How combobulated are you?
Late Thursday night when I thought all my thinking was done for the day, I was phoned and accused of being guilty of 'combobulating' each week!
Now I'd heard of 'discombobulating' - by way of politicians, being confused, disoriented, disconcerted or somehow at odds with what is going on - but after a deep and meaningful conversation with Mr Google (between several Gin and Tonics) I realised that yes, guilty as charged!
So each week I combobulate by putting things in order for example, the agenda for the meeting; ensuring Gorby’s table (dependent on whether I receive my coffee or not) gets to be second in line for breakfast. (If only he’d learn that if he sat at the top table first in line is automatic without having to exert himself at the coffee pot…)
Other ways in which I combobulate include whether we have fines; heads and tails; note and welcome guests and visiting Rotarians, and lastly who will give the charge to Rotary.
So if I was “discombobulated” none of this would happen and you’d have a confused, disoriented mess of a President on your hands.
Now we've all learned a wildly exciting word today - so I challenge you all to use it at least once a day for the next week and see who you can 'dis-combobulate' by using the word “combobulate”.
Guest Speaker - Brian Johnson - Smartphone Travel Tips
Due to the short notice cancellation of our planned speaker, Vice President Brian Johnson “combobulated” a presentation on Smartphone Travel Tips.
In opening, Brian reminded us of our younger days as overseas travellers. Travel involved carrying a copy of “Lonely Planet Guide”, paper maps and foreign phrase books while stumping from internet café to internet café…
Now it’s all in your pocket!
As we know, roaming charges for calls or internet on your smartphone can be exorbitant. While free wifi is now widely available in airports, hotels and cafes it is insecure. Also, it may not be available when you are out and about.
Most modern smartphones nowadays are Dual SIM. This means you can have two active numbers. That gives you the flexibility to have one for personal and one for work/travel. You to use a local data plan (cheaper) when travelling and use WhatsApp etc for messages/wifi calls.
Most phones have an eSIM, which is a digital SIM card that’s already in your phone waiting to be activated. The other is nano SIM which is a physical card in a small tray on the side of your phone. Brian recommended going to your Telco’s shop and having them change your personal number over to the eSIM. That then frees up your tray to insert a local travel SIM for data as the second line.
This option is a “no brainer” to keep it simple as not all countries have eSIM plans for travellers. It also allows you to swap the card between devices if needed. For the tech-savvy and depending on your phone, you can download/store multiple eSIM plans and use two simultaneously.
Travel SIMs can be purchased before travel covering an entire region or specific countries. ESIM plans can be ordered online or through an APP and easily installed/activated.
- Google Maps has a handy Public Transport option that gives real time information on timetables, stations, platforms etc and even a map to transit between stations (very handy in Tokyo…).
- Google Translate allows you to download multiple languages. You can then type, use microphone or camera to translate phrases, menus and spoken language easily.
This presentation was only intended to explain the big picture of how to make travelling easier. You will need to become familiar with your own specific phone and how to set it up.
A PDF version of Brian’s presentation can be viewed/downloaded at:
millpointrotaryclub.org.au>members only (password)>this link>Guest Speaker Presentations>JOHNSON Brian – Smartphone Travel Tips
Directors Reports and Announcement
Vocational
- Pride of Workmanship 12 July. Three nominations received still time to nominate someone from the workforce who goes 'above and beyond' the line of duty. Please contact David 0419 917 480.
- Walking Tour of Fremantle planned for next Wednesday by the great grandson of C Y O'Connor who has been awarded the keys to the city of Fremantle. Please contact Gerry 0438 642 738.
Fundraising
- Wine offer from RC of Como, good value with benefits for the club with every case ordered. Email sent in the week to all members.
Treasury
- Membership fees need to be paid by Monday 17 please as Rotary International invoice must be paid.
- Changeover costs $80pp please pay in advance to enable the night to run smoothly.
- Breakfast costs will increase to $30 from 1 July. This is still a great deal and was well negotiated by Lew Thomas, Raelene George and Kelly Gillan as a compromise to a) finding new premises (hard to do); b) paying weekly room hire ($200pw); c) $3.50per cup of tea/coffee; and d) $70pw for audio visuals. Also note that there has been no increases for a couple of years now.
Announcement
Dianna Goh is looking for volunteers with experience in economics/finance to assist with a career counselling speed-dating exercise on 21 June, 11.15am - 2.15pm at Morley Senior High School Library. Please contact Dianna on 0406 370 022Breaking News...
BulldustNBack
- The 2024 BNB Launch is on this Sunday 16 June at Little J's Woodfire Kitchen (free Pizza) from 2.30pm - 4.30pm. BYO drinks. Please attend and swell the ranks!
It was a 'Fine' performance ...
- President Veronica for dobbing Jenny in at the last minute, obviously discombobulated in that respect!
- Gerry McG - missing a manicure?
- Kim P - made to do a twirl to show off her 'Himalayan Hiking Boots'
- Dianna G - Introducing her Delightful guest Dianna T (soon have as many Dianna's as Margarets...)
- All Socceroo fans $$$$
- All Financial people for their 'EOY' excuses.
- Everyone in arrears for club fees or changeover payments
Winner of Heads and Tails
Thanks to Lyn and Margaret Metcalf for supplying the grog each week!
Attendance
33 attendees in all, including guest speaker Brian J, and visitors Sharon and Shane Dowling (niece & nephew-in-law of Lorrie Gray).
