Ok, something nostalgic to remind everyone of home :)
Today's Star carried an article of a sequel to Shaolin Temple, the famous movie made in 1982 (our primary school days) that launched Jet Li's career.
I don't remember much of the movie, but the song in the movie (牧羊曲) somehow stuck in my mind through all these years.
A quick scan of Youtube, and presto! Good to relieve those memories again. Don't forget to meet up with all our friends this coming Chinese New Year at the Reunion!!
The original from the movie (a VERY young Jet Li starring):
A nicer rendition of the song:
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Remedy to weaken memory
One sure remedy to keep our memory intact is to revisit the good times that we have together. The more we visit, we will be able to keep the sector in our brain in good order or at least much better than never use. It is just like the old VCR tapes or even CDs.
I admit openly that I have forgotten many of our friends as I go through the list and the only last hope is looking at their face, I believe I can still recall. I dare to say all of you experience the same like me and may even worst..hehehe...
So, buddies, this 4th February 2011 is another opportunity to run through the memory lane and for sure we will be able to stay in good memory together for many many more years to come before all it is in history book..hehehe..
As of today, I have gathered than we have already have 40 buddies confirmed their attendance. Our modest target was only 50 as many had stopped going back to Sibu as they have rooted some place else and few are unable to get leaves and many other reasons. Looking at the response, we may even touch 80 by the reunion night. It's going to be an explosive night !!!
See you guys and gals !!!
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
23rd SHS 8890 & SES 88 Reunion Dinner
Guys/Gals
The e-tickets are on sales and you could contact the following representatives;
a) Joseph Sia
b) Eric Phang
c) Paul Ting
d) Ivy Puah
e) Thadeus Ling
f) Suhardy
g) Daniel Kong
f) Louis Wong
g) David Kuok
h) Stephen Yii
The organising committee has also invited our teachers to join in our reunion and we hope you could join in to support them and your participation is also directly sponsoring their dinner tickets as every ticket sold, RM10 is used for sponsoring our teachers participation.
Those who could not make it due to other commitment, you are still encourage to sponsor the events by buying a ticket or two as your contribution will be a direct sponsorship for our teachers' participation.
On behalf of Organising Chairman
HEROES
The e-tickets are on sales and you could contact the following representatives;a) Joseph Sia
b) Eric Phang
c) Paul Ting
d) Ivy Puah
e) Thadeus Ling
f) Suhardy
g) Daniel Kong
f) Louis Wong
g) David Kuok
h) Stephen Yii
The organising committee has also invited our teachers to join in our reunion and we hope you could join in to support them and your participation is also directly sponsoring their dinner tickets as every ticket sold, RM10 is used for sponsoring our teachers participation.
Those who could not make it due to other commitment, you are still encourage to sponsor the events by buying a ticket or two as your contribution will be a direct sponsorship for our teachers' participation.
On behalf of Organising Chairman
HEROES
Saturday, October 16, 2010
4th February 2011
Please block this date and time ; 6pm to 10pm.
One of the key result factors in the success of any organising any reunion dinners is the full support of the members. This is the very reason why we wish to be together. So, I do hope everyone would give their best effort to attend this reunion. Thank you for many of you especially who had already purchase tje airtickets just to attend the reunion.
For your information, the core organsing committee members will soon be sitting down to brainstorm the programme for the night and we are more than happy to receive any suggestions from you to make our event more memorable...
At this moment, we need your help (even if you are unable to attend), to spread the news of our reunion to all our classmates/school mates of SHS88-90, get their email address or FB address so that we too could be in touch with them.
So, let's get it moving !!!
One of the key result factors in the success of any organising any reunion dinners is the full support of the members. This is the very reason why we wish to be together. So, I do hope everyone would give their best effort to attend this reunion. Thank you for many of you especially who had already purchase tje airtickets just to attend the reunion.
For your information, the core organsing committee members will soon be sitting down to brainstorm the programme for the night and we are more than happy to receive any suggestions from you to make our event more memorable...
At this moment, we need your help (even if you are unable to attend), to spread the news of our reunion to all our classmates/school mates of SHS88-90, get their email address or FB address so that we too could be in touch with them.
So, let's get it moving !!!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Mini Reunion on 2nd June 2010
I take the liberty to publish this reunion photo by courtesy of Jess Wong (the elegant one in black blouse standing in the centre, beside Jimmy) and whom I learnt that she is also the host of the whole event which was held in Kuching. A wonderful event indeed as I viewed the after effects displayed on FB of how a group of 38-40 years old happy like teenagers once again...dancing around, hugging, singing, cracking silly jokes and laughing throughout the night. It was such a happy event...(regret till today of not been able to attend the event as it clashed with my cousin's house blessing).This was the most sober and discipline photo taken for the whole event as for other photos....I do not dare to publish them here unless due clearance was sought or else these pretty people will go after me....hehehe.
I hope more mini reunions such as this one will be organised from time to time as I do agree with comments shared by Ivy, Vincent, Siaw Chen and the rest that this mini one is provide closer interaction, more fun and enjoyable with ample time to mingle around when compared to bigger one where everything is just so squeeze in and quite formal for the 2 hours time....plus many would not just let their hairs down...and become once again 18 years old !
Then...again when you mix boys and girls...you will get beautiful fireworks !!!! yay!!!
I will not miss the next one !!
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
22nd SHS8890-Part 2
My clock runs slower in the blog! Thus the delay in this post ie post report on the CNY reunion. Despite the very last minute notice, we managed to pull a crowd of 11 adults with two kids.
Personally speaking, if not because of MGB almighty push, i think we wouldn't have this gathering at all for this year! Bravo MGB! This is the kind of spirit we need from all SHS8890 alumni. BTW, for family reason, MGB couldn't make it to this reunion hence I was appointed to take charge while he did most of the calling and hotel reservation.
I am sure it was a good catch up for all who turned up especially (I myself) haven't met Dr Wong Kok Soon for 20 years and Yong Hwa Ming for at least 10 years! Somehow at this point of life, I treasure school mate like my family members!
To sum it up, all who attended haven't grown older as you can judge from our photo but just a bit more matured with the trend of less hair!
Attendees:
1) Dr Wong Kok Soon
2) Dr Jude Lau Ngi Chuong
3) Dr Sia Wui
4) Kelvin Kong Soon Shu
5) Doris (kelvin's wife) and 2 kids
6) Paul Ting
7) Peter Sii How Hui
8) Ngieng Sii Jing
9) Thadeus Ling
10) Yong Hwa Ming
11) Jimmy Ting
BTW, Dr Jude Lau sponsored all our meals!
We hope in future we can come up with a permanent committee members divided into region based on geographical locations who can continue to organise this yearly event! Till next year! Chao!
Saturday, April 03, 2010
Live Is Life
The year - 1986.
The time - Form 3, with SRP exams coming up.
The song - Life is Life.
Among my many fond memories of 1986 (except for the studying, hehe), was a song that everyone kept singing in school. It was super catchy, and the lyrics were simple but seemed to strike a chord.
I am talking about, of course, Live is Life by Opus.
It became some of sort of anthem for us at the time. So, altogether now "Na, na, na, na, na, na....." :)
The time - Form 3, with SRP exams coming up.
The song - Life is Life.
Among my many fond memories of 1986 (except for the studying, hehe), was a song that everyone kept singing in school. It was super catchy, and the lyrics were simple but seemed to strike a chord.
I am talking about, of course, Live is Life by Opus.
It became some of sort of anthem for us at the time. So, altogether now "Na, na, na, na, na, na....." :)
Monday, March 29, 2010
The Big Four Oh
For those of us who studied in "Peralihan", the year 2010 will be the year we officially hit middle age. The rest of us can still look forward to another year of counting down :)
I've been thinking about this quite a lot lately. I reflected back on how, 20 years ago (1990), we were in the final year of our secondary of education. The last 20 years seems to have flown past, especially when we started to work, and later, started a family. When I thought about what will things be like in the next 20 years, I realized, by gosh, that we would be 60 years old by then!
I think it is during times like this, that we begin to realize how precious our time is, and not to waste it. How often do we spend long hours in our work, away from family and friends? Do we make time for our elderly parents? Such questions become more pressing with each passing day.
I suppose spending time with our loved ones has to be an intentional effort, not something that we hope will just happen naturally. So, hopefully every morning as we wake up, we will remember that, and we let that guide our lives.
Carpe Diem, my dear friends! :)
I've been thinking about this quite a lot lately. I reflected back on how, 20 years ago (1990), we were in the final year of our secondary of education. The last 20 years seems to have flown past, especially when we started to work, and later, started a family. When I thought about what will things be like in the next 20 years, I realized, by gosh, that we would be 60 years old by then!
I think it is during times like this, that we begin to realize how precious our time is, and not to waste it. How often do we spend long hours in our work, away from family and friends? Do we make time for our elderly parents? Such questions become more pressing with each passing day.
I suppose spending time with our loved ones has to be an intentional effort, not something that we hope will just happen naturally. So, hopefully every morning as we wake up, we will remember that, and we let that guide our lives.
Carpe Diem, my dear friends! :)
Sunday, February 21, 2010
TV Nostalgia Part 2
Apologies for my long silence - writer's block, etc. Many thanks to Stephen for faithfully updating the blog regularly. Also, congrats to Paul for managing to pull together a lunch reunion at short notice this year :)
Anyway, continuing on my TV Nostalgia series, this show was something that my whole family loved back in the late 70's and the early 80's. My mom, despite her lack of English literacy, still managed to fervently follow it. Yup, I am talking about none other than Little House on The Prairie.
The kids in the series were around the same age as me when I was watching it, so I guess I could identify with some of their adventures, challenges, etc then. Coupled with that was a heart-warming theme of family togetherness, of facing adversities together, making for a very compelling and watchable programme.
In the 80's, I got to read to the actual books written by Laura Ingalls Wilder (did you know that she lived to be 90?) in the Sibu Sacred Church library.
Anyway, just to relive those memories again, here's the theme from Little House on The Prairie, courtesy of Youtube:
Anyway, continuing on my TV Nostalgia series, this show was something that my whole family loved back in the late 70's and the early 80's. My mom, despite her lack of English literacy, still managed to fervently follow it. Yup, I am talking about none other than Little House on The Prairie.
The kids in the series were around the same age as me when I was watching it, so I guess I could identify with some of their adventures, challenges, etc then. Coupled with that was a heart-warming theme of family togetherness, of facing adversities together, making for a very compelling and watchable programme.
In the 80's, I got to read to the actual books written by Laura Ingalls Wilder (did you know that she lived to be 90?) in the Sibu Sacred Church library.
Anyway, just to relive those memories again, here's the theme from Little House on The Prairie, courtesy of Youtube:
Monday, February 15, 2010
22nd SHS8890 Reunion
What A Nice Gathering Here...Well done, Paul ! I am glad to have such a friend who can be counted upon when needed and for all attended you have make a lot of people proud and envy showing your care without thinking whether you can fit in or not...two new faces are Hua Ming & Kok Soon...I learnt from Paul...all together a perfect 10 ! came to our reunion though a last moment event after the original chairman could not do it...
Friendship is easy to have but is hard to maintain...being a true friend means going all the way for another person without asking for a return. do not do it because of self interest, unselfish one would go all the way to meet and gather friends. It is indeed a blessed opportunity for many but many would not have it. In fact it is a commitment to be a true friend !
Our chain of tradition is still intact by the smiles shown by those inside the photo. TQVM. I sincerely hope next year we could plan a grand reunion calling for reunion among the teachers, headmasters and creation/launching of a SHS8890 scholarship for less fortunate for our school students...the planning starts now...(I hope I am not scaring the new chairmanship away...)
Paul, please put up a special post for this just concluded reunion...please share more photos...
Friendship is easy to have but is hard to maintain...being a true friend means going all the way for another person without asking for a return. do not do it because of self interest, unselfish one would go all the way to meet and gather friends. It is indeed a blessed opportunity for many but many would not have it. In fact it is a commitment to be a true friend !
Our chain of tradition is still intact by the smiles shown by those inside the photo. TQVM. I sincerely hope next year we could plan a grand reunion calling for reunion among the teachers, headmasters and creation/launching of a SHS8890 scholarship for less fortunate for our school students...the planning starts now...(I hope I am not scaring the new chairmanship away...)
Paul, please put up a special post for this just concluded reunion...please share more photos...
Saturday, February 13, 2010
22nd Reunion Lunch @ 15th February 2010
Venue : Coffee House, Tanahmas Hotel, Sibu
Date : 15th February 2010 (Monday)
Time : 12.30pm to 2.30p.m
Entrance : Free
"Sekali ditipu, dua kali takut" Tapi sekarang sekali lagi ditipu orang...now 4 kali takut !
But it is okay, we will rise to organise this reunion together with David, Paul & myself. We have immediately set up the venue at the coffee house of Tanahmas Hotel, Sibu. The serving will be on Ala Carte menu and entrance is free. We have set a humble figure of 20 pax but all are welcome, we can easily extend the seating. We may not have the luxury to have the stage, dancing and performance, but definitely all who attend this simple reunion session will provide the best present for everyone.
To ensure the best reunion for future and many years ahead after two years of disappointments in a row, taking the lead from Sie Chiong in my personal blog, I am proposing to set up a life time organising chairman/committee members for our Reunion (until such time...real election can be organised). These members have proven their unselfish acts of contribution and support over the last 22 years since we left school...and they are;
a) Paul Ting
b) Ling Sie Chiong
c) David Kuok
d) Eric Phang
e) Ivy Puah
f) Anthony Ting
g) Ngan Tuong Kiew
h) Thadeues Allu Bartholomew
i) Tiong Kwong Siong
j) Joseph Sia
The post for the chairmanship will be rotated accordingly. For 2011, I am proposing Eric Phang to lead the dinner planning (funny...if this is a nomination for MP/ADUN...everybody will be fighting each others).
By tradition, it has been said that everyone will have one time opportunity to organise the reunion but the last two years have taught many loyal supporters of the reunion that this tradition is just not possible for whatever reason, not all are passionate about reunion with one another.
Let's the few of us burn our energy and love for many others, be the uniting force for them throuigh generations. I look forward to your comments so that we are able to chart out more concrete plans ahead. Remember, how many 10 years do we have ? Just do it ! Cheers.
Last but the least, though I am away from Sibu for this Chinese New Year, my heart with all good friends and I seek my apology for unable to be with you all. It was a last minute arrangement as my parents came out to Kuching to celebrate with my sister and brother. The least I could afford is helping to spread the news and encourage many to attend our Reunion Lunch 2010.
But it is okay, we will rise to organise this reunion together with David, Paul & myself. We have immediately set up the venue at the coffee house of Tanahmas Hotel, Sibu. The serving will be on Ala Carte menu and entrance is free. We have set a humble figure of 20 pax but all are welcome, we can easily extend the seating. We may not have the luxury to have the stage, dancing and performance, but definitely all who attend this simple reunion session will provide the best present for everyone.
To ensure the best reunion for future and many years ahead after two years of disappointments in a row, taking the lead from Sie Chiong in my personal blog, I am proposing to set up a life time organising chairman/committee members for our Reunion (until such time...real election can be organised). These members have proven their unselfish acts of contribution and support over the last 22 years since we left school...and they are;
a) Paul Ting
b) Ling Sie Chiong
c) David Kuok
d) Eric Phang
e) Ivy Puah
f) Anthony Ting
g) Ngan Tuong Kiew
h) Thadeues Allu Bartholomew
i) Tiong Kwong Siong
j) Joseph Sia
The post for the chairmanship will be rotated accordingly. For 2011, I am proposing Eric Phang to lead the dinner planning (funny...if this is a nomination for MP/ADUN...everybody will be fighting each others).
By tradition, it has been said that everyone will have one time opportunity to organise the reunion but the last two years have taught many loyal supporters of the reunion that this tradition is just not possible for whatever reason, not all are passionate about reunion with one another.
Let's the few of us burn our energy and love for many others, be the uniting force for them throuigh generations. I look forward to your comments so that we are able to chart out more concrete plans ahead. Remember, how many 10 years do we have ? Just do it ! Cheers.
Last but the least, though I am away from Sibu for this Chinese New Year, my heart with all good friends and I seek my apology for unable to be with you all. It was a last minute arrangement as my parents came out to Kuching to celebrate with my sister and brother. The least I could afford is helping to spread the news and encourage many to attend our Reunion Lunch 2010.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
NO NEWS
Two days before our reunion dinner on the eve, I have not received any news on our SHS88-90 reunion dinner. I hope to update all but the organiser had not make known to me until now though he has assured to get back to me on the details (I have just texted him to remind).
Something is brewing somehow...so those of you going back to Sibu, please keep yourself contactable...I hope a simple gathering can be organised. I shall check with him again.
Something is brewing somehow...so those of you going back to Sibu, please keep yourself contactable...I hope a simple gathering can be organised. I shall check with him again.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Next Chance
The news to our 22nd Reunion Dinner in Sibu is coming soon...
Just an update, I have contacted the O.C and he promised to revert to me soonest when all details have been finalised...
Well, folks (especially those who are going back to celebrate CNY or just for holidays), please block your time on 2nd night of CNY (15th February 2010), timed 6.30pm to 10.pm (or past midnight for late party goers)...
Volunteers are needed here too.....to spread out the news when the full details are available.
For ladies....this will be our 20th reunion !...
Cheers !
Just an update, I have contacted the O.C and he promised to revert to me soonest when all details have been finalised...
Well, folks (especially those who are going back to celebrate CNY or just for holidays), please block your time on 2nd night of CNY (15th February 2010), timed 6.30pm to 10.pm (or past midnight for late party goers)...
Volunteers are needed here too.....to spread out the news when the full details are available.
For ladies....this will be our 20th reunion !...
Cheers !
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Age Is Not Just A Number !
My dear friends, I read a sad and shocking FB message by Ted last night declaring that one of his friend/nephew has a cardiac arrest and gone to the Lord. First of all, may his soul rest in peace and may perpetual light shines upon him.
Guess what...his age is only coming to 38. Well, he is about our age +-1 or 2 years old. Think about it...No ? Some 3 weeks back, Mr. Tee also posted a message about one of his cousins suffered a stroke and now is still recuperating at Normah ($$$)...guess what, his age is also near to ours.
Okay, think about Frankie ? one of our closest buddies. Oh...yes, I bet now you are more sober...
Hmm, trying to share this out but more towards reminding myself sincerely, I need to cast these 2 Rules into stones ;
1. 2010, practise a super healthy living (but do not ask me to let go my swing once a week ok !)
2. Remember the Rule No. 1.
Do whatever it takes to stay in shape and constantly check our condition (especially those clocking the "40", as for ladies....very soon pausing here and there :-) ), if we want to help to better the mortality table of Malaysian manhood. Or else, the visit to St. Peter will be very soon.
So, friends, do not wait for annual reunion for keeping in touch. When and where possible, just make the call and we can meet up...Cheers!
Guess what...his age is only coming to 38. Well, he is about our age +-1 or 2 years old. Think about it...No ? Some 3 weeks back, Mr. Tee also posted a message about one of his cousins suffered a stroke and now is still recuperating at Normah ($$$)...guess what, his age is also near to ours.
Okay, think about Frankie ? one of our closest buddies. Oh...yes, I bet now you are more sober...
Hmm, trying to share this out but more towards reminding myself sincerely, I need to cast these 2 Rules into stones ;
1. 2010, practise a super healthy living (but do not ask me to let go my swing once a week ok !)
2. Remember the Rule No. 1.
Do whatever it takes to stay in shape and constantly check our condition (especially those clocking the "40", as for ladies....very soon pausing here and there :-) ), if we want to help to better the mortality table of Malaysian manhood. Or else, the visit to St. Peter will be very soon.
So, friends, do not wait for annual reunion for keeping in touch. When and where possible, just make the call and we can meet up...Cheers!
Friday, January 01, 2010
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas
My dear friends, today Christian in the world are celebrating the birth of Christ, our Saviour (whilst the rest are celebrating the Season End festivities) and usually, it is the starting of the long week celebration to sing the "auld lang syne" for all to prepare to say bye bye to the current year whilst welcoming the new year. Indeed it is a wonderful period of celebration as we do realise time really flies and waits for no one.
Now, let's do our YEAR END celebration a better way this year if we have been doing it year in year out...and if we have not done anything previously, let this year be your maiden act to do it great !
So now...little older girls and ever young handsome boys (...erhmm..) and few virgins, do not let any second pass without appreciating it and those many seconds coming along it....
Cheers !
Now, let's do our YEAR END celebration a better way this year if we have been doing it year in year out...and if we have not done anything previously, let this year be your maiden act to do it great !
So now...little older girls and ever young handsome boys (...erhmm..) and few virgins, do not let any second pass without appreciating it and those many seconds coming along it....
Cheers !
Thursday, December 24, 2009
45 Lessons In Life
Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the local newspaper "The Plain Dealer", Cleveland, Ohio"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written."My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Want privacy on Facebook? Here is how to get some
By BARBARA ORTUTAY,AP Technology Writer - Friday, December 18
NEW YORK – Over the past week, Facebook has been nudging its users _ first gently, then firmly _ to review and update their privacy settings.
You might have procrastinated by hitting "skip for now," but Facebook eventually locked you out until you did so. After finally accepting Facebook's recommendations or tweaking the privacy settings yourself, though, you might have made more information about you public than what you had intended.
At the same time, Facebook has given users many granular controls over their privacy, more than what's available on other major social networks.
So if you want to stay out of people's view, but still want to be on Facebook, here are some things to look out for as you take another look at your settings.
1. Some of your information is viewable by everyone.
Everyone can see your name, your profile photo and the names of work and school networks you're part of. Ditto for pages you are a fan of. If you are worried about a potential employer finding out about a quirky fetish or unorthodox political leaning, avoid becoming a Facebook fan of such groups. You can't tell Facebook you don't want those publicly listed. Your gender and current city are also available, if you choose to specify them. You can uncheck "Show my sex in my profile" when you edit your profile if you don't want it listed, and you can leave "Current City" blank.
2. Your list of friends may also be public.
Facebook also considers your friends list publicly available information. Privacy advocates worry that much can be gleaned from a person's list of friends _ even sexual orientation, according to one MIT study. But there is a way to hide the list. Go to your profile page and click on the little blue pencil icon on the top right of your box of friends. Uncheck "Show Friend List to everyone." Either way, those you are already friends with can always see your full list.
3. You can hide yourself from Web searches.
There is a section for "Search" under Facebook's privacy settings page, which is accessible from the top right corner of the Web site under "Settings." If you click the "Allow" box next to "Public Search Results," the information that Facebook deems publicly available (such as photo, fan pages and list of friends), along with anything else you have made available to everyone, will show up when someone looks up your name on a search engine such as Google. The stuff you've limited access to in your profile will not show up.
This is useful if you want people you've lost touch with, or potential work contacts, to be able to find your Facebook page. If you'd rather not be found, uncheck this box.
A second setting, controlling searches within Facebook, lets you refine who can find you once that person has logged on. Limit searches to friends only if you think you have all the friends you need and don't want anyone to find you when they type in your name to Facebook.
4. Beware of third-party applications.
Quizzes and games are fun, but each time you take one, you first authorize it to access your profile information, even if you have made that available only to your friends. You're also letting the app access some information on your friends.
Under "Application Settings," Facebook lists all the apps you have opened your profile up to. If you no longer want to authorize access to "Which Golden Girl Are You?" you can always remove it by clicking on the "X" next to its name. Apps you use regularly, such as Facebook for Android if you update your status from your mobile phone, should stay.
Next, by clicking on "Applications and Websites" on the privacy settings page, you can edit whether your friends can share your birthday, photos and other specific information. Remember that applications can access your "publicly available information" no matter what.
The security firm Sophos recommends users set their privacy settings for two of Facebook's own popular applications, notes and photos, to friends only.
5. Go over your list of friends.
The average Facebook user has 130 friends. But many people interact with a much smaller group when commenting on status updates, photos and links. So it doesn't hurt to occasionally review your list of your friends to get an idea of just who can view your status posts, vacation photos and funny links you've shared over the years. Don't feel obligated to add anyone as a friend, even if that person adds you first. For professional acquaintance you don't want to snub, send them to a LinkedIn profile you can set up. Some workplaces and schools have rules about Facebook interactions between bosses and employees or students and teachers.
6. Create custom friends groups.
If you have friended a lot of people, sort them. Think of the groups you interact with in real life _ co-workers, college buddies, girlfriends, grandma and grandpa _ and organize your Facebook friends in these groups, too. Go to "All Friends" under the "Friends" button up top, click on "Create New List" and fire away. Then decide what aspects of your profile, and which status posts and photos, these people will have access to. Or, simply create a "limited" list for acquaintances or distant relatives and limit their access.
7. Customize your status posts.
Type "I'm hungry" into your status update box. Click on the little lock icon. You'll see a range of privacy controls pop up, letting you either allow or limit access to the post. If you want, you can even hide it from everyone by clicking "Only Me" under the custom settings. Click on save setting. Repeat with each post, or create a default setting for most updates and increase or decrease privacy as you see fit.
8. Let your friends know you have boundaries _ in person.
Many of us have woken up on a Sunday morning to find that an overzealous friend has posted dozens of photos from that wild party we barely remembered _ the good, the bad and the hideous. Chances are, they didn't do this to embarrass you, though if they did you have bigger problems. Rather, they probably don't know that you don't want these photos posted. Sure, tweak your photo privacy settings on Facebook. But if someone starts snapping pictures of you at a party, ask them to check with you before posting it anywhere.
9. Never assume complete privacy.
Even for the most tech-savvy person, unflattering photos, incriminating text messages or angry status posts about work have a way of worming their way out in the open. Just saying.
NEW YORK – Over the past week, Facebook has been nudging its users _ first gently, then firmly _ to review and update their privacy settings.
You might have procrastinated by hitting "skip for now," but Facebook eventually locked you out until you did so. After finally accepting Facebook's recommendations or tweaking the privacy settings yourself, though, you might have made more information about you public than what you had intended.
At the same time, Facebook has given users many granular controls over their privacy, more than what's available on other major social networks.
So if you want to stay out of people's view, but still want to be on Facebook, here are some things to look out for as you take another look at your settings.
1. Some of your information is viewable by everyone.
Everyone can see your name, your profile photo and the names of work and school networks you're part of. Ditto for pages you are a fan of. If you are worried about a potential employer finding out about a quirky fetish or unorthodox political leaning, avoid becoming a Facebook fan of such groups. You can't tell Facebook you don't want those publicly listed. Your gender and current city are also available, if you choose to specify them. You can uncheck "Show my sex in my profile" when you edit your profile if you don't want it listed, and you can leave "Current City" blank.
2. Your list of friends may also be public.
Facebook also considers your friends list publicly available information. Privacy advocates worry that much can be gleaned from a person's list of friends _ even sexual orientation, according to one MIT study. But there is a way to hide the list. Go to your profile page and click on the little blue pencil icon on the top right of your box of friends. Uncheck "Show Friend List to everyone." Either way, those you are already friends with can always see your full list.
3. You can hide yourself from Web searches.
There is a section for "Search" under Facebook's privacy settings page, which is accessible from the top right corner of the Web site under "Settings." If you click the "Allow" box next to "Public Search Results," the information that Facebook deems publicly available (such as photo, fan pages and list of friends), along with anything else you have made available to everyone, will show up when someone looks up your name on a search engine such as Google. The stuff you've limited access to in your profile will not show up.
This is useful if you want people you've lost touch with, or potential work contacts, to be able to find your Facebook page. If you'd rather not be found, uncheck this box.
A second setting, controlling searches within Facebook, lets you refine who can find you once that person has logged on. Limit searches to friends only if you think you have all the friends you need and don't want anyone to find you when they type in your name to Facebook.
4. Beware of third-party applications.
Quizzes and games are fun, but each time you take one, you first authorize it to access your profile information, even if you have made that available only to your friends. You're also letting the app access some information on your friends.
Under "Application Settings," Facebook lists all the apps you have opened your profile up to. If you no longer want to authorize access to "Which Golden Girl Are You?" you can always remove it by clicking on the "X" next to its name. Apps you use regularly, such as Facebook for Android if you update your status from your mobile phone, should stay.
Next, by clicking on "Applications and Websites" on the privacy settings page, you can edit whether your friends can share your birthday, photos and other specific information. Remember that applications can access your "publicly available information" no matter what.
The security firm Sophos recommends users set their privacy settings for two of Facebook's own popular applications, notes and photos, to friends only.
5. Go over your list of friends.
The average Facebook user has 130 friends. But many people interact with a much smaller group when commenting on status updates, photos and links. So it doesn't hurt to occasionally review your list of your friends to get an idea of just who can view your status posts, vacation photos and funny links you've shared over the years. Don't feel obligated to add anyone as a friend, even if that person adds you first. For professional acquaintance you don't want to snub, send them to a LinkedIn profile you can set up. Some workplaces and schools have rules about Facebook interactions between bosses and employees or students and teachers.
6. Create custom friends groups.
If you have friended a lot of people, sort them. Think of the groups you interact with in real life _ co-workers, college buddies, girlfriends, grandma and grandpa _ and organize your Facebook friends in these groups, too. Go to "All Friends" under the "Friends" button up top, click on "Create New List" and fire away. Then decide what aspects of your profile, and which status posts and photos, these people will have access to. Or, simply create a "limited" list for acquaintances or distant relatives and limit their access.
7. Customize your status posts.
Type "I'm hungry" into your status update box. Click on the little lock icon. You'll see a range of privacy controls pop up, letting you either allow or limit access to the post. If you want, you can even hide it from everyone by clicking "Only Me" under the custom settings. Click on save setting. Repeat with each post, or create a default setting for most updates and increase or decrease privacy as you see fit.
8. Let your friends know you have boundaries _ in person.
Many of us have woken up on a Sunday morning to find that an overzealous friend has posted dozens of photos from that wild party we barely remembered _ the good, the bad and the hideous. Chances are, they didn't do this to embarrass you, though if they did you have bigger problems. Rather, they probably don't know that you don't want these photos posted. Sure, tweak your photo privacy settings on Facebook. But if someone starts snapping pictures of you at a party, ask them to check with you before posting it anywhere.
9. Never assume complete privacy.
Even for the most tech-savvy person, unflattering photos, incriminating text messages or angry status posts about work have a way of worming their way out in the open. Just saying.
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