Category: Self Reflections, Chit chats

Anything which SilverHairs would like to express. Something that comes to your mind. Something crops up as if suddenly, some feel knocks you on the head. Strictly no issues on politics, sex, religion, race, direct selling and MLM.

Barstool Economics

Dear Friends

Thought I would share this which I received from my American friend :

 

Econ101 – Barstool Economics / and Obama wants more from #10
      
    Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill
    for all ten comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our
    taxes, it would go something like this:

    The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
    The fifth would pay $1.
    The sixth would pay $3.
    The seventh would pay $7.
    The eighth would pay $12.
    The ninth would pay $18.
    The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.     

    So, that’s what they decided to do. The ten men drank in the
    bar every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one
    day, the owner threw them a curve. ‘Since you are all such good
    customers, he said, ‘I’m going to reduce the cost of your daily beer
    by $20. Drinks for the ten now cost just $80.

    The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our
    taxes so the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink
    for free. But what about the other six men – the paying customers? How
    could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his
    ‘fair share?’ They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if
    they subtracted that from everybody’s share, then the fifth man and
    the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer. So, the
    bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man’s bill by
    roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts
    each should pay.

       And so:
    The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings)
    The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).
    The seventh now paid $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).
    The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
    The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).
    The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).

    Each of the six was better off than before And the first four
    continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men
    began to compare their savings.

    ‘I only got a dollar out of the $20’, declared the sixth man.
    He pointed to the tenth man,’ but he got $10!’
    ‘Yeah, that’s right’, exclaimed the fifth man. ‘I only saved a
    dollar, too. It’s unfair that he got ten times more than I!’
    ‘That’s true!!’ shouted the seventh man. ‘Why should he get $10
    back when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!’
    ‘Wait a minute,’ yelled the first four men in unison. ‘We
    didn’t get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!’
    The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.

    The next night the tenth man didn’t show up for drinks, so the
    nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay
    the bill, they discovered something important. They didn’t have enough
    money between all of them for even half of the bill!

    And that, boys and girls, journalists and college professors,
    is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get
    the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them
    for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact,
    they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat
    friendlier.  

    David R. Kamerschen, Ph.D.
    Professor of Economics, University of Georgia    

    For those who understand, no explanation is needed.
    For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible.

That’s why it’s a moment … That’s why it’s special!

I just received a very meaningful article published by Steven Chia in his blog at Channel NewsAsia website; thought I like to share with you ….

START I’ve just come back from Melbourne having spent about 2 weeks there. It’s a trip we make about twice a year since my wife’s parents live there. So it’s nice to have family to go back to but I think this particular trip was special also because my in laws are quite a bit older. (My father in law is in his 90s!) It’s special because I think Lucy (my two and a half year old) was able to energize the house. She was a “noise maker”, but in a good way because I think she really gave them a new lease of life and of course, being grandparents, they doted on her – which she loved!

It’s also been an eye opener because you begin to see what it’s like for parents when all their children have left home and they are left on their own. My wife is from a family of 6 kids so you can just imagine the kind of “noise” that occurred on a daily basis. Then suddenly, it’s all gone, one day you realize the house is quiet and you’re back to where you were before the kids came. And it’s not like you prepared for it. You were so busy with raising the family and working that it creeps up on you and it just surprises you one day.

I got a small taste of that in the lead up to this trip because my wife and daughter had gone up 2 weeks ahead of me. So for 2 weeks, I was on my own. I left an empty house and I came back to an empty house and it really wasn’t the same. It felt like the house was far too big and pointless. Again a reminder that it’s not much point having all these material “luxury” goods if you don’t get to enjoy it with anyone.

And the great thing about kids is that they are not picky. They don’t judge people before they’ve met them. They don’t see age, race, gender…it’s all the same to them, so there is no discrimination. That’s why we speak about the innocence and purity of youth, unfortunately, it’s something that fades with time and we can’t “bring it back” no matter how hard we try to. Once you’ve been hurt, been let down, been disappointed by others, you can’t help but be more skeptical about the world.

It’s funny because it seems the more we learn, the worst life seems to get. From a very simplistic point of view, ignorance is bliss and life without all the complications of being an adult really is a lot more enjoyable. Think of a kid’s life…eat, sleep, play, eat, play, sleep…never a care in the world, how great is that!

So once again this time off has made me treasure my family more. I’m reminded of the importance of spending time with the people you care about. Too often we get caught up in the desire to achieve more, to earn more, to have better stuff…but do we really need it? Think of the happiest times you’ve had with your family or your loved ones…did that really cost you a lot of money? And imagine how great it would be if you could spend more time having those “moments” than spending lots of money later on trying to “recreate” those moments. A moment cannot be replaced or replicated. That’s why it’s a moment, that’s why it’s special.

The way I see it, I’m going to try and grab as many of those moments as I can…

END
 
"It’s the little things you do that can make a big difference. What are you attempting to accomplish? What little thing can you do today that will make you more effective? You are probably only one step away from greatness." – Bob Proctor 

Adding photos of authors of Post

Hi Terence

Just a suggestion.  Just wondering whether it will help to put photographs (small tiny one) next to the names of the people who contribute to the posts.  I feel that if they have the openness to write comments and tarok/compliment each other, they would not mind having their photos on the website? I could be wrong of course.

This thot crossed my mind coz being a very inactive member as I don’t join all the activities but if I do, I have great difficulty knowing who’s who

My first meeting – thanks!

Hi Everyone!

Thank you all for a great time at the Safra Resort chalet!

(Actually, I posted my comments on the 12 September immediately on arriving home but didn’t manage to send it properly – no text. This is a rewrite. Guessed my ignorance on the computer is showing here).

It is my first outing with Silverhair clubbers. Thanks, everyone, for the wonderful moments in time.

Ronald Wie, thank you for organising the 12 September event, which went very well with many attendees. Nice play on the guitar. The short jamming session was good. Also, is there anything you don’t/can’t do eh?

Robert and Kristy, thanks for sending me (a stranger eh?) home. Kristy,

your sense of direction and guidance on the road is exemplary. Robert, I’ve not met anyone who has a tremendous sense of humour and that, driving  ‘under stress’, won’t you agree, Nancy (also a first-timer)? Glad I didn’t have to take a plane home.

Terence, I’m so happy to have finally met you. I can see why the silverhair clubbers are friendly, for you’ve set the tone.

BbCat, Joyce and Doreen (and Ronald), I’m so glad to have met you first at the NDP Line dance event and hence, my first outing with the Club.

Michelle, good to see you so happy at the event. Thanks for the lovely tuna croissant and your friendship.

Ron koh and Lydia, for the lovely nature walk together.

Grace, Steven, two Janets, Joy, Celia, Hamidah, Joanne, Chin Boon, many others whom I met for the first time…..very glad to have met you all.

Once again, thanks to all for the timeless moments which are unforgetable indeed!

Warmest regards,
Vivien Ler

Sunday morning Reflections

Having a break after all the manual washing living on this rented room, old rustic bungalow,without fridge,air-con,washing machine, but  with a big forested like garden, bird chirping away near my window I can’t help but recall my RV dream of settling in country side Thailand. 

But then again, since I was back in Dec 2007( after a few months near Phuket), many, many beatiful things happen (finding a job, new friends, new interests,etc) much through SHC that somehow makes it harder to think of RV in Malaysia or Thailand, but who knows what destiny can bring.  The point is that SHC can bring you  that much more closer to your dream if you are careful, open minded, take your time to discover the chaff from all the flares,  and not turning it  into a nightmare instead. I now discovered that with the many frends I have made, that i could easily get a few friends to go on a short notice to Malacca or for a night of Karaoke easily. 

Before I  rant on within the 15 mins I have, before going for our weekly ritual badminton that we all have come to love, I just want to comment Patrick for being strong as big as  a boulder as he is to offer his services in travel, betting and advisory on heart matters.  I symphatised with him as at times SHC seems to be ready for a truly good ground for  a matured, heart opening, no holds barred,  exciting place to have a forum on anything that interest SHC members. So Patrick keep on, you have my support as I think we will get there someday soon.  Briefly a forum is to have different conflicting views aired to provide an avenue for set minds to learn of other people’s point of views and looking at facts from different angles discovering realms of possibilities that is left undiscovered or never thought possible.  Many of us have discovered and realise that we could do more things as a group which I will share. 

Back to achievements or dreams that I or a few have wanted to do and have done the past year. The cycling group has got more interesting discovering new challengers, like cycling to Pengarang, Desaru, 60 km /120km rides.   Adventure (SHAG ) group was initiated organising challenging walks of 12 km up and down Bukit timah hill and climaxing to the top of Mt Ophir and back safely.  Water rafting up Ipoh, with Caving and Rafflesia hunting were also clocked by those who were keen with such things.  On roller blading did the night 10Km blading from ECP to Downtown East, and finally yesterday, did roller blading to CV and back with Kat and Stella ( who must have done her longest skate ever although she almost made it there). 

From never doing any kind of dancing before (shy,etc) i have love to do line dance and also social dancing. On Country line dance now I have discovered Monday nights free dance jam (thanks to Rosalind), and on Sept 12 hopefully we have our ‘Love for Country line dance jam with Hamidah ‘ at NSRCC an event that can spark greater interest among new and old members. 

On Sept 13 the Mid Autumn event I hope we can have the maximum number of Karaoke singers turn up , as I will make sure everyone will have a chance to have your  stage, and Caroline our Singing Queen will be there too.  I am trying to find someone who can be kind enough to lend us a karaoke machine with ‘automatic’ scoring so that we can have a friendly unbiased scoring or feedback system to select our top karaoke singers and also for general feedback.  Anyone with such a Karaoke player to lend ?  Cheers.

RELATIONSHIP ADVISOR

This is meant for members to seek advice on relationship,friendship and even parent/child problems.While I do not claim to be Mr KNOW-ALL on every subject I have been analysed by the DISC system as being equitable ,fair and objective and  a good problem solver(in real life good at solving other people’s problems but not my own problems).I am not a qualified phsychologist but I do have good old COMMONSENSE to steer me through the minefields of different opinions and solutions.

 I may not be the best man for this job even though my buddy TIM voted me the champion writer(biased opinion since he is my buddy…blush ,blush) regarding the Tan Chin Boon debacle but I actually respected  and agrred that Charles Chua’s observations about polarisation into 2 camps was particularly succinct and spot on.Although I do not agree with his conclusion that the initiator is laughing at us at the ruckus he has made.In the words of Ronald Koh …right or wrong that is the beauty of SHC.While Charles Chua and myself do not agree on everything but at least we agree on the more important things and like TIM(we don’t always agree) we continue to  be mature about it and respect each other despite our opinions.

Perhaps my harsh criticism of the over the top responses may not be entirely(most were and deservedly spanked verbally) correct for all but for some  though harsh and biased may have been appropriate in that context with the benefit of hinsdsight and reflection.In the end I think both Charles and myself were wrong in our conclusions…I said he would disappear if he did not apologise and Charles on the laughing at the ruckus part.If I am not mistaken although he was a noshow in the forum by 24 Aug and I was disappointed he did not respond further in at least a limited apology that he is still attending functions with the support of some members(can anybody confirm?)

I have been fooling around and having FUN  with supposedly gambling(investment if you win consistently and definitely more productive returns than TOTO and 4D if you have the expertise.Tim I have a proposal for you… tip 4D consistently at least in theory on the forum and bet on your lucky numbers and see who wins more or looses less in the long run…hello must tip before draw ,OK?).In this post I would like to share serious workable advice and solutions to personal problems.

This is how this post should work:

1) somebody poses a problem(if you are shy you can also present it as a friend’s problem)

2) I give advice and offer a possible solution

3) other members(jury) offer their inputs and advice

4)Review and I will give final advice. Either I shift my opinion  slightly or entirely(not likely)to incorporate these inputs or if I disagree than I have to state why.

5) Initiator of the query has the option to comment and let us know whether he/she is taking the advice with a pinch of salt or implementing  it.Over time report back and review whether it has worked or otherwise

Remember if criticisms are shot like arrows (even at me) than we should all remain COOL and not take it personally for the sake and interests of our fellow members.Do not take this post too (hot under the collar or steam between the ears)or indulge in name calling. or 4 letter words.(no hints or codes also)Attaching a label or tag after backing up your point with reasoning should be the order of the day.

USEFUL TIPS

I have in mind for members to share a range of useful tips that SHC  members can find useful.No I am not talking about horse racing,soccer tips(which are my areas of interest)

An example is that my mother says when I do the washing I must  be turn the clothing inside out,zippers must be zipped up and buttons unbuttoned.How many of you out there who does not do it this way please own up and share how this advice has proven useful.

I have 3 travel tips to share ; when traveling always take the name card of the hotel when you go out as taxi drivers have a bad habit of sending you to the wrong hotel and then apologise profusely for hearing wrongly.With the card and name of the hotel written in the local language they will have less excuse of doing so.

The other tip when taking the MRT , METRO, MTR , the TUBE or the UNDERGROUND especially if the language is foreign as in France is to look for the end station when changing lines and not look for directions for the station you intend to go to.For example when going to Dover when coming from the airport do not look for directions to Dover but look for directions to Boon Lay,Of course you need a station guide or map as well!

Another tip is to learn a few useful phrases in the local language eg in France "ou er de toilette?(where is the toilet? How much? Where is the —— ?

If you are a sushi fan please take note that certain outlets(not restaurants) offer a 50% discount 30 mins before closing time.

I used to leave my battery in my laptop even when I was using the power plug connection.Now I know that u should remove the battery when using the power connection.You should also drain the battery as much as possible if u use the battery.In this way your battery life will be much longer.

When I find my notes I will share how certain stains are removed.

Members  can also  share survival tips ,camping tips cooking tips,how to get nice phone numbers without paying extra like 93833883 or 96998511,tips on weight reduction,how to stave of the onset of  wrinkles,special diet or healthy food programmes,cosmetic tips,travel tips,foodie tips on where the best is for certain types for certain types of food,how to travel with children,investment tips,business tips,where to get bargains,household tips,how to keep food fresh for a longer period  in the fridge,how to make things last longer,where to buy the best durians or where to get tasteful durians at decent prices,how to cut down your handphone bills when overseas.I cant possibly cover every subject so I leave it to members to create new ideas

Tips can also be negative: how to avoid getting ripped off,how to avoid bad situations,share bad experiences or knowledge of bad experiences so members can avoid falling into the same traps.

One tip when buying a car or something similar make sure before you sign  read the receipt  or contract as to whether it includes the GST or excludesand state so clearly.One conman try to con my friend out of an extra GST payment after the deposit was paid.Luckily she got out of a tight spot when I advise her to call their bluff as the road tax was expiring soon and they backed off.

Let this post also be an avenue for members to get advice on issues not related to friendships and relationships or personal issues.(this we can cover in another agony uncle post that I might initiate soon).So if you have a non personal problem or dilemna you can ask fellow members for advice!Caveat Emptor clause applies…use it at your own discretion.

I hope SHC members are willing to share and sometimes in the process embarass themselves(you can always say you were told by a friend…) and help each other by sharing our wealth of Silverhairs experience.

Illuminate each other with your glow , light the candle  and lift the darkness upon us!

NO MATTER HOW OLD WE ARE WE CAN NEVER STOP LEARNING PEARLS OF WISDOM!

Divorcees, Widows, Singles & Married Singles – Are they for real?

To all you cheerful (and grumpy if any) folks especially the ladies at SHC

Here’s a controversial topic which we talk about almost every day in private but never dare to bring it up in the open. I hope to arouse your interest and put on your thinking cap to openly discuss it.

It’s about the WOMEN of SHC.

As an observer and after a period of scrutiny since joining SHC 2 weeks ago, I note there are basically four categories of women here. Leaving the happily married aside, there are the divorcees, the widows, the "desperate"singles, and the married singles.

Now, what are the trademarks and characteristics of each category of these women, i.e. are they cheerful? Lonesome? Happy-go-lucky? Quarrelsome? Weird? Sporty (don’t play play)? Independent? Aggressive? Dominating? Swinging? Prone to and desirous of love (I love that hunk, if only he would talk to me first)? Hurtful? Are they really desperate (Men, BAH! Who needs them)? Married but single (Yabadabadoo! That louse hubby of mine is out of town for another 2 weeks)?  Sensitive (It’s all that man’s fault!)? 

You need only to write about your own traits and grievances to dispel any misunderstanding and misgiving about you. Alternatively, you could pick on and write about one of the 4 categories you are most familiar with. That way, we can cooperate and socialise as a happy family henceforth.

The whole idea is to better understand them in order that we can tread more carefully when socialising with them in SHC. Your comments, either 2 cents worth or million dollar opinion, are welcomed here. Happily married ladies, your contributions will be invaluable too to cheer up the aggrieved singles (Oh, they got all the good and handsome ones!), and share the laughter with the rest.

Guys, feel free to chip in your 2-bid worth of remarks too, but please, no vulgarities or name calling . This is a decent forum and the ladies deserve our respect. Agree. Mr. Steven Chan?

Not to worry, ladies, you will get your chance to "hantam" the men on the next episode after this.

May I invite our outspoken Ms Lina Ng (Ooo…, don’t you love it when they still address themselves as Miss?) to cast the first ROCK and start the ball ROLL-ing.

Something for Halloween night – Fri, Oct 31, 2008

This is definitely not a confirmed event!  But, if it comes true, it will be a strictly SHC event.

Halloween Day falls on Oct 31 each year.  I guess most of you know what is Halloween day.  Imagine SHCians meeting one another with cut-out water melons over their heads and dressed in tathered torn cotton dresses.  And everybody tryng to frighten one another with ghostly laughter and strange faces.

Liquor is not something I support, altho must confess most of us sin in this area.  I think a bit of it is fun.  The angmos enjoy this day, as this is a great way to meet other friends, the friendly way.  Imagine rushing off for Halloween, immediately after work, change into something ghastly, bring along a huge pumpkin, with cutout eyes, nose and wide smile, and chatting with one another, until 1.00am.  Then when the clock strikes 12, everybody suddenly downs their pumpkin head, and enjoy the fun moments of laughter, realising how young each of us really is.  An excellent occasion to practise the SHC Hug.

SilverHairsClub has only one objective; and that is to provide a platform for SHCians to meet new and more friends.  Enjoy the fun of being natural.  CPF, retirement, money and how to survive till 85 are important issues, but there is also plenty of life ahead to look forward to.  So, go to the market this weekend, and buy the largest pumpkin that fits your head, eat the inside; and dry the husk. 

Now, for all SHCians, do you know of such a place in Singapore, when we can have a fun Halloween evening?  We can meet at 8pm, and escape in our chariots and donkeys ready by 1am.  Big enough for 80 – 100 giants and dwarfs, with settings like the inside of Disneyland’s "It’s a small world".  Dinner not important, as everybody would have eaten a brown bear; but obviously, some little fried rats and grasshoppers would be great.  Some music would be great.

Think wild.  Why not?  And, share your thoughts, even though they may be crazy.  Dont be shy.  If you have never met anyone in SHC, this would be a great evening to meet new friends.  Please raise your left hand.

No promises yet, but put this date in your diary.  If you think your diary is clear, and you like to meet other SHCians with similar interests, please put your name here too.   By the way, I have not found the EO yet.

Terence Seah

Tentative registration list:

Poems on love

    I am initiating this post to invoke and stimulate  the creative instincts among SHC members and make them aware that with our life full of rich experiences  we have a better awareness of Love and Life in general.    

"Poems can also include phrases,salutations on greeting cards,anecdotes, lyrics from songs,reflections and  similar thoughts.These can be original or discovered from somewhere( if willing and able try to identify source ).

Love can also mean friendships,   relationships ( can also include hate and our feelings when we are in a melancholy or even negative   mood    )    

I’ll kick off with a few corny (have a good laugh)ones that I remember from the past. The 1st  one is not original but copied from  a Hallmark card with a quote I believe from a Lady(I  think ) by the name of Kahil Gibran. 

"Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot help but keep it from themselves."

The 2nd is from a Beatles song called "In My Life" I can’t remember all the words  at this time…can anybody help to refresh?

The 3rd are lyrics from a Nat King Cole song called "When I fall in Love"…will it be forever?

"You are you and I am I,but together we make beautiful music   ."                

Good-bye Dust

Good-bye Dust 

I have a robot to vacuum my house.  I’m not joking  .. it is the irobot Roomba model 550.  It vacuums my floors by itself and goes back to the dock to recharge when battery is exhausted. 

When the irobot went on sale last year in Singapore it was costly.  The features were quite basic and I did not think that it would work properly and expected frequent breakdowns. 

When I saw a more advanced model for US$225 at Costco in the States, I could not resist getting one to try out.  Tested it in my daughter place and found that it really works.  It meticulously gathers up specks of dust from everywhere it can access.  I have been using it for the last three months here, and there are no hiccups.  Touch wood.

For those of you who interested – a more expensive model is available in Singapore – Roomba model 560 with similar features – costs about S$930. Or you can get it on the internet for a much lower price. Those interested may want to explore further.  For your information:  Reviews: http://www.shopping.com/xPR-iRobot-iRobot-550-Roomba-Vacuuming-Robot-Black 

I add this here for the product details it provides.  You may want to explore ebay and amazon.com or other sites that ship overseas. 
Good wishes,

Ming Choo

Death

Now that we are in the 7th Moon period when the dead is walking among us. I wander how they are. Perhaps they have their monthly meetings just like SHC or do they do it once a year and always on earth. Do they have a blog to decide where to meet? Who is their blog administrator?

Death is for sure. Unfortunately we do not know when, that is why we have a hard time planning for retirement. It will be so much easier for us to decide how much to spend each month if we know when we don’t need the money any more. Most of us end up living poor and dieing rich.

  • At which stage do you consider yourself dead?
  • When you heart stops beating?
  • When your brain stops processing signals?
  • When you cannot recognize you spouse and children?
  • When you defecate on yourself because you are not able to go to the loo? or
  • When you stop enjoying sex?

Modern medicine is able to give us longer life. But how many needles and tubes do they need to insert into you before you consider yourself dead? Are we living a longer life or just dieing a slower death?

Most of us do not fear death but are afraid of pain. When we are enjoying, the Teochews call it ‘Hor Si’ which literally means ‘good death’. Should we than concerntrate on how to have a good death rather than long life?

We are all over 45 years old, some of us may live over another 45 years but we WILL die. I think it is time to learn how to have a ‘Hor Si’. We should do it like planning another holiday. I always enjoy my holidays.

Diana Loo – Profile

Silver Is The New Gold

Wonder how many of you out there shares the same idea that Life begins only at 50!? :)  This is that phase of our life where we want to ponder and reflect on what we have achieved so far.  Did we do well, relatively well or are there is more we can do??  And I’m hoping that through this platform, I will be able to link up with like-minded individuals to share some experiences, exchange ideas and to see if there are possibilities for us to add more value and excitement to each other’s life through our exchanges and sharing. 

I work for a publishing company and is responsible for business development.  Outside of work, I enjoy the nature, outdoor activities like golf and swimming.  Cooking is one of my life long passion and I love all things concerning food!  Never had the opportunity to make it into a business or be a celebrity chef yet but quite happy to whip up a meal anytime for my close friends!  :)

Mary Chan’s daughter Sherry and Micheal’s Wedding, by Mary Chan

Hi everybody. I survived! emoticon

I want to share my experience, joy and fun with everyone.

The wedding was a huge success. We had a very unusual one, starting at my apartment and culminating with a dinner at the Sentosa Spa and Resort Hotel.

I had and still have mixed emotions. I am happy that they are happy, yet sad that I won’t have her with me as often as before. It’s difficult adjusting to not seeing her in the apartment, which seems so empty and quiet, especially now as my second girl has flown to Melbourne for a week. So I am all alone. Sigh.emoticon

On Saturday, I got up at 6.30 am as I couldn’t sleep. emoticonWe had breakfast at 730 and got ourselves ready when the beautician came at 9am to make up the two young ladies. The guests started arriving at 1045 am and by 1100, the apartment was humming with activity as everyone wanted to take a look at and photograph the bride who was in the ‘bridal chamber’ .

The groom then arrived with his 3 escorts, who were dressed in Mandarin outfits! Hahaha. One was his good friend, a Sri Lankan, the other was his best friend, an American and the third was his brother. We were all out on the balcony and staircase landing watching them emerge from the car. We expected something sedate and solemn, but all of a sudden, they broke into a New Zealand haka dance! emoticonTheir yells brought all the neighbours to their windows. It was such a hilarious sight, 4 guys, 2 Irish, an American and a Sri Lankan, dressed in Mandarin hats and outfits, doing the haka.

The dance looked so authentic, it drew applauses from the onlookers.

Then they proceeded to climb all 4 floors up to my apartment, shunning the lift, singing all the way. They even had a huge Chinese fan and some tinfoil percussion instruments. The song had a phrase, something like, "I’ll get down on my knees for you…" and the groom arrived at the top of the stairs and actually got down on his knees when he sang that, so romantic!emoticon

The bridesmaids then got into the teasing of the groom before allowing him to enter to claim his bride, who was still ‘hiding’ in her chamber, giggling with mirth. The bridesmaids, my second daughter, and several other young ladies barred the way and refused to allow him in, asking him to serenade the bride as loudly as he could, until the bride finally agreed that he had sung loudly enough. So he got past the first barrier, easy peasy.emoticon

Then, he had to perform a Chinese dance, wearing a pair of Chinese clogs! His best men were so ingenious. They picked up their clogs and clapped them together like castanets while the groom did a hilarious ‘flamenco’ dance, with lots of stamping. It was such a cosmopolitan mix and so entertaining for the guests, who were all howling with laughter and applauding with appreciation.emoticon

The final demand was a ‘big’ ‘ang pow’, which my daughter demanded gleefully. Guess what? The groom whipped out a really BIG ‘ang pow’ the size of an A2 size paper, with a big double happiness character on it! He had his own back on my second daughter, who was taken aback at the size of the ‘big’ ang pow. Of course, the cash was ‘checked’ to see if it was ‘big’ enough too. It was so much fun.

He was then allowed in. Then the bridal march was played and the bride came slowly out. It was so touching, I think I saw quite a few wet eyes. She was a vision of loveliness and the groom looked at her so adoringly. emoticonWe did a bit of praying, the Buddist way. Then we had the ‘tea ceremony’, when the bride and groom were showered with more ‘ang pows’ and gifts of jewellery for the bride.

Everyone had lunch before leaving to go home to change and get ready for the evening, for the Chinese banquet held at the Sentosa Spa and Resort Hotel. We had a 10 course Chinese fusion cuisine dinner for the relatives and guests. emoticon

The groom and his buddies had something else up their sleeves, halfway through the dinner. They came up with a skit of Sherry and Micheal (pronounced Mi-hall the Irish way) . Micheal portrayed Sherry and one of his best men portrayed him. Micheal had on a black, long haired ‘wig’ and tied a table cloth around his waist for a makeshift skirt and acted the part of a very coy and flirty Sherry. His best man wore a longhaired, orange wig, made from some wooly material and acted as Micheal when he first met Sherry.

The other best man told the story of their courtship while the two drew a lot of laughs and hoots with their   caricature of the bride and groom’s courtship.emoticon

Then there was a toast and speech made by the groom’s father, who actually sang a beautiful Irish song. Some of the guests had a great Chinese ‘yam seng ‘for the couple too. After the dinner, most of the Chinese guests left. Such a pity. They should have stayed. The other guests were reluctant to leave and many spilled out into the beautiful garden after the dinner and carried on chatting and drinking late into the night. It was a totally beautiful evening. The groom’s parents, 2 sisters and brother entertained us with their lovely renditions of Irish songs too. The whole family had such beautiful vocal chords.emoticon

Some of us stayed the night at the hotel and didn’t leave until Sunday evening.

Well, that’s part one of the celebrations. Part two will be in September, in Ireland, where the guest list will be even longer. That will be after my 21 day tour of Europe with my second daughter. I will be staying in Ireland for a week after that.

I’m so looking forward to that.

I feel a little sad as I miss my daughter already, but I console myself that she is staying very nearby, a 5 min walk away. I’m hoping that she’ll come and visit me often. I think the best way is to entice them with home cooked meals don’t you think? Hehe. emoticon

 

Click here to view photos

 

 

Jamming, making music of early 70s, for fun.

Last year,  me , Daniel and someone started jamming , me on guitar, Dan on drums and that someone on organ.   However,  Daniel found someone and together they played  better music in a lovely and captivating way that drove him to live overseas almost immediately.  

To make the story short, I happened to have met another friend who was the drummer when we jammed in the early 70’s playing song by Eagles, early rock,etc. He is still keen on jamming for fun and so am looking for anyone who plays any instrument  to jam for fun with us, once in a while.  Cheers  

Air Scouts and flying ?

Hi all,

I happened to have met 2 gentlemen that sort of rekindled something I  have always wanted to try.   That is the cheapest way to fly, on ultralight plane that is basically the lghtest plane with a motor to fly. 

I learned that you can attend a 5 days course  and learn from absolutely zero knowledge/experience and on day 5 you will be able to take off and fly solo. Such packages are available in JB or in Pattaya and it includes not only the training , lodging but also insurance.  

Also I have heard of Boy scouts, Sea scouts but not Air scouts ?  What air scouts do is the same as most scouts except they learn about flying and may also do some flying on small planes.  Well if anyone has such interest or are involved or planning on such trips , I would like to learn more. Cheers. 

The Unsung Benefits of Wine

If health came in a bottle, it would create mayhem at the local market. As people threw elbows and ran over one another with rabid shopping carts, bottles of health would fly off the shelves, secured in the clenched grip of hissing customers. People would push, shove, and use props – such as a crying child or a seeing-eye dog – to get their hands on this product. A bottle of health would be a best seller. While it might not be a bottle of health, per say, a bottle of wine is the next best thing.

Those of us who are wine drinkers all know that red wine benefits the heart and white wine benefits the lungs. But, what we might not know is that the health benefits don’t stop there…not even close. The health benefits of wine transcend the human body, refusing to develop a monogamous relationship with any one part.

The following is a list of the unobvious ways wine is helping you or has the potential to help you in the future. They all exist in an underground world of unsung wine benefits, where grapes anxiously wait for their day in the sun.

Extreme Weight Problems: While the term "beer belly" may have given alcohol a bad rap when it comes to weight, wine is actually proven to help the severely overweight. In order for this to be true, dry wine, wine that does not contain sugar, needs to be ingested: four or five ounces are taken at dinnertime or bedtime. In one study, the average weight loss of those who ingested this wine was twice that of those who didn’t. Along these lines, because wine helps with anxiety and ridding the body of tension, it has also helped those who suffer, on the other end of the weight spectrum, from anorexia.

Old Age: Old age is not a disease, but an affliction to our health nonetheless. Still, it’s an affliction those of us in youth hope to someday procure. While growing old can bring about all kinds of problems, wine can aid in their relief. For starters, wine decreases the dependency on certain medications, particularly medications that relax and sedate people. Wine has also proven to increase appetites, self-esteem and social lives of those in old age.

Intelligence: On an average basis, people who moderately consume wine are of higher education levels than those who don’t drink alcohol or drink far too much. This isn’t to say that you should, Merlot in hand, roll your eyes at the idiocy of someone drinking a beer, but it’s reassuring to know wine drinkers are in good, and smart, company.

Bone Strength: Bone strength may be of little concern to those who are young, but it’s extremely important in advanced age: a skeletal build with low density will have a bone to pick with its owner when Osteoporosis sets in. Men and women who are moderate wine drinkers, however, generally have bones that are denser than non-drinkers: the greater the density, the less likely the fractures.

Cancer: Red wine, filled with antioxidants, is proven to be a liquid nemesis of cancer, preventing it before it can fester. Packed with strong compounds, wine is laden with protective affects. In fact, the CDC found that women who averaged 12 glasses of wine per week were rewarded with an 83 percent decrease in endometrial cancer rates.

Kidney cancer, along these lines, seems to have found an enemy in alcohol. According to a study conducted in Sweden by Dr. Alicja Wolk of the Karolinska Institute, women who drank moderate amounts of alcohol had a 38 percent lower kidney cancer risk than those who didn’t. For women 55 and older, the risk of kidney cancer was cut to 66 percent.

Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes, non-insulin diabetes that usually develops with age, is less likely to attack those who are moderate drinkers. Because the majority of people who get type 2 diabetes are women, a study was recently performed by Dr. Michael L. Bots at the University Medical Center Utrecht. During this study it was revealed that women who consumed 5 to 30 grams of alcohol per week were not as likely to develop type 2 diabetes as those who abstained completely.

While it is often lauded for the way it benefits the heart and the lungs, wine, the over achiever of alcohol, doesn’t just stop there. From your mind to your ankle bone, wine provides a glassful of benefits. And, what’s more, these are the only ones known so far. As the wine revolution gains even more ground, and more studies are performed, the benefits of wine may continue to be increasingly known, pouring good health on all who consume it.

Author: Jennifer Jordan.    Brought to us courtesy of Caroline Gee!

Annual medical checkups for the over 45s

Early this week, I went for my annual medical checkup, for the first time, at Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok.  The checks were comprehensive, and I was impressed with the service and care the staff put into ensuring a thorough check.  Surprised, this was the first time, i did an ultrasound; thought it was only for pregnant mothers.  Kind of ticklish tough.  The total cost was SGD 540.

As usual, when I went to pick up my report, and see the follow-up review doctor, i was just going over my head, what kind of added features I have developed in my body, over the last year.  Nothing unusual though, the doctor advised me to take more exercise, eat more healthy and come back in a year’s time.

I think this is an interesting topic for everybody.  Do you have some advice to share on annual medical checkups for over 45s?

Terence Seah 

“Upgrading” of SHC website.

Hi Administrator, Terence & Web designer,

For the past few weeks I have been talking to SHC members, and quite a number seemed and is still having the same problems as I have. I don’t know whether its my computer { I am using Windows XP } or has it got to do with the web design.

The main page of the SHC website is beautiful, in its larger colourful font and beautifully arranged. I can change the size of the fonts as I wish, as per norm, for this SHC main page and for my Email too.

There the "upgrading" stops.

The moment I click on the ‘Latest Comment’ ……..frustration sets in…….

1. The font size is miniscule…..despite a lot of help by fellow members, am not able to change the size. It is a strain on the eyes to read.

2. Whilst on this page, I am unable to get into the posting to read up and add my comments, should I wish to do so. I practically have to search the whole website for the posting.

3. In addition eg., Yew Kwong’s help in giving the path to transportation details for the next monthly meeting, again this was not accessible by clickin on address. So his offer of help is defeated.

4. The E-mail address of the commentator is now missing.

5. I have hunted high & low for the ‘User’ button to change my password. Have not found it yet.

I hope this is not regarded as nit picking.

But to my mind this ‘upgrading’ is about taking 1 step forward and 5 steps back.

Please advise if there is any way we can have the same ease we had with the previous web site.

For a non savvy computer user, I was able to navigate it with the minimum of problems.

Hope there is help in the horizon.

Thanks for your attention……………Jie

Bean Bag for bodyache , anyone???

I will like to share this little "bean Bag" I use whenever I have my shoulder ache, neck pain and back pain.  I was using it to ease my neck pain last night and I think of sharing it  with the SHCian.

Sew a little pillow case of about 10" x 5" and fill 3/4 full  with wheat (Xiao Mia – look like the bailey – u can get it at any provision shop or NTUC. 

Heat the "Bean Bag" in the mirco-wave oven for 1min-1 1/2min. Place it on the "Body ache" . Please place a small towel over it if u have sensitive skin.  It help alot especially on the Knee-Cap pain. It don cure but it release the pain. Some old folk told me that their knee cap is not that painful after long term using it.

I used to sewed this bag for old folk and they are very happy as some are too poor to keep going to the doctor whenever they have this knee-cap problem.

If u have friends and relative who stay in cold country , they can use this as a warmer in the winter.  Please try it out or pass this "Bean Bag Remedy" to friends. It is cheap and reliable as well.

If u keep this bean bag dry ,u can use it for many years. Good Luck

Housewife’s Hint

Karen Thio

SHC Monthly Meeting

Hans is an OK place to have our monthly meetings but I yearn for a place with notebook computer access. For lack of a better place I am recommending our members to do an online petition to persuade our founder to use Scorebot for our next meeting as it has internet facilities. While it’s seating capacity is limited it has enough standing capacity to create an informal  and cosy atmosphere.  Our founder is reluctant to do so because of conflict of interest but if members can persuade him in this thread I am sure he may reconsider! Our founder feels "pai sei" or awkward as he has a vested interest in the prosperity of the outlet but as long as we get a fair and good deal I strongly feel its a win -win situation for all parties.If unconvinced I would suggest we use it as a base and hangout for members until we are able to find other suitable places with internet access and than we can rotate and come back to Scorebot on alternate months or use it in lieu of unavailability of suitable locations."What say you fellow SHC members?"…support a good cause!

In the meantime any suggestions for other suitable locations with internet access? Is anybody a member of any country club who can negotiate use of one of their outlets or unutilised ballroom for one of their slow nights since it is a weekday usually.

Kahlua Irish cream – another cure for headaches

Over the last two years, many of us have enjoyed the fun and culture of the SilverHairsClub.  And, many have found new friends, with new activities and interests.  Unfortunately, and even though I have been in the newspaper media business for a long time, I have learnt that words can be harsh and misinterpreted, even among over 45s.  Some members have used SHC’s communication channel to insinuate and insult other members.  Obviously, this was not what SHC had intended in the first place.  However, with the open internet media, inflammatory comments as not unusual in a public forum. 

As long as discussions stay out of politics, sex, race or religion, besides direct selling and MLM, the administrator will, within reason, allow all discussions or debate to proceed without interruption.  Therefore, I encourage forum members to be sensitive; and not allow other members to make you excited.  There are many fun SHCians around us.

I had just bought a bottle of Kahlua Irish cream at the airport.  Anybody likes to join me for a Kahlua evening after the gathering on Wed 4 Jun.  Bring your own plastic cup.  Another great cure for headaches.  You are encouraged to give your views here.  Avoid pointing at specific persons, unless you are directing at me.  I wont get angry.

Terence Seah

Review of Manchester Utd vs Chelsea Euro Champs Final

For the sake of SHC members who bet regularly on Toto,4D,the casinos and mahjong I strongly urge

members to put a bet in.I have a track record as a horse racing pundit on the horse racing website at

www.7naps.com with a 40% strike rate.At my peak for this season I did achieve a win strike rate of 45%.My insiders111 publication was  featured on Mediacorp’s programme called Tracktalk with 6 winners in a day of 10 races and 10 winners over 2 days of 20 races.My track record as a soccer pundit is getting the result of the last 4 World Cup matches played when Italy beat France in the finals.betting in these 2 fields is akin to advise being given by a good stockbroker who advises you on shares on the stock exchange.You need good research and a superior method of analysis to make $$$.

So here goes,(if I am wrong Tim Liu would probably be the 1st to throw egg on my face  followed by Terence)Terence seldom bet but was persuaded to do so by yours truly at last night’s Bachelor Nite

which was warmly gatecrashed by 3 charming ladies(warmly received).There goes the gossip grapevine working overtime!(I hope the 3 ladies don’t throw shoes at me when we meet the next time).Moderator if this is too scandalous please censor.

Here goes Take a draw on 1 X 2… 90 min result… logical reasoning market opened at $2.85

now drifted to $2.70…very confident…put a big bet on this…my bet is $100(very puny by Tim’s standards in comparison)

medium confidence token bet for better value(greedy for bigger odds…may be my undoing).

Take a token bet $5 or $10 on half-time/full-time on D-D ie DRAW-DRAW(from $4.40 drifted to $3.70)

plus another token bet on zero goals at $5 only(average is $9.00 for usual games but this is the lowest odds for this bet to the best of my memory…market opened at $6.50 drifted to $5.50

low level of confidence speculative bets at good odds …this bet must be taken in tandem…under special bets…Chelsea to win after 90 mins at $8.25 and Chelsea to win on penalties at $9.00.I am not confident of this position and for those die hard Man Utd fans I recommend this bet(2bets in tandemat $

as a better bet than For Man Utd to win on the 1 X 2 at $2.30

Mthly Gathering – suggestion for a venue

SHCian,

I have loged in the SHC Web this morning & noted Terence & June mentioned can be arrange some changes in next gatherings. May I propose Downtown East in Pasir Ris, as on & off there will  have some entertainments in the open spare event hall, we can take dinner/drink at the restraurant or hang around the corner in the resort as there just build a new shopping centre, for those who love to sign karaoka also sing at K-box.

Thank you.

Short-term retirement abroad

I have been keeping a copy of the Straits Times, dated Mar 17, 2008 with the article "Retirement city: Develop low-cost retreat abroad", and think it is still relevant to toy with this subject again.  Please note this thread is not about giving up one’s citizenship or packing up and say goodbye.

Over the last 24 months, I have been asking around, and came to some conclusions why Singapore is the ideal place to retire in.  I may be wrong; but I tend to think there is truth in this observation.

  1. Most of us have families, children or relations in Singapore; and it is not possible to just uproot oneself.
  2. Between the men and the women, almost all women will not even think about the possibility of leaving Singapore for good.  For the men, the percentage is slightly higher, but as a family unit, the family will not leave Singapore for any of the nearby countries.
  3. The idea of selling the Singapore property may sound attractive, and together with the CPF can make one feel like a millionaire in another land.  Reality is the roof is still a required shelter for many years to come, for the children, parents or even ourselves.
  4. Health insurance, other kinds of insurances tend to provide cover, if one is living in Singapore.  Depending on the T&C, hospitalisation and other health care may not be covered under existing insurances.
  5. The idea of short-term living overseas, maybe 3 months, in nearby countries, sound like an attraction because of lower cost of living, lower medical costs and travel opportunities.

I tend to like short-term living overseas; yet, I feel sometimes it is not practical because of the above factors.  Lower costs overseas and travel opportunities are not enough drivers.  Shorter-term of 7 – 14 days overseas seem to be more practical and feasible.  What are your views?

Terence Seah 

Men’s night – Tue 20 May 2008 evening

Men’s nite is confirmed for Tue 20 May 2008 evening

Not too sure if a Men’s night is a great idea to be discussed on this website; but it definitely is a desired and hmm why-not? event.  The idea of a men’s night popped up recently, in response to the participation at the  thai disco, the geylang trip and the imbalance of the sexes during main activities.

So, I pick up this discussion point, and let’s see if we can really attract more men to an event, if it was purely a men’s night.  Nothing sexist about it; but a pure survey turned into a real event.  So far, informal feedback hmm pretty exciting.

So, all the men would you come to a men’s night?  Got no idea yet where the venue or what the night would be all about.  So, let’s start with a date, Tue 20 May 2008 evening.  I shall be in town.

Share your ideas on what we can do.  We will probably pick one of the following.  A night out at a old fashion or oldies bar.  Watching a soccer match together in a kopitiam.  Having an investment discussion before the US market opens.  Or having a karaoke session somewhere.

Strictly SilverHairsClub members only.  Terence Seah

Tentative attendance list:

  1. Jeffrey Lim – Will be there, no agenda need, let nature takes its course.
  2. Andrew Yeung – off to Vietnam
  3. Terence Seah – confirmed.
  4. Dan Huang
  5. Andrew Koh – confirmed.
  6. Charles Chua – confirmed
  7. Jonathan Ong – confirmed.
  8. Tim Liu – confirmed.
  9. Andrew Kuan – planning to come for dinner.Not feeling well.
  10. Steven Chan -confirmed.
  11. Dennis Wee – has work to do.
  12. Victor Gomei – not expecting any formal agenda
  13. Dennis Har – likes to chat on Equity, commodities, Option, Forex trading
  14. Steven Tan – ready for any agenda. confirmed.
  15. Man Singh – any discussion on travel, retirement, migrating, preventing loneliness, dinner, drinks.
  16. Richard Kwok – game for anytihing. confirmed.
  17. Philip Soo – will  join if in town.  Like to meet more people.
  18. Richard Kee – will join happy hour and dinner. confirmed.
  19. Lum Fook – may be coming.
  20. Jeffrey Fong – will come, need confirmatiion a later date. Confirmed.
  21. Victor Khor – confirmed. loves jogging, tennis, swimming , social activities, investments ideas/instruments.
  22. Teng Jow Leo – will be coming, need to adjust schedule.
  23. Peter Tan – wll check if not clash with China Trip.
  24. Spencer Loh – certainly keen to meet people.
  25. Edwin Ong – Would come.  It’s the company that counts.  Likes lifestyle, work and travel overseas, staying close to nature.  Will join happy hour.
  26. Anthony Cheok – Yes, will join happy hour, dinner.  Loves travel and PC.
  27. SB Khoo
  28. Chong Kwang Sim – Sure to come, happy hour and dinner.  General interests.
  29. Richard Wong – Confirmed. luv anything from wine to beer to stock market.  Interest to meet SHC members.
  30. Come and let us know if you can make this date.  If you cannot come, let us know by 16 May.

Program:

  • Come to Harry’s Bar atentrance to Boat Quay from 1800 hrs.  Buy your own drink, and join the group for a chit, and getting to know one another.
  • Proceed to Beng Thin Hokkien restaurant, 5th floor OCBC buildingat 1945 hrs.  Dinner at 2000 hrs, shared approx $25 per pax.  Dinner finishes at 2200 hrs.

What Success is when you grow Up.

Lunch time Joke and time to reflect 

  • Age 4 , success is not peeing in your pants
  • Age 6 , success is finding your way home
  • Age 12 success is having friends
  • Age 18 success is having your driving license
  • Age 21 success is having sex,
  • Age 35 success is having money
  • Age 45 ,55 success is still having more money
  • Age 60 success is having sex,  and able to enjoy it
  • Age 65 success is keeping your driving license
  • Age 70  success is having friends
  • Age 75 success is finding your way home
  • Age 80 success is not peeing in your pants,
  • Age 80 and above, success being to read all this and being able to laugh.