Category: Activities indoors, Crafts, Hobbies

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?

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

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.

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 Good people,

For the life of me I couldn’t find the earler Reading Circle postings/comments, except for the latest by Ron Wie. The last thing I want to do in a discussion of books, is to be listed under ‘Fart Facts’…..interesting tho’ it may be.

ELibrary costs and is tedious. Nothing like putting up your feet, relax in an armchair or better yet be in bed  with, a good book. The libraries in S’pore are good sources and free.

RonW if you are looking for a good classic book that pertains to our forefathers culture, hardships in China….then " The Good Earth " by Pearl S. Buck is a very good start. Very well and interestingly written. Its about a farming family and  gives an insight of life and attitudes in China. It is no wonder why our ancestors left the Orient shores and sailed the 7 seas to look for a better life. So here we are alien, to our own kin in China.

If its possible watch the {black & white} movie. Over the years I have read the book twice and the movie 3 times….I don’t seem to tire of them. They are classics.

 It sure beats reading a foreign Russian setting like " War & Peace " with its very long winded names that you cannot identify with after a while.

Hope this is informative and encouraging. Anyone, with further input or books to recommend???? Do share………………..Happy reading…………Jie

It is oft said that forgetfulness is the first sign of ageing. We cannot stop the process but, perhaps, we can try to slow it. So, after much egging here is a thread to test our mamm – oops, not again (another sign of ageing) – test out memories or otherwise gain that knowledge our parents and teachers told us were unimportant and wouldn’t get us anywhere. Now is a time to find out how sweet that forbidden fruit is and have a good giggle at how little we know because we had allowed the good life to pass us by.

So move that cursor over your hippocampus (the hard disk in your brain, for the technology savvy), click out those trivia questions and put out the challenge: “So, you didn’t know this did you … smart-a***?”

Okay, so you take pride in not wasting your youth with trivia. Well, show us that you are indeed a real smart-a*** and answer the questions posed here!

Please also  participate even if you are genuinely seeking answers.  Example, a tune keeps going through your head and you are dying to know the title of the song. You may want to ask the title for the song with the lyrics:

    "Stepped into a church I passed along the way/I get down on my knees and I pretend to pray"

Also, you may not want to ask the question, but just want to share some trivia information like:

    Cat Stevens, who had a big hit with "Morning Has Broken", has embraced Islam and now goes by the name Yusuf Islam.

But do keep questions as trivial as possible – we’ve all got this far in life because we’ve passed the “other” intelligence tests already. And for starters, we’ll stick with trivia pertaining to music and films.

So, ready … set … let the fun begin!

Chan Kwong Wah n myself will be conducting these workshops wif assistance from some other members in Jan 2008.

Venue : Henderson Community Club, Bukit Merah View (confirmed).

Location Map : http://www.streetdirectory.com/asia_travel/travel/travel_id_3602/travel_site_11600/

Time Slots : 10.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.

Fees : $7 per participant per workshop. Minimum 7 participants to start class. Maximum 12 seats.

Dates n Topics :

1) Sat, 5 Jan 08 – Buying n selling stuff online (e.g. ebay, yahoo, mocca)

2) Sat, 12 Jan 08 – Internet banking (POSB/DBS accounts will be used 4 live        transactions)

3) Sat, 19 Jan 08 – Instant messaging (MSN n Yahoo chat), ICQ n IRC

4) Sat, 26 Jan 08 – Emailing Enhanced (how 2 attach n detach files n pic, how 2 zip n      unzip files, how 2 capture n organise addresses in address book n how 2 retrieve email addresses from "to", "cc" n "bcc")

Registration is now opened on a PAID n 1st COME 1st SERVE basis. Please remit $7 (X numbers of workshop U intend 2 attend) to my POSB Savings Account No. 096248873 after U hv registered ur name. TQ.

My sincere apology. I m sorry 4 some wrong info posted earlier which is now corrected.    Fee is $7 per participant per workshop. Fees collected go to the CC mgt 4 use of IT Centre, equipment n Internet Access.

Registration closes on Fri, 21 Dec 07 or earlier once seats are fully taken up.

Latest Updates :

Workshops # 1 n 4 – full. No more registration.

Workshop # 2 – 7 seats left.

Workshop # 3 – 4 seats left.

TQ 2 all those who hd signed up.

I enjoy reading and am keen to ‘swop’ books or exchange recommendations on books. If you are an avid reader, we could do that or even get together and talk about any book that we have read. At the moment, my interests are more on biographies, autobiographies and real life personal experiences although I read all sorts.

I have just finished "A Round-Heeled Woman"  and "Unaccompanied Women" , both by Jane Jushka. They are very good reads and surprisingly, were recommended by a man. Another good book is "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell, which I have yet to finish.

Come and join me and chat about our books :-)

Some members hv volunteered 2 conduct the followings –

1) Sat, 3 Nov 07 from 10 am to 1 pm, Powerpoint (basic) lesson 1 

2) Sat, 10 Nov 07 from 10 am to 1 pm, Powerpoint (basic) lesson 2

3) Sat, 24 Nov 07 from 10 am to 1 pm, Powerpoint (basic) lesson 3 + Emailing (how to do it better)

Venue is fixed at IT Centre, Henderson Community CC which is located at :

http://www.streetdirectory.com/asia_travel/travel/travel_id_3602/travel_site_11600/

Its 10 – 15 min leisure walk from Tiong Bahru mrt station. More route details will follow.

Target number of participants : Min 10 (to start the class) n Max 12.

Fees : $15 for 3 sessions, are required 2 be paid in advance upon registration. Fees collected will be paid directly to CC for use of premises n equipment. Fees will only be refunded if classes are cancelled due to min attendance not met.

Seats are allocated strictly on a paid basis. If U are unsure n wish 2 register, U can put your name here but seats are not guaranteed.

If U do hv QUESTIONS, pls post them under COMMENTS n they will be replied accordingly. Thank You.

Interested members –

1. KC Lau (paid)

2. Grace Kok

3. Agnes Tan

For info, here is a full description of No. 18 Bali Lane – 

Experience the joy of dance in FOOTWORK, a series of introductory dance workshops designed for adults, youth and families. Whether you are just starting to take baby steps or have never whirled and twirled before, its time to discover just how exhilarating dance is!  Pick up new moves from a wide selection of social dance  workshops in the series. 

The dance workshops feature a host of popular and fusion dances, from the sultry Argentine Tango to sensual belly dancing, and high-energy Latin Jam to a variety slick jazz styles.  Try out unique dance genres like Bachata (with its orgins in the Dominican Republic),  Raggaeton (with its Jamaican, Latin and Hip-Hop influences)  and Sevillanas (a Flamenco-style folk dance).  Here’s an opportunity  to be taught by top dance professionals and get the dance skills you’ve been dreaming of.

80 minutes per session (with breaks)

$10/= per participant per session

VENUE:  Rehearsal Studio, Esplanade Theatre on the Bay,  Level 6.

                           1pm                       3pm                                                           5pm                  7pm          

1 sep, sat           Afro Cuban Rumba.LA Salsa Partnerwork                                Merengue         Argentine        

                                                                                                                                                    Tango

2 Sep, Sun          Latin Jam               Bachata                                                     Cuban Salsa     Raggaeton

8 Sep, Sat          Hip Hop/MTV Dance.Belly Dance                                               Hip Hop/MTV    Sevillanas

9 Sep, Sun         Selillinas                 Salsa Hip Hop                                            Swing              Funk Basics

15 Sep, Sat       Broadway Jam         Belly Dance                                               Lyrical Jam       Swing

16 Sep, Sun      Latin Jazz                Spanish Classical Dance                           Street Jazz       Salsa Hip Hop

Silverhairs members who are interested may purchase tickets from Esplanade Box Office and SISTIC"s authorised agents.  SISTIC hotline:  6348-5555. Group booking of 20 or more:  6828-8389 to attend the dance sessions.

HAPPY DANCING………..

Ron & Alice Lai

Hi Guys

Some members here including myself are please to volunteer to conduct I.T. workshops (maybe max 3 hrs per session) at 2 prearranged venues, Chong Pang CC n Henderson CC. Chong Pang CC is located at Yishun, a 10 min walk from Yishun mrt station n Henderson CC at Bukit Merah View, a 10 min walk from Tiong Bahru mrt station. Both are charging $5 per user per session n monies collected go directly to the CC. Both have broadband internet access; Chong Pang has 11 PCs n Henderson 17 PCs. Workshops may be conducted on weekdays or Sat. 

Topics covered vary from internet banking, auction to emailing, photo editing. We seek your suggestions on the types of workshops that you wish to have to enable us to compile the list. Once the list is compiled, we can plan n schedule the time slots n venues for the various workshops.

U dont have to be computer savvy but arming yourself with the IT knowledge learned from the workshops, we believe U are on your way 2 become IT savvy.  Please come forward n share your thoughts with us.  Members who wish 2 guide or train, pls come n join our Team.

We are here not 4 ourselves but 4 U.

SHC I.T. volunteers n Team

Suggested Topics – Keep them coming