Golden News
Volume 13 (Final Issue) - Number 51 - 26 June 2000.
The weekly newsletter of the Rotary Club of Kowloon Golden Mile, Hong Kong.
Web site: www.rckgm.org
Auld Lang Syne !
 
The PhantomWell folks, I guess all good things must come to an end, and The Phantom's participation in publishing the Golden News every week is no exception. A new Rotary year commences on 1 July and, starting from (Volume 14, Number 01) next week, your Bulletin Editor will be PP Louis Thomas.
 
Although publishing the Golden News each week has been fun, I must admit that it has taken up quite a bit of my time each week. This year I sent you 51 issues, and I did so whether I was in Hong Kong or on one of my regular overseas jaunts. Anyway, I hope you occasionally enjoyed my feeble attempts at humour each week, and that nobody was overly offended by my tongue-in-cheek comments or the nicknames that I used. 
 
I have always believed that the main thing which has set KGM apart from every other Rotary Club in District 3450 is that we do not blindly follow the crowd like sheep and we have a conscience. None of us joined KGM for the fame or glory. We don't need face. We don't kiss ass, and we certainly don't want our asses kissed. We are simply not in the ass business. We are in the business of trying to make life a bit more comfortable for those in our community who are less fortunate than us.
 
When somebody says to us "Jump", we always ask "Why?". We never say "How high ?". In fact, I always wonder whether the old Diner's Club advert which asked "Why Conform ?" was written with us in mind ? :-)
 
This is the primary reason why the Golden News and the KGM web site do not conform to "the norm". There are hundreds of Rotary newsletters and web sites out there which all say the same thing, in the same old boring way. You all know about the 4-way test and, provided you were once a Mouseketeer, you all know how to sing "R-O-T-A-R-Y" !! At KGM, we have lots of fun doing what we do, so why should we try to conceal that fact ?
 
Anyway, enough ranting & raving from me for now. This issue is our largest issue this year, and I apologise in advance for the length of it. In closing, I thank you all for putting up with me for so long, and I wish you all health and happiness in the future.
 
A Final Message From El Presidente Ram "Bo":
 
My dear fellow GoldenMilers,

Yes!  Within a few  days of your going through this, I will be IPP (Immediate Past President). We have together successfully completed the tasks that we set for us in the beginning of the Rotary year and during the start of the new millennium. But in Rotary no task is ever finished until it is bettered and continued  !! That is the true Rotary Spirit  !!!

On June 20, 2000 we had the last Joint Presidents' meeting. This was attended by me and our incoming President Cassidy Lam.(Representing our club, I accepted the award for 100% attendance for JPMs from the District Governor). The matters discussed were:

(1) 29-6-2000 District installation (Our club will have at least 3 tables, as it stands now  ! Please remember, those who attend will get one make up ! )

(2) Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship: The last date for application is 19-8-2000. Please hurry up if you have anyone to suggest. In Rotary year 2000 we had one candidate selected. Please remember VP Alex can give you all the information & direction.

(3) District budget for 2000-2001 and nomination for membership of nomination committee for DGN for 2002-2003 (You will hear more about these from Cassidy when he receives the big envelopes containing full details.)

(4) District Task forces (Await more from Cassidy on this)

On 28-6-2000 after our club assembly, when each one of our directors is expected to present his or her report (we are also expecting our Rotaractors and Interactors to be present on this day), I will hand over my duties to the incoming President Cassidy Lam in our usual private ceremony. At the District installation on 29 June, there will be another "group" ceremony.

It is difficult to thank each and every one of you individually for the support and help given by you. Throughout the past year our club historians (i.e. the past presidents), had helped me with sound and timely advice. PPs C.K, Robin, Joseph, Bryan and Louis. And then our DG  Dipo and advisor AG Larry. They have been real towers of strength and encouragement. Charter President Chandru, remembered the club throughout the year. President-elect Cassidy, Directors Norman and Miranda not only looked after their areas of work, but also saw through that our partners in service, namely the Rotaractors and Interactors, are actively engaged and involved in their work. Vice Presidents Ebe and Alex were always supportive, whether they were big or small  duties. Secretary Nanu  was always there to untie the difficult knots . Treasurer Silva had a very busy year in his profession, but his Rotary spirit was always undiminished. Patricia has been, and will be in the future also, actively involved. Directors of our various club service activities- Carola (9 new members),  Rajiv, Brian (you always had fine speakers), PP Vince (remember you never missed your bulletins, nor the fun browsing through the website), Sergeant at arms Chris, Ashok and Mazhar (you always had your raffles!),  and Deputy Secretary Neerja gave me all the support, in spite of the fact that some of the member's business, professional or career situations and changes presented them with certain difficulties during the year.
 
One of the best annual balls and Rotary Foundation years ( 11 Paul Harris fellows and one benefactor!), were due to Elissa Cohen. Rotarian Kumar helped in getting the matching grant on track through a donation from a friend. IPP Raju's help in holding the Rotary Information Seminar, District Conference and RI convention participation are to be remembered.

Above all you members gave me tremendous support in my efforts. Individually and personally we will always remember Rotary 2000 as a period of changes and challenges. If each one of us did act with  CONSISTENCY and CREDIBILITY to put ROTARY  into us  - ROTARIANS , we can feel proud that ROTARY is RELEVANT to us.

If the past 12 months were not sufficient for us in some ways, please remember Rotary is not for one year alone! If we were active,  well done. But to be better than that, we have to be PROACTIVE.  If Rotary has been relevant to us, good. But more than that, make it RELEVANT to our COMMUNITY. If we have been committed, okay.  But let that commitment be CONTINUOUS.

If each one of us has been supportive of our club activities, our programmes and projects, in the past appreciated. But be ' aware ' of new challenges and 'take action' to ensure, each time, good fellowship and service."

To  all of you, a big  'THANK YOU'. GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL AND YOUR FAMILIES.

Ramadasan
PRESIDENT 2000.
Appeal For Help:
 
Would any member who has a spare copy of the program booklet from the Annual Balls held in 1992 (PP Hans), 1997 (PP Irene) or 1999 (PP Raju), please contact the KGM Webmaster PP Vince Pinto on 9011 0088 or pinto@selpro.com.hk as soon as possible, or just bring them along to the regular meeting this week. These items are required for the KGM archives.
 
If you only have one copy and wish to retain it, PP Vince promises to make a photocopy and return the original to you undamaged.
 
Thanks.
 
Semi-Annual Dues:
 
Members will shortly be receiving an invoice from incoming Club Secretary Patricia "Maggie" Blair, in respect of the semi-annual dues for the period 1 July to 31 December 2000.
 
For the last five years or so, the dues have been $1,350 per member (twice a year), however since our incoming District Governor proposes to increase the District dues by over 100% from $525 per head to $1,100 per head, the KGM General Fund will need to operate on a deficit basis unless we also increase our club dues. This matter will be discussed at the next BOD meeting.
 
However you can rest assured that The Phantom, as incoming KGM Club Treasurer, is going to raise so much hell over this nonsense, that the repercussions will be felt as far away as Rotary International headquarters in Evanston, Illinois. Count on it.
 
Public Service Announcement:
 
Although this is not Rotary business, The Phantom would like to remind members that, commencing 1 July 2000, it will be an offence to use a mobile telephone while driving.
 
Even holding a mobile telephone or any part or accessory thereof, whether you are actually communicating or not, will be an offence, which attracts a maximum penalty of $2,000. Note there is no problem if you are holding a can of Coke or twiddling with the dials on your CD player or adjusting your make-up while driving. The law is clearly aimed at mobile telephones NOT holding the steering wheel with both hands. Good, logical legislation.
 
Of course if you can hold a mobile telephone while riding a motorcycle, and you live, the Government will make you an instructor !
 
Attendance:

According to the results published in DG Dipo's latest newsletter, KGM recorded a still woeful 62.75% attendance for the month of April 2000, and a slightly less pathetic year-to-date average of 63.60%, which places us 23rd out of 48 clubs in District 3450.
 
On the other hand KGM, with 55 members, is now the 5th largest club in District 3450, beaten only by RC of Hong Kong (163), RC of Kowloon (74), RC of HK Island West (59) and RC of HK Northeast (57).
 
What does all this mean ? We are getting bigger but not more beautiful ! While it would be relatively easy for us to become the 3rd largest club in District 3450, there is little point in doing so if we simply add members who don't show up for regular meetings or if existing members fail to honour their attendance obligation to the club.
 
Anyway, the other interesting observation I made is that there are 7 clubs in District 3450 with fewer than 20 members, which is the RI minimum for "provisional" Rotary clubs. In fact, there are some clubs with as few as 13 members, which is smaller than our Board !! Sheesh !!
 
If a club with 13 members has an attendance of, say, 60%, that means 8 people turn up !!  They call this a Rotary Club ?? To me this sounds more like a Poker Club ........
 

Next Fellowship Event - "NINC Night" - No Vacancy !!:

 
Well folks, our final fellowship event for the current year is now fully subscribed. However if you would still like to attend, please contact organiser Hans "Pancho" Peter on 9039 3904, and he will be happy to add your name to our waiting list, in the event that somebody decides to cancel during the week. For those of you who are attending, the details are:

7:00 p.m. - Friday 30 June 2000
 
Rico's Spanish Restaurant,
G/F, 44 Robinson Road,
Mid-Levels,
Hong Kong.
 
Remember that the nearest car park is located somewhere in Shatin (OK, OK, it's in Pacific Place), so you are advised to take a taxi.
 
This Week's Speaker: All Club Directors.
 
Topic: Club Assembly !
 
This is the final Club Assembly for the current Rotary year, and it is the time when each Club Director gives their final report to club members, who are free (and encouraged) to grill Directors on their respective portfolios.
 
Directors are reminded to come to the meeting suitably prepared. However, if you are unable to personally attend, you are required to send a brief written report to the President, or appoint a spokesman, so that he can make a presentation on your behalf.

This Week's Birthday Celebrants:
 
01 July - President Ram "Bo", who shares his birthday with the late Princess Diana and American "actress" Pamela Anderson, the silicone-enhanced "star" of such forgettable TV shows like "Baywatch".
 
02 July - Mervyn "The Abacus" Cragg, who shares his birthday with Dan Rowan, former co-host of the 60's TV comedy "Laugh-In", which launched the career of Hollywood mogul Goldie Hawn and many others. Say "Goodnight Dick" !!
 
Forthcoming District & International Events:
 
29 June 2000 - District Handover Gala Banquet - Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, Wanchai North, Hong Kong.

The cost of the evening is $500 per head, however KGM will subsidise any member who wishes to attend to the tune of $300 per head, making the nett cost to members er, ah, um only $200 per head. Contact President Ram at mramadas@indocarrsec.com if you are interested in attending what will surely be a truly dignified, exciting and fun-filled event.
 
OK, so my rampant sarcasm is showing again but, just because I believe this event is the District equivalent of a Reverend Sun Myung Moon mass wedding, is no reason for you guys not to attend. Heck, even I'm attending to support incoming president Cassidy.
 
The fact that Cassidy threatened me with grievous bodily harm if I did not attend has got nothing to do with it, OK ?
 
Cool Internet Sites:

http://www.airsafe.com/ is the definitive site for those of you who suffer from a "fear of flying". This site lists all major airlines in the world, along with their safety records. Avoid mainland Chinese airlines and Korean airlines at all costs. Trust me.

http://www.oscar.org  is the place to visit if you want to know anything about the Academy Awards. Lots of cool trivia, history and photos.
 
http://www.underneath.com/ offers a comprehensive selection of men's and ladies underwear. Japanese perverts please note that all the underwear offered at this site is new, not used. Sorry.
 
http://www.elvis.org.hk/ is, believe it or not, a Hong Kong site dedicated to The King.
 
KGM Web Site:
 
There is no doubt whatsoever that my nagging last week about the lackadaisical response to new Poll which asks the question: "Should we change from lunch meetings to evening meetings ?" has worked ! During the last seven days, member responses have sky-rocketed from a mere 7 replies to 8 replies ! HURRAH ! Crack open the bubbly !
 
Anyway, moving right along, (4) new features have been added to the KGM web site:
 
1) Click on "Member's Stuff" then "Club Roster" and you will find an additional link to the "KGM Old Boys & Girls Roster", which is a list of, believe it or not, 85 former members of KGM (so far) ! How many can you remember ? The Webmaster would be most grateful if KGM members, especially the old timers (Hi PP Robin & PP C.K. !), would inform him of any names which are missing. Just click here: http://www.rckgm.org/archives/oldboys.htm if you're feeling lazy !
 
2) Click on "Member's Stuff" then "Board Meetings" and you will find that all BOD minutes published so far this year have now been made available on-line.

3) At the top of the KGM web site, there is a new hyperlink called "Site Map". Click on this and you will be shown a list of all the "sub-pages" available on the web site. This will be particularly useful for web surfers who tend to get lost in their own bathrooms, let alone on the KGM web site.
 
4) Click on "Hong Kong Links" (twice), then scroll down to the bottom of "News, Weather & Radio" and you will find two hyperlinks to Metro "FM Select" and Metro "Hit Radio". If you click on either of the two hyperlinks, your Windows Media Player will open, and you can listen to live radio through your computer's speakers while you surf. Pretty neat, huh ?
 
Oh, by the way, if you click on "Humour" at the top of the KGM web site, you will find that the Webmaster has added two (2) more "permanent" humour items. Hope you enjoy them !
 
Now, does KGM have the coolest Rotary web site in District 3450, or what ?
 
Quote Of The Week:

"The problem with people who have no vices is that you can be pretty sure they're going to have some pretty annoying virtues."

Elizabeth Taylor
Parting Shot:
 
A Rotarian is walking along a street one day, when he accidentally kicks an old bottle, which causes a Genie to suddenly appear.
 
The Genie says: "Because you have freed me from captivity in that old bottle, I will grant you one wish.
 
The Rotarian thinks about this for a few moments, then reaches into his briefcase and pulls out a map of the Middle East. He then tells the Genie: "I would like there to be everlasting peace in this region".
 
The Genie replies: "I regret that your wish is far beyond my powers. The conflicts in the Middle East are as old as time itself, with tremendous religious and cultural differences, with many conflicting socio-economic demands and numerous security problems. Do you have another more reasonable wish I could consider?".
 
The Rotarian thinks for another few moments and asks: "OK, can you get the leaders of District 3450 to stop their petty bickering and politics, to stop wasting money on monuments and back-patting shows, to stop competing against individual Rotary clubs and, instead, to focus on strengthening the growth and development of Rotary in Hong Kong & Macau?".
 
To which the Genie replied: "Hmmmmm. On second thoughts, let me see that map again" !
 
The Phantom