Sound of Music 2013

Do not compare this live presentation to the 1965 Julie Andrew film version. That was the masterpiece!

Do it and you will feel disappointed as Underwood is no Andrews.

Look at it on its own value and you will see that it can hold very well on its own.

While the stage presentation took liberty to depart from the film, it still manages to draw the emotive element in us.

The casting of Stephen Moyer as Captain Von Trapp is good  though not as taciturn as Christopher Plummer in the movie version. And he sings well too!

We will say nothing of Carrie Underwood as she is a songbird in her own right.

As for the children, this is also one great bunch; and so are the nuns of the Abbey.

As for the songs, they have shifted some around particularly Lonely Goat-herd which now goes into the thunder and lightning scene in Maria's room and My Favourite Things which is also sung by the Mother Abbess.

Yes there are additional numbers too; possibly from the Broadway play.

I did enjoy this outing.

I am sure you will apart from looking at the differences between this live show and the film version of 1965!

30 Ways to Stretch the Ringgit

Today's On-line Star has explored 30 ways for you to save and be thrifty when spending the diminishing ringgit this year.

This piggy stays!

Here goes:

1. Drink water. Stop ordering expensive drinks.
2. Batch your errands. Always have a shopping list.
3. Stay home more. Spend time with your family.
4. Cancel subscriptions. You may not even miss them.
5. Do it yourself. Learn to be a handy man or woman.
6. Stop paying interest. Pay in cash or don’t buy if you can’t afford it.
7. Travel on a budget. Budget travels can be fun.
8. Use cellphone sparingly. Optimise on free messaging services.
9. Cut or colour your own hair. Ask a friend to help you.
10. Maintain your things. Pay for fewer repairs.
11. Save energy. Do a good deed for the environment.
12. Buy bargain clothing. Dress down.
13. Plan ahead. Buy in bulk.
14. Cook ahead. Freeze the extras.
15. Don't wash clothes so often. Re-wear them at least twice.
16. Save on groceries. Shop on discount days and discount vouchers.
17. Frugal festivals. Keep them simple.
18. Look for used items first. They can be as good as new.
19. Eat out less except on weekends.
20. Bag lunch to work. It’s healthier.
21. Don’t window shop. Don’t get tempted.
22. Use the library. Read online.
23. Find free entertainment on the Internet.
24. Find frugal exercise like walking.
25. Stay healthy and keep medical bills low.
26. Carpool, walk or cycle if you can.
27. Look for discounts. Don’t be shy to ask.
28. Sell your clutter. Get organised too.
29. Reduce smoking. Protect your lungs.
30. Stop clubbing. Care for your liver and eardrums too.

Another Portrait of the ex MOH Dinner Event (11 January 2014)

This is a further portrait of the above event in pictures.

See, Chuah,Michael and I

Swee Tong, Chan, Mee Chan and Siew Ngoh

Kooi Ming, Yeng Chai,Check How, Ah Sing and  Cheng Hong

Yes, look at that kampung chicken! Yummy!

"I will go first,"says Michael.

Cheng: Let's take a shot

Janet also in action

"Let's get a little closer," says Leana to Francis

Tew: We must watch our food intake!

Give him an XO!

Chuah: Any more food?

Cheng: Get me the drumstick!

A Photographic Journey through the Ex-MOH Dinner on 11 January 2014

This is a photographic presentation of the event.

Francis Taking Photo Shots

We are at our Best!

Those were the days!

Time to Cherish!

Camaraderie!

I Did It My Way!

That was fun!

I remembered!

When we were in the truly civil service

One for the Road!

It was Like This!

Alfred Ho Crooning Away!

Yesterday..............

Any more food coming?

Closing Bank Accounts and Cancellation of Credit Card

Long Standing Customer Closes Account

If you want to cancel a credit card,it is not always a clean cut affair as you would have thought.

Even though they can stop the card from being used, you cannot dispose of the card as you like.

Though it is in your possession, it is still the property of the bank.

So, you would have to take care of the card for at least 14 days until the issuer contacts you again to persuade you to keep the card.

Only when they have failed to do so will the card be truly cancelled and you can dispose of it.

Incidentally, if you have overdraft facilities  with your current account and want them terminated along with the closure of your current account, this will again pose a problem.

Internal processes are more important and the bank officers have to adhere to them before telling you that the facilities have indeed being terminated. This will take 14 days.

So, as you can see, nothing is easy in today's maddening world;even for simple banking!

Pre-Chinese New Year Ex MOH Dinner (11 January 2014)

We were thankful to be able to meet for yet another year;to be among friends, whom in all our real or pretended busy-ness,  have not seen or been in contact for so many months or even years.

So, tonight at 7.30 pm, we met at the Golden Dragon City Seafood Restaurant in Paramount Garden. Though the food was nothing to shout about, the camaraderie and re-bonding was obvious.

Cheng Hong,Michael, Heng,Tew,Chan and Chee

Michael,Heng,Tew,Chan,Chee Cheng,Janet Chen and Leana Goh

Leana, Kooi Ming, Lai,Francis,Check How and See

Kooi Ming, Lai,Francis,Check How, See and Chuah

See, Chuah,Michael,Heng Tew and Chan

There was little pretension and all of us were in our most  sincere selves as we "mess" around with each other as we go down memory lane.

Chee suggested that we have another function this year with karaoke facilities.

Looks like we may have to book Pantai Seafood Restaurant this time around for the next ex-MOH meet.

Our benefactor this time around who willingly settled the bill was Kooi Ming.

We were privileged to be entertained by Alfred Ho, the great singer. He belted numbers from Elvis, Cliff Richard and all those soulful numbers from yesteryear that we were truly fond of.

Those who attended this time around were:

Chuah Cheng Hong
Mrs. Janet Chen
Cheng Siew Ngoh
Francis Lai
See Ah Sing
Chee Mee Chan
Tan Kooi Ming
Tew Swee Tong
Lai Yeng Chai
Heng Jee Heng
Leana Goh Saw Lan
Michael Loh
Lee Chck How
Chan Yau Kok

A Day at KWSP

Is it Still Solid?

I had the chance to visit  EPF  or KWSP (in Bahasa) this afternoon.

At my age only one thing was on my mind--withdrawal.

Possibly to review my nomination as well.

First off-nomination.

Instead of a card, they have a form now and your nomination and signature must be witnessed.

So EPF is playing safe on this aspect.

The second matter-the withdrawal of EPF savings.

Interestingly, it is paperless.

All you need to do is to present yourself to one of the EPF officers who will discuss your request and then remit the funds as you like;either monthly or in larger sums or even one lump sum.

The minimal withdrawal per month will be RM 2,000 and it will be remitted directly to a nominated bank account of your choice.

If every thing is in order, you can get your funds within 3 days. Otherwise, if there is some problems (especially thumb-print issues), you would get it within a week.

This monthly withdrawal is a good option as whatever funds left will still be entitled to dividends to be paid out.