life-style related info-communication skills.

The course covers the following topics:
1) Basic computer and the Internet
2) E-Communication, emails and Skype
3) E-Entertainment
4) Facebook and Social Networking including tips on keeping your information safe and private

Prerequisite: Participants need to bring their own Wi-Fi enabled laptop/tablet PC for the course.

Dates (12, two-hourly, weekly, Thursday Sessions): Starting 03-04-2014 and ending 26-06-2014.
Time: 6.30PM to 8.30PM
Venue: Bukit Merah Public Library (Level 3)
Course fee: $24 for the 12 sessions.
(Nearest MRT – Tiong Bahru. Exit MRT, turn RIGHT, up escalator, take bus number 5, 16 or 851 to end, Bukit Merah Bus Interchange, then a 5-minutes walk to library.
If you drive and uses the GPS, the Postal Code of the destination is 159462)

Registration is through NLB web site via http://golibrary.nlb.gov.sg OR go to any library
e-kiosk to register with your EZ-link or NETS card.

hewlee (EC)

Screening Movie and e-Entertainment (15-02-2014, Saturday 3-5pm)

The movie, titled, “Alone in the Wilderness”.

This “Alone in the Wilderness” is a 60 minutes movie about one man, Richard Proenneke, who after retirement at the age of 50 in 1967, decided to build a cabin on the shore of Twin Lakes up in the Alaska mountain wilderness. The first summer he scouted for the best cabin site, cut and peeled the logs he would need for his cabin. He returned the next summer to finish the cabin where he lived for over 30 years with nature.  Only when his health was failing him that he returned back to civilisation and lived the remainder of his life with his brother in Hemet, California. He died in April 2003 at the age of 86. He left his cabin and legacy to the National Park Service and it remains a popular visitor attraction in the still remote Twin Lakes region.

You can view with 360° perspective, the surrounding cabin site and interior of the cabin by visiting – www.nps.gov/lacl/historyculture/proennekes-cabin.htm

The Movie …

“Thousands have had such dreams, but Richard Proenneke lived them. He found a place, built a cabin, and stayed to become part of the country. This video “Alone in the Wilderness” is a simple account of the day-to-day explorations and activities he carried out alone, and the constant chain of nature’s events that kept him company.” – Sam Keith

e-Entertainment – it is an IT skill to get yourself “entertained” through surfing the Internet. Though certain sites (especially those marketable movies) require a small rental fee for viewing, but there are also a lot of short videos, also entertaining, out there for FREE viewing. I will also touch on the meaning of “Smart TV” and “Home Intelligence”.

Program: 1st hour – See “Alone in the Wilderness” movie
2nd hour – e-Entertainment
Date: 15-02-2014 (Saturday)
Time: 3PM to 5PM
Movie Start at 3.05PM sharp
Venue: Leng Kee Community Club (5-minutes walk from Redhill MRT)
Attendance Fee: Free (no charge).

The classroom can only accommodate 25 persons and registration will close at 25.
Hewlee (EC)
Those registered coming:

1) Richard Lean
2) Vivian Lai
3) Peri Liew
4) Thomas Loh
5) Winne Tan
6) Joy Chuang
7) Lilian Teo
8) Judy Lim
9) Irene Poh
10) Joyce Kwok
11) Bobby Bok
12) Lim Tian Soo
13) Aaron How
14) Maureen Lee
15) Ronald Lam
16) Joan Ang
17) Ronald Lee
18) Gingko Tay
19) John Howe
20) Myra Chia
21) Peng Peng
22) HC Lee
23) Lina Ng
24) June Koh
25) Charles Chua
26) Registration is now CLOSED.

Photo Walk on 28-01-2014 (Tuesday) 7.30pm. Welcoming the Year of the Horse in Chinatown

Chinatown all over the world is normally full of activities for last minute shoppers
welcoming the CNY. This coming CNY is the Year of the Horse. There are 100 horses for Year of the Horse and this coming Year 2014 is the Green Wood Horse.

This kind of atmosphere only happens once a year in Chinatown all over the world. In order to capture our, Singapore, kind of mood, atmosphere and colour, I am going down to Chinatown to see what I can capture with my camera this year.

Fellow SHCians and shutterbugs are welcome to join me. After that, if you are still “ON”, you can made a movie and post it in Youtube to share. This is a good challenging project for IT Interest Group (ITIG) members. The first 20 attending this photo walk will be the FIRST 20 to be invited to the coming Windows Movie Making (WMM) 2-sessions Course, in Leng Kee Community Centre. Date, time and venue to be confirmed at a later date (but not earlier than March 2014). For those who cannot attend the WMM lessons, the places will be given to the next on the waiting list.

After the walk, we can adjourn for supper or just a cup of coffee or tea to discuss about the coming WMM lessons.

A word of caution when walking in crowded areas. Beware of pickpockets. Never give them an opportunity to share some of your belongings or cash.  When taking pictures at night, never use “Flash” if there is other people close by you. It is impolite and may start a quarrel or a fight.

Details of the photo walk is as follows:

Date: 28-01-2014 (Tuesday)
Time: 7.30PM
Meeting Place: Chinese Temple entrance, opposite Maxwell Food Centre.
Time to Commence Walk: 7.35PM
End Point: Chinatown Point Shopping Complex (about 9.00PM)
Fee: Free (no charge)
To bring: Camera, umbrella and bottled water.

Hewlee (EC)
Those registered coming:
1) Gingko Tay
2) Lilian Teo (with friend)
3) Judy Lim
4) Bobby Bok
5) Lin Chuah
6) Edwin Ong
7) Andrew Koh
8) Winnie Tan
9) Ronald Lam
10) OliviaRos
11) Charles Wee
12) Lydia Soh
13) Serene Low
00) Irene Poh (not coming)
14) Kristy Quek
00) Yew Tiong (not coming)
15) Lydia Chin
16) Lee Ah Nee
17) Paul Kong (not taking WMM – helping out)
18) Peggy Kong (not taking WMM)
Note: First 20 eligible* for (Free) WMM lessons in March 2014.
19) Thomas Loh (The following on waiting list for WMM lessons)
00) Barbara Lim (not coming)
21) Aaron How
22) Juliet Ong
00) Ronald Lim HK (not coming)
00) Ronaldlimhk’s friend (not coming)
23) Noelle Tan
00) Peggy Yap (not coming)
00) Arthur Yap (not coming)
24) ChristinA Chan
25) Barbara Ong
26) Kent Chan

The following are not coming for the photo walk but interested in WMM lessons (on waiting list):
32) Jacqueline Wong
33) Fredalim

Note (*): Those attended the photo walk are eligible for the WMM lessons.

Christmas Walk along Orchard Road – 20-12-2013 (Friday) 6.30 – 9.30 pm

It is the time of the year again where we will say goodbye to the current Year (2013) and welcoming the New Year (2014). Some of you may be in the middle of a tour overseas having quality time with friends or with family members and others may have no plan this year.

Similarly it is also time of the year for advertisers, the shop owners and the Singapore Tourism Board to light up Orchard Road with Christmas themes and motifs. As reported, this year will have seven pieces of photographic backdrops, intended as part of this year’s transformation of the shopping belt into a winter wonderland. This year’s light up, back for its 30th year, is called Christmas on A Great Street.

At our twilight (or silver hairs) years, we do not know when we will not be able to or not able to do what we can do best. (For me at 71+, I do not know when will be my last). So, it is timely to count our blessing year by year by meeting with like-minded people to cherish our fellowship and having a simple “Christmas” food court dinner together.

As with any other years, this is a good time and opportunity to stroll, after dinner, along Orchard Road and try your night photography skills with your smartphone and/or camera. For those interested, please see details below.

Date: 20th Dec 2013 (Friday evening)
Time: 6.30PM to 9.30PM
Meeting Place and Start Point: Tanglin Mall Food Court (junction of Orchard Road & Grange Road). End Point will be at Somerset or Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station.

Program:
1) Dinner before chat: 6.30PM to 7.30PM: for those who can come early, we can have a dinner together in the food court and getting to know each other better.
2) Fellowship: 7.30PM to 8.30PM: Chat at Mall (free n easy – form your own small group on per table basis). Share what you have experienced this year, your reflections, what you can do better, etc. [A quote from the late George Carlin on The Paradox of our Time -“The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints.”].
3) Start walking: 8.30PM to 9.30PM: Start walking and picture taking.

You can use your smartphone or camera to take some pictures.

Size of Gathering: in order not to make ourselves too obvious and attract unwanted attention, registration will close when 20 are reached.

Hewlee (EC)
Those registered coming:
1) Thomas Goh
2) Gabriella Chua
3) Joy Chuang
4) Charles Wee
5) Tan Li Li and friend
6) Yatsing
7) Ann Lim
8) Lee Ah Nee
9) Christina Chan
10) Annie Loh
11) Lydia Chin
12) Zara Lim (Stella)
13) Judy Lim
14) Julian Mok
15) Myra Chia
16) Irene Chua
17) Dorine Tan
18) Yew Tiong
19) Jane Yoh
20) Steven Chan
21) We have reached the Group size of 20. Registration is now CLOSED.

Talk on Photography for the Novice (28-12-2013, Saturday 3 to 5 pm) by Paul Kong

Chinese New Year is just round the corner (after 28th Dec). Are you one of those who are not happy with your present skill of taking good pictures or are desperate to upgrade your current skills and don’t know who to ask? Now you can, ask Paul Kong!

Paul Kong has kindly accepted to conduct a workshop/talk on taking good pictures. He will enlighten most of you on your questions and demonstrate the right and wrong way in going about taking pictures.

Topics of discussion will include the following:

1) Understanding your digital camera, its functions and limitation.
2) How to capture good indoors pictures for family events. How to capture good outdoors pictures while on a tour.
3) Repair jobs i.e. photo editing (basic) for that perfect shot.
4) Storage of your memories. Tips available for novices.

All participants are encouraged to bring your cameras. There will be hands on session (time permitting) for indoor shoot on perspective photography.

Topic: Photography for the Novice
Date: 28-12-2013 (Saturday)
Time: 3PM to 5PM
Venue: Leng Kee Community Club (5-minutes walk from Redhill MRT)
Course fee: Free (no charge)

The classroom can only accommodate 20 persons and registration will close at 20.

Those registered coming:
1) Judy Lim
2) Jassmine Teo
3) Jacqueline Wong
4) Constance Wong (not coming)
5) Pauline Chew
6) Lin Chuah
7) Peggy Yap
8) Arthur Yap
9) Annie Loh
10) Gingko Tay
11) Peh Bee Huah
12) Audrey Wong
13) Maria Tan
14) Nina Choo
15) Peggy Kong
16) Peri Liew (not coming)
17) Ann Lim
18) Jimmy Tsin
19) Eyvonne Chew
20) Cindy Wee
21) We have reached the class size of 20, Registration is now CLOSED.

Web Publishing and Blogging, 23-11-2013 (Saturday) from 3pm

If you have a special skill or a passion to share, starting a web page or a blog is the way forward. Be it showing us how you cook your favourite dish or  “How to ..” in many of the problems facing the seniors in the digital divide.

Some use the web page/blog just as a diary of family events to share with their love ones and friends.

Come to this month’s ITIG gathering and we will show you how to start web publishing or starting your own personal blog.

A word of caution – a web site or a blog is not a “one-off” affair. The owner requires continuous updating and maintenance of the web site or blog to sustain readership and increase viewership.

For those who have specific questions on this discussion topic, please email me (hewlee@gmail.com) one week before the meeting date. I will try my best to answer them during the class.

Topic:  Web Publishing and Blogging
Date:   23-11-2013 (Saturday)
Time:   3.00PM to 5.00PM
Course Fee: Free (no charge)
Venue: Leng Kee Community Centre (Nearest MRT – Redhill)
Size of Class: Limited to 20

Hewlee (EC)

Those registered coming:
1) Doug Chan
2) Helen Kuek
3) non-member
4) Jassmine Teo
5) June Koh
6) Gingko Tay
7) Andrew Yeung (not coming)
8) Shirleen Kao (not coming)
9) Audrey Wong
10) Sock Cheng aka Sockie
11) Dan Huang
12) OlivaRos
13) Irene Poh (not coming)
14) Andrew Koh
15) Judy Lim
16) Bobby Bok
17) Aaron How (not coming)
18) Lydia Soh
19) Anne Chee
20) Pearl Wong
21) Anna Seet
22) Caroline Gee (not coming)
23) Dorine Tan
24) Veronica Wong (not coming)
25) Tan Meow Noi, Lina
26) Edwin Ong
27) Sally Kang
28) Karen Thio

The registration is now closed. Thank you for your support.

Photo Walk on 26-10-2013 (Saturday)

This Photo Walk was cancelled owing to the haze in June. Now it should be better to revive this photo field trip. We will start from Raffles Place MRT and walk along Marina Bay to the Merlion Park. Then we cross over to Queen Elizabeth Walk and walk along the Esplanade Park. The walk will end at Marina Center Food Court (The Gallerie). We will meet at Raffles Place MRT on the date and time stated below. Come and share with us your photo-taking skills.

For those interested in IT, you can continue to make a short movie with the pictures taken using Microsoft Windows Movie Maker (WMM). Click example to view.

Date:                                    26-10-2013 (Saturday)
Time:                                    3.30PM
Time to Commence Walk:   3.35PM
Fee: Free (no charge)
(Total walking and picture taking time is about 2 hours).

Meeting Place:  After coming out of Raffles Place MRT Station, turn left, up escalator and wait nearby Jollibean Stall.

To bring: Camera, umbrella, sunglass/sun shade, bottled water.

Hewlee (EC)
Those registered coming:
1) Julian Mok
2) Lee Ah Nee
3) Andrew Koh
4) Abel Tan (pending)
5) Noelle Tan
6) Cindy Wee
7) Tan Li Li
8) Yew Tiong
9)

Every Thurs 3-5pm for 12 weeks Follow-up on the Digital Divide (Ref: Post 11/9/2013)

“There are three kinds of seniors … those who know IT and enjoy every minute of it. Those who understand what IT are about but do not know the good and bad about IT and the Internet. I call this group as “driving blindly through the Internet” and many have got their fingers burnt. This is the second kind. The third kind of seniors is those who heard about the usefulness of IT and the smart devices (smartphones, tablets), never use the Internet and do not know how or where to start.”

I propose now with my limited resource and budget, to start, in a small way, and make a difference to the third kind of seniors. For those first and second kinds of seniors, if you have any friend interested and willing to take the challenge, do let them know.

The details …

Course: Basic Computer and the Internet
For who: The third kind of seniors or those who just bought a laptop or iPad/tablet and/or a smartphone with data plan or just know how to do simple email.
Eligibility: Must own a laptop or iPad / tablet or a smartphone with data plan.
Duration: Weekly (every Thursday) for 12 weeks.
Time: 3PM to 5PM
Place of Learning: HDB void deck (in vicinity of Telok Blangah).
Period of Lessons: To be discussed with those confirmed (it must be a continuous 12 weeks)
Course contents: Basically to show you how to make use of the device you own to browse/surf the Internet, take part in online forum and emailing your love ones and friends.
First intake: 3 students only (as the HDB void deck table has only four chairs).
Course fee: $60 (payable at first lesson – no refund for missing lessons or quitting course).
Graduation: A free lunch will be given to those who completed the course or with 9 or more attendance.

If you need advice to buy a new digital device and/or which data plan is suitable for you, just let me know.

Those interested to find out more please come to or drop by our monthly small group gathering.

Hewlee (EC)

If your have Learn iT, you can Apply iT and enjoy Living with iT!

First Intake of 3 Participants:
1)
2)
3)

Are You a Victim of the Digital Divide?

I am one of the recipients of Silver Infocomm Wellness Ambassador (Ref: C3A –Ageing Well) award 2013. Not quite sure what I am supposed to do.

Anyway, for those who have a passion on smart devices, Information Technology (IT) and the like but do not know how to get started or get involved and challenge yourself, you now has a friend (or ambassador) to come to.

Do you know any senior (or PR) over 50 years of age can now go to any public library and make use of the computers there free of charge (I think for the first hour per day. For longer time, there is a nominal charge).

There are three kinds of seniors … those who know IT and enjoy every minute of it. Those who understand what IT are about but do not know the good and bad about IT and the Internet. I call this group as “driving blindly through the Internet” and many have got their fingers burnt. This is the second kind. The third kind of seniors is those who heard about the usefulness of IT and the smart devices (smartphones, tablets), never use the Internet and do not know how or where to start.

Cha bau wo eng (after eating, still have time) – Do you know, on a monthly basis, I do organise an EC event or IT Interest Group (ITIG) gathering where the above-mentioned three groups have a chance to meet, make friends, get involved and challenge yourselves more. As photography is now also IT related, I do also conduct Photo Walks like yearly Christmas Walk along Orchard Road, Sculpture Hunting in Singapore and places of interests. So far, I have captured about 80 odd. View link to see my on-going project. http://ho-emily.com/pages/index-sculpture.html

For those in the first and second groups and would like to learn more about your iPhones, smartphones or IT related topics, you can contact me through my email address hewlee@gmail.com

For those in the third group who don’t even have an email address of your own, you can come to our monthly ITIG gathering and make yourself known. See what we can do for you. As the saying goes …

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. (“?????????”).

Most of us still do not know the usefulness of being connected to the Internet. I only have one comment to these people … As we enter the group we call ourselves silver hairs or white, brown or no hair, we are becoming less mobile, we tend to stay at home more often. Knowing how to surf the Internet, we can still keep ourselves updated, be in touch with our friends and love ones through emails and video conferencing (Skype, Facetime, etc.), see movies, view videos on things some crazy people do, see magic shows; things we think are impossible but proved us wrong right in front of our eyes, etc. Most of these things are FREE.

hewlee

Karaoke Song Creation on 21-09-2013 (Saturday)

Time is from 3PM to 5PM. For those interested, please go to link itforseniors.wordpress.com for more details. The classroom can only accommodate 20 persons and registration will close at 20.

This is the final of the 3-sessions course on karaoke song creation using Microsoft Power Point program.

In this session, we will learn about transition between slides in Microsoft Power Point program.  What this mean is that the song lyrics on each slide are in-sync with the singing.

We will compile the images, lyrics and song file into a karaoke song with suitable transition timings between slides.

hewlee (EC)

Those registered coming:
1) Peter Loo
2) Vivian Lai
3) James Tan CL
4) Christina Chan CL
5) Jazzmine Soh
6) Agnes Seow
7) Richard Wong
8) Bobby Bok
9) Joy Chuang
10) Tong Ang
11) Noelle Tan
12) Dorine Tan
13)