When one is busy, time really flies! I just realised that it has been just over a month since I last did my update here. Ok, I have been working my butt off lately and I have also been very busy upgrading my own skill in order to be able to do my job even better!
Over the last one month, I suffered one system disk corruption! This disk corruption render my working horse dead and non functional for nearly a week. Fortunately, I did a 100% backup of all my photos which is a good 400GB! However, some very important Java scripts I have written for my Photoshop were mysteriously "lost". All the Actions I created for Photoshop were gone! This is minor because I can easily recreate them, except that this time, it is better than the last one. One other thing is that I have rewritten one Java Script which is now some 20 times faster than my last one!
Talking about data backup, I have always advice everyone to print their photos, especially those important ones. I keep hearing from friends that they lost many years of digital photos collection. So, you either backup or print some of them. This is probably a blessing and also a curse (depending on whether a disk crash happen to you or not) of digital photography and smart phone.
Ok, for those who are interested to do backup, read this article here and choose a software to automatically do backup for you!
BTW, if you are interested in long lasting prints, especially 4R, and printed using Epson inkjet printer, please contact me. The paper I use is ultra glossy which can survive soaking in plain water.I don't know of any commercial printer using inkjet to print 4R photos.
Showing posts with label Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tips. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Friday, April 05, 2013
10 top tips if you are now retired
I have a friend who gave away everything at retirement his son to start his business. He lost everything and now the old folks are penniless! It is very depressing. To add more disappointment, the son "disappeared".
1. Do not retire.
If you're over-aged, retire and get all the benefits but find another income-generating job or open a business that will keep you active physically and mentally. Travel and bond with true friends, play a sport, learn a new hobby and volunteer in your community or parish. Don't loaf around. Your spouse will hate you because you've become a sloppy, listless bum with nothing good to say about the household and things that you never bothered about before. Solve crossword puzzles, play Scrabble, write your memoirs, and above all, read ...this will keep you alert and keep Alzheimer's at bay.
2. Live in your own place to enjoy independence, privacy and a solo life.
If you move in with your children, your rank or degree of importance is reduced to that of a bed spacer who has no place of honor or, worse, like crumbling furniture merely displayed with no added value. Might you kowtow to conform to their own rules that are not kind, considerate or mindful of you? If you witness your children engaged in a war of will and wits with your grandchildren, whom will you side with? Will they even appreciate your arbitration? Remind your children that silence is not a sign of weakness; you are merely processing data that is taking longer to complete.
3. Hold on to your nest egg, bank deposits and assets.
If you want to help your children, do give, but not to the extent that you wipe out your life's earnings, singing heroically not a shirt on my back nor a penny to my name. Staying solvent and in the black is a good hedge against all kinds of tempests. You will sleep better, you will not be afraid to express your opinion and you will be confident about yourself.
4. Don't believe your children's promise to care for you when you grow old.
Priorities change. Many children are not guilt-ridden or filled with a sense of moral obligation when the wife and offspring take top billing in their lives. There are still children who would consider it a privilege to show compassion, genuine love and deep concern for their parents but be warned that not all children think alike.
5. Expand your circle of friends to include young ones who will definitely outlive your old BFFs.
Keep up with new inventions, trends, music and lifestyle including all the scams and schemes you should guard against. Remember that when you mix with the young, you also open a fresh avenue to channel your thoughts, experiences and values through so that the lessons you learned are not lost, forgotten or buried with you.
6. Be well groomed and smelling fresh of spring water all the time.
There's nothing more depressing than seeing people exhale when you walk by because you reek of baul (camphor chest) or lupa (dirt). Old age or bust, don't look and smell like a corpse when you're not one yet.
7. Do not meddle in the life of your children.
If they ask for your counsel, give it, but be ready to accept that they may not take it. Their situations in life cannot be compared to the situations that you experienced in your life. The playing field has changed and they need to develop their own set of survival skills. If you raised them to be street smart, they can handle themselves in tough situations and be able to read people. Champion and encourage their dreams and desires but on their own terms.
8. Do not use old age as your shield and justification for turning grumpy.
There's nothing more annoying than an arrogant, old fool. Welcome each day as another chance to be kind and forgiving, to yourself and to others.
9. Listen to what others may say.
Do not throw your weight around just because you are a septuagenarian or a nonagenarian. You are not a depository of knowledge. Even if the roles have been reversed, make growing old a fun-filled, pleasant experience for you and your brood.
10. Pray always and focus on your eternal life.
You will definitely leave everything behind, a final journey detached from burden and care. Be more accepting that, sooner, not later, you will croak. Prepare your swan song with a humble and contrite heart. If you believe in a merciful and loving God, there is no need to strut like a star. Nobody is. Money - Your last power at old age !
1. Do not retire.
If you're over-aged, retire and get all the benefits but find another income-generating job or open a business that will keep you active physically and mentally. Travel and bond with true friends, play a sport, learn a new hobby and volunteer in your community or parish. Don't loaf around. Your spouse will hate you because you've become a sloppy, listless bum with nothing good to say about the household and things that you never bothered about before. Solve crossword puzzles, play Scrabble, write your memoirs, and above all, read ...this will keep you alert and keep Alzheimer's at bay.
2. Live in your own place to enjoy independence, privacy and a solo life.
If you move in with your children, your rank or degree of importance is reduced to that of a bed spacer who has no place of honor or, worse, like crumbling furniture merely displayed with no added value. Might you kowtow to conform to their own rules that are not kind, considerate or mindful of you? If you witness your children engaged in a war of will and wits with your grandchildren, whom will you side with? Will they even appreciate your arbitration? Remind your children that silence is not a sign of weakness; you are merely processing data that is taking longer to complete.
3. Hold on to your nest egg, bank deposits and assets.
If you want to help your children, do give, but not to the extent that you wipe out your life's earnings, singing heroically not a shirt on my back nor a penny to my name. Staying solvent and in the black is a good hedge against all kinds of tempests. You will sleep better, you will not be afraid to express your opinion and you will be confident about yourself.
4. Don't believe your children's promise to care for you when you grow old.
Priorities change. Many children are not guilt-ridden or filled with a sense of moral obligation when the wife and offspring take top billing in their lives. There are still children who would consider it a privilege to show compassion, genuine love and deep concern for their parents but be warned that not all children think alike.
5. Expand your circle of friends to include young ones who will definitely outlive your old BFFs.
Keep up with new inventions, trends, music and lifestyle including all the scams and schemes you should guard against. Remember that when you mix with the young, you also open a fresh avenue to channel your thoughts, experiences and values through so that the lessons you learned are not lost, forgotten or buried with you.
6. Be well groomed and smelling fresh of spring water all the time.
There's nothing more depressing than seeing people exhale when you walk by because you reek of baul (camphor chest) or lupa (dirt). Old age or bust, don't look and smell like a corpse when you're not one yet.
7. Do not meddle in the life of your children.
If they ask for your counsel, give it, but be ready to accept that they may not take it. Their situations in life cannot be compared to the situations that you experienced in your life. The playing field has changed and they need to develop their own set of survival skills. If you raised them to be street smart, they can handle themselves in tough situations and be able to read people. Champion and encourage their dreams and desires but on their own terms.
8. Do not use old age as your shield and justification for turning grumpy.
There's nothing more annoying than an arrogant, old fool. Welcome each day as another chance to be kind and forgiving, to yourself and to others.
9. Listen to what others may say.
Do not throw your weight around just because you are a septuagenarian or a nonagenarian. You are not a depository of knowledge. Even if the roles have been reversed, make growing old a fun-filled, pleasant experience for you and your brood.
10. Pray always and focus on your eternal life.
You will definitely leave everything behind, a final journey detached from burden and care. Be more accepting that, sooner, not later, you will croak. Prepare your swan song with a humble and contrite heart. If you believe in a merciful and loving God, there is no need to strut like a star. Nobody is. Money - Your last power at old age !
Saturday, February 16, 2013
DIY Mechanic - clutch cable replacement
This morning as I drove my 32 years old Toyota GL out, I heard a sharp sound and my clutch paddle went "dead". Immediately I knew that the clutch cable was broken. Since, this is the sixth days into Lunar New Year, I don't expect mechanic to be working and beside, how do I drive the car there!? I went to see my favorite mechanic and he gave me tips on DIY clutch cable replacement. He told me that the hook at the clutch is broken as it is made from alloy. And true enough.... 
... the alloy head broke off!
So, the tips on clutch cable replacement:
Thread the new cable at the clutch paddle side first and connect it up (just hook on) to the paddle;
Hook up the new cable at the engine end, remember to fasten to the engine block (which was removed from the old cable).
Next adjust the tension at the paddle side using the clip which double as stopper.
I hope the above is clear. It probably cost only RM5 to have this fitted by mechanic but for those with old cars, I suggest to have this cable replace before it breaks. The cable cost RM40 only.
Another thing to routinely check and change is the brake rubber tubing near to the brakes. This tubing may burst and cause brake failure anytime, especially in aging car of more than 8 years.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Things you must do on this Monday!
I just wanted to remind all my readers in Malaysia, especially those who have children still studying and have to pay income tax. From next year, the tax relief for education saving fund for children has been increased to RM6000! So, if you are paying the max bracket, this means a saving of RM1600+!!! Run to Maybank on Monday and get it done! I think CIMB is also an agent. After that, pls remember to bring me out for yam char!
The scheme is called Skim Simpanan Pendidikan Nasional (SSPN).
Amount deposited in SSPN by an individual for his children’s education is deductible up to a maximum of RM6,000. The allowable deduction is limited to the net amount deposited in that basis year only. So if both husband and wife are working and has opted for separate assessment and you have two children still studying, you are entitled to RM6K each!
If you are retired like me, don't forget to put money in EPF if you have no insurance, etc to claim for deduction. Max deduction is also RM6K each for separate assessment. Go to EPF to get the form and then go to the bank to put in $$.
Maximum deductible for complete medical examination is RM500. But this is combined with medical expenses on serious diseases also. Anyway, total for these two item is RM5K only. Otherwise, go for a complete checkup on Monday.
Reading my blog may actually save you money!
The scheme is called Skim Simpanan Pendidikan Nasional (SSPN).
Amount deposited in SSPN by an individual for his children’s education is deductible up to a maximum of RM6,000. The allowable deduction is limited to the net amount deposited in that basis year only. So if both husband and wife are working and has opted for separate assessment and you have two children still studying, you are entitled to RM6K each!
If you are retired like me, don't forget to put money in EPF if you have no insurance, etc to claim for deduction. Max deduction is also RM6K each for separate assessment. Go to EPF to get the form and then go to the bank to put in $$.
Maximum deductible for complete medical examination is RM500. But this is combined with medical expenses on serious diseases also. Anyway, total for these two item is RM5K only. Otherwise, go for a complete checkup on Monday.
Reading my blog may actually save you money!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Kitchen Tips
Tip 1: You use a ceramic water filter which can be painfully slow. To overcome this, I used a container to collect the water before hand.
Tip 2: Kitchen wall can be oily and difficult to clean. How do you clean it in the quickest way? First, wet a sponge with washing liquid. Run over the surface of the wall to be cleaned. Then use a stainless steel wool to scrape off the oily deposit. Wipe it clean with a soapy sponge again.
Tip 3: You bought an expensive circular can opener. However, after a few months, the knob and moving parts become rusty and difficult to turn. You can't spray WD40 on it. Easy, use cooking oil instead and grease the moving part. ieR suggested that the can opener should be greased first before use. Actually, you should grease it often.
Tip 4: You like jack fruit but you hate the sticky latex sticking to the knife you use. Easy, just apply some cooking oil on the knife and the latex dissolve.
Tip 5: You like yam but cutting the skin off can cause terrible itch on your hands. There are two solutions here: Make sure that the yam stay dry when you scrape the skin. Or, apply "skin seal" or invisible glove before working on it. However, if the skin itch, dry it with cloth and put your hand over an open flame. Somehow, the itch goes away quickly with the heat from the open flame, eg, gas fire.
ieR is concerned that you may burn off all the hair on your hands. This may indeed happen if you don't exercise common sense!
It is the sticky liquid from the yam that is causing all the itch. So, never wet the yam before peeling the skin or you will experience the worse itch in your life!
Additional tips:
To peel yam, use a fast peeler!
To remove dirt off the collar of your shirt easily, apply Lux soap on the dirty part. So, don't use Lux soap too much on your skin!
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
How to wash mosquito netting and blind
I can say that most houses installed mosquito netting to keep out the bugs from entering the house. However, the fine mesh also attract dust and over time, it can become very dirty. So, how do you wash/clean them? Do you have a better solution? Do let me know.
For me, I will take down the netting, spread it out flat on the floor, wet it, pour washing liquid on it, with both feet on the frame as pictured above, and use a soft brush and brush in a uniform direction, ie, up/down or left/right. After one side is clean, flip the netting over and do the same for the other side. Shake off excess water, dry it and put it back.
In the early days, I like curtain. In fact, I made all the curtain in my house. However, after sometimes, and a few children later, nice curtain was a thing of the past. So, I installed aluminum blind....
... and it is like the mosquito netting... it attract dust! So, this is what I did to clean it:
1. Close the blind
2. Release the catch/latch at the horizontal bar at the top
3. Take the blind down carefully and you can "collapse" the whole thing by lifting the bottom bar upward - for easy moving around. Alternatively you can collapse the whole thing by pulling the cord. But you need to release it for cleaning.
4. Spread out the blind on the floor (make sure that there is no object on the floor (eg, stone, nails, etc), apply water and washing liquid.
5. Stand on the blind as above and use the same soft brush, and brush only the leaves that you are standing on and alone the leaves!
6. Flip over and clean the other side
You will notice that the overlapped areas of the leaves will still be dirty. To clean it, you need the turn the leaves in the other direction and repeat. This is difficult if the blind is wet. So, use your imagination.
After cleaning, spray it with clean water.
I am not responsible if you damage your netting or blind.
For me, I will take down the netting, spread it out flat on the floor, wet it, pour washing liquid on it, with both feet on the frame as pictured above, and use a soft brush and brush in a uniform direction, ie, up/down or left/right. After one side is clean, flip the netting over and do the same for the other side. Shake off excess water, dry it and put it back.In the early days, I like curtain. In fact, I made all the curtain in my house. However, after sometimes, and a few children later, nice curtain was a thing of the past. So, I installed aluminum blind....
... and it is like the mosquito netting... it attract dust! So, this is what I did to clean it:1. Close the blind
2. Release the catch/latch at the horizontal bar at the top
3. Take the blind down carefully and you can "collapse" the whole thing by lifting the bottom bar upward - for easy moving around. Alternatively you can collapse the whole thing by pulling the cord. But you need to release it for cleaning.
4. Spread out the blind on the floor (make sure that there is no object on the floor (eg, stone, nails, etc), apply water and washing liquid.
5. Stand on the blind as above and use the same soft brush, and brush only the leaves that you are standing on and alone the leaves!
6. Flip over and clean the other side
You will notice that the overlapped areas of the leaves will still be dirty. To clean it, you need the turn the leaves in the other direction and repeat. This is difficult if the blind is wet. So, use your imagination.
After cleaning, spray it with clean water.
I am not responsible if you damage your netting or blind.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Household Tip #1
How to unblock a blocked sink?
It is always very frustrating to see your kitchen sink blocking and water started to stay in the sink when you wanted it out. What would you do? Go out and buy a suction cap, call in a plumber, dismantle the piping system....etc?
My method is so easy ...
1. Use your palm and form it into a cup shape;
2. Place your palm over the sink exhaust hole;
3. Give it a few quick "pump" just like you are using a suction cap but now you are using your palm.
Note: Make sure that your sink has about 1-2 inches of water in there.
The water should now be released.
If the final section of the exhaust piping system is blocked, you need to flush the pipe first. How?
Use a flexible water hose, connecting one end to the water tap and switch on the water to the maximum. Thread the hose into the pipe (usually from the drain end) until it stops. Give it a few pull-push action to loosen any accumulated dirt. Withdraw the hose slowly. To give it a good wash, repeat it a few times. If your piping has multiple turn, this method may not work.
For safety, please remove any sharp object from the sink. Use your common sense to avoid hurting yourself. I am not responsible for any injuries that may arise from using my tips here.
It is always very frustrating to see your kitchen sink blocking and water started to stay in the sink when you wanted it out. What would you do? Go out and buy a suction cap, call in a plumber, dismantle the piping system....etc?
My method is so easy ...
1. Use your palm and form it into a cup shape;
2. Place your palm over the sink exhaust hole;
3. Give it a few quick "pump" just like you are using a suction cap but now you are using your palm.
Note: Make sure that your sink has about 1-2 inches of water in there.
The water should now be released.
If the final section of the exhaust piping system is blocked, you need to flush the pipe first. How?
Use a flexible water hose, connecting one end to the water tap and switch on the water to the maximum. Thread the hose into the pipe (usually from the drain end) until it stops. Give it a few pull-push action to loosen any accumulated dirt. Withdraw the hose slowly. To give it a good wash, repeat it a few times. If your piping has multiple turn, this method may not work.
For safety, please remove any sharp object from the sink. Use your common sense to avoid hurting yourself. I am not responsible for any injuries that may arise from using my tips here.
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