Compass -- Direction and Drive for Excellence

海味軒| 香港燕窩海味網上專門店

2009-02-05T01:44:00.001+08:00

An associate site of Starry Gift, for online retail of dry seafood.

StarryGift | Wedding gifts and collectibles of Chinese and Western styles

2008-11-15T01:25:00.001+08:00

Another business that I have started with my family. It is an online store for selling gifts and collectibles. We have managed to source our supplies all over Hong Kong and China (all with proven quality). I believe some of them are quite innovative and interesting and may well be shared with our friends from the west as well.

Originally the name Starry Gift was acquired for another idea of mine. Now then as the opportunity came as an online store, we just go ahead and do it. If you manage to drop my by store, please kindly give me some comments. We appreciate every pieces of your advices and we are dedicated to provide more and more inspiring gifts to you in the near future :)

http://www.starrygift.com

Hello, world!

2008-08-07T00:14:00.001+08:00

I am on the intarweb!

Palapple | SEO Solutions for your Business

2008-07-06T00:42:00.001+08:00

After five years being in the industry, I have decided to start my business.

I named my company "Palapple", given the original idea as making it a social networking website, I took the prefix "PAL". Along with the development of the application, I have started another business stream: Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

Mainly being inspired by my friend, I realize that the local market for SEO is yet to be developed. Company may be reluctant to invest on information technology (being not directly revenue inducing), but more likely to invest on marketing. There are much demand for traditional marketing, but certainly we should not neglect the need of internet marketing.

I have been doing a lot of researches and also recruiting an elite team to work on this. To visit my company website, please go to http://www.palapple.com

Alternatively I am writing blog about SEO as well, please visit http://palapple.blogspot.com if you are interested in this topic too :)

Infosys grows revenue by 26 per cent

2008-04-17T00:49:00.001+08:00

India is really doing a great job in terms of IT development. Local banks tends to outsource a considerable amount of IT related jobs to India, effectively reducing the support cost.

Infosys being one of the most prominent enterprises in Bangalore is expected to yield from this tide of outsourcing. On another hand this can be a good example set for China. Guangzhou seems to be another hot spot for Hong Kong outsourcing contracts. Larger efforts can be put in equipments and training, maybe in time Guangzhou can become another Bangalore in China.

Indian outsourcing giant Infosys posted revenue of $4.2bn (£2.1bn) for the 2007 financial year, 26 per cent up on $3.1bn (£1.6bn) of sales in 2006, beating analyst estimates.

Infosys grows revenue by 26 per cent - 15 Apr 2008 - Computing

Google, Salesforce.com Integrate Apps

2008-04-16T00:32:00.001+08:00

Google is indeed taking a serious move to specialize Google App targeting SMEs. By successfully integrate user friendly web-applications with powerful CRM back-end, business users are likely to be attracted. This can possibly pose a threat to existing think-client applications.

There are concerns for a change though, like misgivings for leakage of confidential sales data or so, which are yet to be tackled and potential clients to be reassured.

Google and Salesforce.com on Monday announced the integration of Google's web-based suite of personal productivity applications and Salesforce's web-hosted customer relationship management application.

Google, Salesforce.com Integrate Apps

Global temperatures 'to decrease'

2008-04-16T00:14:00.001+08:00

The climate in Hong Kong was indeed cooler during this winter and the cold weather was longer than the previous two years, yet the situation as mentioned is caused by a global adjustment La Nina and is not following the normal trend.

Fighting global warming is a persistent effort as we are maintaining a stable environment for our long term living. I hope that public awareness for this issue will never die out despite the short term adjustment. Afterall there are still a lot other issues to be resolved in this world, and taking up these social responsibilities onto our hearts maybe the most meaningful approach for us to live our lives without regret.

BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Global temperatures 'to decrease'

Save Your Job Speak Up

2008-03-02T02:13:00.001+08:00

May be this is right particular in some of the environments that I have worked in through these years. You have to know enough in order to secure your job, but at the same time stepping up too much will render more responsibilities on your shoulders.

What I will do is to proactively know more, but in each area secure a number of parties who can help out as a backup. Shine whenever I can in a decent manner, try not to intimidate. Eventually you may find some opportunities to climb up the ladder, but all these comes a prerequisite, you have to love what you are doing.

If you claim to know something, you open yourself up to criticism of your opinion and being proven wrong. So, you have to be honest about what you know.

Save Your Job Speak Up

Google offers team Web site publishing service

2008-02-29T01:35:00.001+08:00

Yet another endeavor for Google to ease team building and collaboration. What worth appreciating is its consistent simplicity for all the services. Simple and atomic in terms of functionality as the first step, then gradually improves and make the service more integrated and usable.

Perhaps it is because of this reliable rollout approach, Google services can gain popularity quicker than her rivals among the general public, with much less investment in marketing campaigns as well.

The new service, the latest stage in the Internet leader's push into the market for business and educational users, allows non-technical users to organize and share digital information such as Web links, calendars, photos, videos, presentations, attachments and other documents in an easy-to-maintain site.

Google offers team Web site publishing service | Technology | Reuters

Building a Web of Influence

2008-02-29T01:11:00.001+08:00

Sometimes I do think that networking is a major hurdle for those who are working in the IT industry. The job nature requires a high degree of independence and as time goes by your communication skills may deteriorate.

Although social networking websites are powerful tools in favor of IT practitioners, it can only extend your network in an ossified manner. The way of communication it advocates is no way compared to face-to-face contacts.

My problem could be networking. Or more specifically, a lack of it. I work in a basement where my only business contacts are my dogs, which appear unimpressed by my résumé.

Building a Web of Influence - New York Times

''Doomsday'' Seed Vault Opens Near North Pole

2008-02-27T23:29:00.001+08:00

Very cool complex, a modern version of Noah's Arc. And it look gorgeous too!

The "doomsday" vault is designed to keep millions of seed samples safe from natural and unnatural disasters: global warming, asteroid strikes, plant diseases, nuclear warfare, and even earthquakes

National Geographic News Photo Gallery: ''Doomsday'' Seed Vault Opens Near North Pole

Global Warming, Up Close and Personal - TIME

2008-02-27T00:16:00.001+08:00

With the natural habitat distorted to the current stage, I am wondering if we can do anything to restore it to the original state? We burn down forests and melt the polar ice, what eventually will the world be like?

What they'll see may be startling. Climate change has already refashioned the geography of the Arctic, melting glaciers that past adventurers — not to mention the Inuit who make their home in the far north — once journeyed on securely.

Global Warming, Up Close and Personal - TIME

Markets Go Up, Markets Go Down

2008-01-30T01:38:00.001+08:00

I believe that superior investment skill has more to do with temperament than with a high IQ. Successful long-term investors will inevitably look stupid in the short run. And they will have to endure severe rebukes from Wall Street while they wait alone.

Markets Go Up, Markets Go Down

It's true that Warren Buffett is investing wise by choosing good stock and hold them long term, pragmatically I am doing the same, by missing the chance to sell when I should.

One of my favorite stocks - China Life Insurance. less than two years it grew from $6 to $50. Only if you have a platform for buying H-shares or A-shares, you too will be stunned by the speed of its expansion.

The recent bear market brings another opportunity, with a huge market of insurance, we may want to keep related stocks long term as well.

Silverlight 1.0 going out as an optional Windows update today

2008-01-29T01:50:00.001+08:00

Microsoft® Silverlight™ is a cross-browser, cross-platform plug-in for delivering the next generation of .NET based media experiences and rich interactive applications for the Web. Silverlight offers a flexible programming model that supports AJAX, VB, C#, Python, and Ruby, and integrates with existing Web applications. Silverlight supports fast, cost-effective delivery of high-quality video to all major browsers running on the Mac OS or Windows.

Silverlight 1.0 going out as an optional Windows update today | The Universal Desktop | ZDNet.com

I have tried out Silverlight just now and somehow it provides slide show experience similar to those in youtube. Online video are delivered via wmv streaming. The video player controls appear as aqua look and feel consistent with those as appear in Vista.

To me it is an advanced RIA framework targeting to achieve light weighted multimedia online along the back-end approach of Flex. It will take some time to dominate the market, with incumbent technologies like Flash, it all depends on the willingness of developers to make the switch.

Removing Blogger (Blogspot) Navigation Bar

2008-01-24T22:12:00.001+08:00

To remove the navigation bar in former classic Blogger, I made use of the following css setting:

#b-navbar { height:0px; visibility:hidden; display:none }

Since Blogger has upgraded the above method is no longer effective as the keyword b-navbar has been changed to navbar-iframe, so the correct CSS segment should be:

#navbar-iframe { height:0px; visibility:hidden; display:none }

But note that the above CSS alone is only applicable on new version of Blogspot templates. In my case where I adopt the former classic template on new Blogspot, after applying the navbar-iframe segment, the bar is gone, but there is a margin (place holder) covering my header image. In this case, try applying the code below too:

#space-for-ie {
position:absolute;
bottom:0px;
}

I have searched through the entire web, most of the websites missed out the space-for-ie segment until I conducted trial and error many times to get rid of this margin. Hope this helps :)

Climate deal sealed in Bali

2007-12-16T01:33:00.001+08:00

It is good to see that the world is actually getting together to act on this global issue. The upcoming two years would be critical for the formation of actual measures to reduce CO2 emissions.

Two more years for a conclusion, we are indeed racing against time.

Climate deal sealed in Bali - Times Online

Ways to go green

Climate change: Ten ways to save the world

U.S., Europe Near Climate Compromise

2007-12-15T00:02:00.001+08:00

(CBS/AP) The U.S. and Europe headed toward a compromise solution Friday at the U.N. climate conference, breaking a deadlock over how ambitious the goal should be in negotiating future cutbacks in global warming gases, the German environment minister said.

To effectively cut down global emission of greenhouse gases, we may require strong stipulation and guidance together with adequate education for our next generation.

The new Agreement may well serve as a supplement or successor of the Kyoto Treaty, which again demonstrates the apparent determination and consensus among member countries for resolving the issue. This is however only step one which is more like a show of gesture, compliance to this Agreement is what that it takes to improve the situation.

We all hope this initiative pay off eventually.

U.S., Europe Near Climate Compromise, E.U. Likely To Accept Non-Binding Emissions Goals To Get Bush Administration Onboard - CBS News

Gore and UN panel win Nobel prize

2007-10-12T20:27:00.001+08:00

BBC NEWS | World | Europe | Gore and UN panel win Nobel prize

It is encouraging to hear that the global climate effort is finally being recognized. The prize is awarded based on a judgement of an endeavor from the simplest perspective.

Disregard the figures and "scientific consensus", shouldn't we be more considerate on the environment at this very moment? Shouldn't we be acting soon enough to prevent everything from going irreversible? Assuming no political agenda, I believe Gore is acting from this simple perspective as well.

Relive my Story

2007-10-08T23:55:00.001+08:00

Sorry to my readers (if any) that I have been extremely busy these few weeks... On moving house, studying, reforming myself and setting everything back to normal...

For long I have been using this blog as a channel to express my view on certain significant issues (those that I think should matter to everybody), like Global Warming, Poverty, IT Development etc. I really plan to continue this way. No matter how insignificant my voice is, every words that happen to be here are part of my pledge and my lifetime objective.

Yes... I am restarting my engine...

May Jukebox 2007

2007-05-09T01:53:00.001+08:00

Dream a Little Dream of Me
Milton Adolphus / Gus Kahn

Stars shining bright above you
Night breezes seem to whisper "I love you"
Birds singin’ in the sycamore trees
Dream a little dream of me

Say nighty-night and kiss me
Just hold me tight and tell me you’ll miss me
While I’m alone and blue as can be
Dream a little dream of me

Stars fading but I linger on dear
Still craving your kiss
I'm longin’ to linger till dawn dear
Just saying this

Sweet dreams till sunbeams find you
Sweet dreams that leave all worries behind you
But in your dreams whatever they be
Dream a little dream of me

Yes, dream a little dream of me

Green IT: Why it matters

2007-04-27T00:34:00.001+08:00

Being involved in the technology industry myself, I am pretty well aware of the environmental impact it is putting on the planet. Indeed if every organizations can take a couple of minutes to strategize their IT infrastructures, much energy can be saved every day.

Consider the number of servers existing across the company, they are working 24 hours non-stop, yet are they being well utilized? Are they really that productive all the time? How many of them are old machines being there no longer used?

Sort out all the servers that are not well utilitized, regroup the applications and switch off some of the machines.

How many employees are leaving their workstations turned on throughout the night? Many of them are considering a "quick wake up" of their machines when they come back the other day, afterall they are not responsible for the electricity bill.

Lay down a company policy that enforce the staff to turn off their workstations when they off from work.

Are you disposing old computers and hardware properly? Any idea to have a second hand dealer to take care of those e-waste? Most of the time they can resell them in their market. Or maybe you can contact a voluntary organization that collect obsolete hardware from companies, they can refurnish the stuffs and donate to those who need them.

Have a mind of charity. You can do more than one good deed by reusing, reselling or recycling electronics wastes.

Rest I can reassure, environmental sustainability is not a complicated issue that requires corporates to incur huge sacrifices and costs. We can save money and help the planet by using our brains sometimes.

Link to » Green IT: Why it matters | Between the Lines | ZDNet.com

China gas emissions 'may pass US'

2007-04-24T22:21:00.001+08:00

With such a huge population it is indeed not surprising that China will sooner or later become the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, yet I do not feel particularly worry.

Not because I am biased towards my own country, indeed China can exercise a better control over civilians in these kinds of affairs. The largest problem in China are still poverty, welfare and education, controlling carbon emission is a comparatively small issue and the government should be capable to tackle this well.

A strict regulation and control can be arguably good or bad. While it can be interpreted as a lack of human rights or whatever, I do believe in this context, strict regulation is the quick clean solution we ever need.

The International Energy Agency had predicted China's carbon dioxide emissions would pass the US by 2010.

Source: BBC NEWS | World | Asia-Pacific | China gas emissions 'may pass US'

Global warming imperils Himalayan glaciers

2007-04-24T22:11:00.001+08:00

The problem is clearly worldwide. It is not the responsibility of a single country, but both developed and developing nations have the duty and obligation to regulate their carbon emissions.

When the glaciers on top of the mountains melt, the effect would be very much similar to the melting of arctic icebergs. Water will eventually flow into the ocean or being carried by the clouds to the ocean. Both a rise of sea level and dilution of the ocean will cause a series of ecological problems.

BEIJING (Reuters) - Global warming could wipe out large areas of glaciers in the Himalayas and surrounding highlands, threatening livelihoods across much of Asia, climate scientists said in Beijing on Monday.

Source: Global warming imperils Himalayan glaciers | Science | Reuters

Poverty figure drops beneath one billion

2007-04-16T21:48:00.000+08:00

With more collaboration and communication through the web, I really hope that people can gain a better understanding about different pictures of this world. Do a bit of soul searching...

Should this be happening? Should we help to solve it at a quicker pace?

Elizabeth Stuart, of Oxfam, said: "Poverty is declining but at a snail's pace. Today 50,000 people will die of preventable diseases."

Source: Poverty figure drops beneath one billion | Business | Money | Telegraph

Republicans frosty on Gore's Global warming warnings - CNN.com

2007-04-09T14:42:00.000+08:00

"The planet has a fever," Gore said. "If your baby has a fever, you go to the doctor. If the doctor says you need to intervene here, you don't say, 'Well, I read a science fiction novel that told me it's not a problem.' If the crib's on fire, you don't speculate that the baby is flame retardant. You take action."

Republicans frosty on Gore's Global warming warnings - CNN.com.

There is indeed no time for us to think about the causes and inter-relations of what and who is causing this problem. That time has already gone. We should now head to focus on what we can do to solve this problem.

PEAR Mail cannot send mail with form POST sender address

2007-04-09T02:26:00.000+08:00

Email Injection - SecurePHP.

Problem Scenario:

Constructing a PHP email enquiry form. User can post their names and reply email address in HTML form. Feeding $_POST[sender_name] <$_POST[sender_email]> as the $from field in PEAR mail, an error returned and the email cannot be sent.

Such problem does not occur if feeding static string as the $from field.

Solution:

This is not a problem at all. PEAR mail is deliberating blocking this to avoid user feeding in cc and bcc information in the sender field, causing injection attacks and spamming.

Microsoft attacks Google on books

2007-03-07T00:01:00.000+08:00

Microsoft is to launch an attack on Google, saying the search giant's rival book-scanning service "systematically violates copyright".

BBC NEWS | Business | Microsoft attacks Google on books.

No doubt that Google is a quick hunter of information. It is witty that she can equalize her corporate expansion with the natural expansion and evolution of the global knowledge base. More information archived can directly enrich her database and hence putting her service in an invincible position.

Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2007

2007-03-04T23:46:00.000+08:00

It is the second year that I participated in the 10km event of the Stardard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. It has been a great experience and a wonderful opportunity for some physical exercise!

The humidity this year was higher and it was not easy to get out of the West Harbour Tunnel. Not to mention the various ups and downs through the bridges, there are less water stations and cheerings along the way too. Nevertheless I finished the race with 3 mins less than last year, good outcome afterall.

Cycling those carbon emissions away

2007-02-27T21:58:00.000+08:00

For a small charge, still to be determined, people can pick up one of the bikes and use it - but they must leave it back at a drop-off point so that someone else can, if you like, "recycle" it.

BBC NEWS | Northern Ireland | 'Cycling those carbon emissions away'.

Another good innovative idea. There are in fact so much that can be done, if all municipal bodies can spend a couple of minutes for brainstorming, dozens of feasible plans can be figured out.

Vista upgrades trigger surge of e-waste

2007-02-22T23:34:00.000+08:00

The long-awaited launch of Microsoft Vista late last year is expected to result in a surge of obsolete PCs market as companies go ahead with deferred desktop systems upgrades.

Vista upgrades trigger surge of e-waste - Computing.

The wave of upgrading is ultimately inevitable. I am just praying if people can take the environment into their considerations when they throw away old equipments (being an IT guy like me is doing so as well).

Recycling computers can become a lucrative business, there should be more businesses of this kind. Collecting old computer equipments, refurnishing them then sell them to the niche market at a lower price. There is such a market as the thrown-away equipments are becoming more and more usable, some may include Windows XP OS license as well.

Advocating recycling of resources can actually help both environment and rich-poor-disparity problem.

Internal Link

2007-02-19T01:22:00.000+08:00

This is the first post I make using Windows Live Writer. I am making some comparison between it and BlogJet I am currently using.

Testing bold text

Testing Italic text

Testing underline

Testing red blue green yellow black brown cyan pink colors

Retain faith that you will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties. And at the same time confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be. -- Stockdale Paradox from Jim Collins's "Good to Great"

Source: Compass -- Direction and Drive for Excellence

Google's Page urges scientists to market themselves

2007-02-19T00:41:00.000+08:00

And that was his main advice to the scientists in the room: take their scientific studies, market them better and make them readily accessible to the world. That way, the world might have a better chance at solving problems like energy consumption, poverty and global climate change.

Google's Page urges scientists to market themselves | CNET News.com.

Lets modify this statement a little bit.

Maybe some businesses can set up fundings for helping scientists do their marketing. We know technical people too well, little among them are thinking intensively from the business perspective. There should be a better collaboration between great scientific ideas with real world applications.

As much as Page, I believe that the force of public can change the world as well.

Big Oil sees big risks as it places big bets - Oil & Energy

2007-02-19T00:17:00.000+08:00

Big Oil sees big risks as it places big bets - Oil & Energy - MSNBC.com.

The big question: Can our practices of economy save this world?

We all appreciate the way our economy works. The basic supply and demand theory applies everywhere. When there is a need for biofuels, even big oil companies can’t resist the trend and start investing in alternative energy resources. Some, of course, are less adaptable to sudden changes. Regardless of the real interests of this planet itself, the sole motive of making money is seemingly powerful enough to drive people’s mind towards the right direction.

But then the question comes, can we react fast enough to stop the destruction of our very habitat? As much as we believe in our systems of politics and economy, are they sufficiently capable of rectifying some situations as serious as what we are currently in?

I have gone through the SARS crisis in Hong Kong. As far as I can tell, our economy didn’t save us, it collapsed, our bureaucracy of normal govenment operations didn’t save us, it slowed us down. We solved it by unwavering drive and UNITY. A new reporting regime was formulated quickly within the government and the figures were made transparent to the public every day. Everybody were taking initiatives to improve personal hygiene, encouraging one anothers…

We gone through it, at last, with a number of lifetime-injuries and deaths. We did, react too slow. To a relatively small crisis within a local territory, we reacted too slow.

Imagine, how soon should we react towards a global crisis like global warming? Can we still count on our normal political and economic restructuring, or should we do something explicitly in the first place?

PayPal introduces security token

2007-02-15T00:57:00.000+08:00

The $5 (�?.57) token generates a random, six-digit code every 30 seconds which is then used as part of the login process for the website.

BBC NEWS | Technology | PayPal introduces security token.

Two-way authentication is by far the most secure authentication method, it is particularly useful for websites like Paypal which handles millions of transactions every day. Just wondering how can Paypal sends these tokens to all its members? If this is working, maybe Google Checkout is the next to introduce such tokens. With so many people holding Google accounts around the globe, is it possible to send everyone a token?

Searching for Love 2.0

2007-02-15T00:50:00.000+08:00

First, it's clear that we don't just search for "love," we Google "love." Over 70% of all U.S. searches on the term occur on Google, compared to 62% overall for regular search terms. What's even more striking than Google's dominance is the degree to which the search giant influences what we click on. Eight of the top 10 sites visited after searching "love" matched the top natural listings on Google.com.

Searching for Love 2.0 -- Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2007 -- Page 1 -- TIME.

Wish everyone a happy Valentine’s Day. Though I am a huge fan of technology, and appreciate the effectiveness of Internet over love matching, yet I am wondering if people are too much depending of computer networks and tend to neglect the importance of face to face interactions.

Afterall, world changes, as long as people accept it, it justifies itself.

Oil Companies Discuss Energy Challenges

2007-02-13T01:02:00.000+08:00

When some of the industry's top executives gather in Houston next week to discuss global energy challenges, finding new and more effective ways to produce oil and gas, as well as alternatives to fossil fuels, will dominate the discussion.

Oil Companies Discuss Energy Challenges, Oil Companies Discuss New and Better Ways to Fuel Cars, Power Factories, Heat and Cool Homes - CBS News.

Finally, there is something constructive going on out there. Thinking about the sustainability of an energy business makes a lot of sense from a commercial perspective. “What if we can start exploring a new income source? Maybe we can demonstrate a sense of social responsibilty as well, which is good for our corporate image…”

Embrace changes, it may not be as hard as many of us think. Think ahead, it is never too late to save our businesses as well as the planet itself.

Network giants battle to dominate mobile web

2007-02-13T00:35:00.000+08:00

Analysts believe the GSMA will announce that around 500m new mobile users signed up last year, meaning there are 2.2bn people using phones with its GSM and 3G standards.

Network giants battle to dominate mobile web | Business | Money | Telegraph.

The game is on for yet another battle over the mobile market. Inevitable trend that everythings will go mobile. There will be more dependence on your mobile phone remoting your television, instead of a standalone desktop computer.

All the web applications are going mobile as well. Apart from mere functionalities, compatibility with mobile web is another vital element of future online utilities and applications.

Web 2.0 Convergence

2007-02-07T21:54:00.000+08:00

Alright, the following is a list of Web 2.0 applications and communication tools that I am using. How to merge them systematically for a better yield?

Communication:

Social Networking:

Blog:

Others:

A climate-change cost analysis - USATODAY.com

2007-02-06T22:19:00.000+08:00

The human and economic cost of global warming will move to center stage when the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change releases the second and third installments of its report this spring, experts say.

A climate-change cost analysis - USATODAY.com.

These reports are truly healthy to the world. Merely talking about environmental protection is no way near moving the hearts of big corporations. Hurricanes are detroying the oil platforms, and it brings huge damages and losses to insurance industries. When it gets warm, the demand of oil will decrease which affects the oil price (as what is happening right now), aren’t they detrimental economically?

The environment is as fragile as our economies. Without a nice habitat, our so-called economies can be nothing but pure luxuries.

Al Gore's Foot Soldiers

2007-02-05T00:57:00.000+08:00

After Lindzen's remarks, the students broke into smaller groups. Mankoff told his group of 11th and 12th graders that Lindzen was wrong and Gore was right. "Gore has the entire scientific community behind him," Mankoff said. "In the scientific community, I believe that Lindzen stands alone."

Al Gore's Foot Soldiers -- Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2007 -- Page 1 -- TIME.

Here comes the point that the team with more men wins. It is about how many scientists are doing soul searching. The fact is there, spread it out and lets do something about it.

Scientists: Humans 'very likely' cause global warming

2007-02-05T00:49:00.000+08:00

Scientists: Humans 'very likely' cause global warming - CNN.com.

The report found it was "likely" -- "more likely than not" in some cases -- that manmade greenhouse gases have contributed to hotter days and nights, and more of them, more killer heat waves than before, heavier rainfall more often, major droughts in more regions, stronger and more frequent cyclones and "increased incidence" of extremely high sea levels.

Lets keep things simple! People are simple playing word games over the issue without truly forming a solution. The problem of global warming is becoming obvious to not only scientists but normal people as well. Yet people deny it, resorting to a confirmation of so called “scientific consensus”which takes years. Where there is a report coming out stating the very fact that people are “very likely”to cause global warming, people question about the meaning of “very likely”, take more time to explain. The process goes on.

Instead of indulging into conflicts and arguments, lets come back to page one.

The problem of global warming is absolute, regardless of all the scientific reports, we can all see it. And it is going worse.
Who cause the problem? Is it relevant? now we need a solution rather than finger pointing about who is accountable.
Those who deeply believe environmental protection is mutually exclusive with economic growth, please think again. Why should we jump to that conclusion so soon without thinking about alternative solutions that can seemingly benefit both sides?
Isn’t there anything more important that profit or revenue or money? Oh yes, our survival, and our sons’ and daughters’ survival isn’t it?
Donation is no way near a solution to a problem like this. Do something in your business process or the way you live. It’s about doing, not paying.

It is nerve-racking to see how stubborn people are when responding to an urgent issue as this. Seems as if nobody are caring about social responsibility any more. It is a gift for we have a good development in our politics, economies and technologies. Shouldn’t we make use of these to play a part in the solution? But all that it takes is the participating of everyone of earth. It is time to act now.

Climate 'benefits' for UK farming

2007-01-04T00:44:00.000+08:00

One such solution could be the establishment of local biogas installations that used the methane emissions from animal waste, he observed.

BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Climate 'benefits' for UK farming.

What seems to be waste may not be waste at all. For a long time human has discover the potential of extracting useful ingredients from organic wastes. Due to the nature of the waste itself and low cost effectiveness there has been inadequate research to unleash the hidden economic benefits.

Generating biogas from animal waste is yet another new approach as an alternative energy source. It is obvious enough that the natural reserves such as oil and coal will be exhausted one day, just hope that a mature alternative can be developed before that day lest human will face an inevitable energy disaster for a god-knows-how-long period of time.

Happy New Year of 2007!!

2007-01-01T00:39:00.000+08:00

Another year has passed and here comes another brand new start. May peace, health and prosperity be with you in the new year of 2007. May there be peace between countries and good in everyone’s heart.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Merry Christmas to all ...

2006-12-23T15:59:00.000+08:00

Dear all,

May joy and peace be with you and your family all the time. Truly wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Best Regards,
Peter Choi

X’mas 2006

Carmakers Fight Global Warming Lawsuit

2006-12-19T01:04:00.000+08:00

The six largest automakers asked a federal judge to toss out a lawsuit by California that accuses them of harming human health and the environment by producing vehicles that contribute to global warming.

Carmakers Fight Global Warming Lawsuit, 6 Largest Automakers Want Federal Judge to Throw Out Calif. Global Warming Suit - CBS News.

When can we truly realize the crux of the problem? It maybe standard procedures for big corporations to solve all the problems by money, but this time, the solution is not about spending, but doing.

The real problem of everything, not just global warming, is that we as human are trying to add the element “money” in every natural cycles. We are trying to solve every problem by money without taking a step backward to think of the simpler and better solution. Companies spend huge sum of money on lawsuits about environmental conservations, donate huge sum of money to organizations to work on the problems they created. This is indeed no generosity. Upon all the complications and confusions, why don’t we just take one step backward, take environmental friendliness as one of the factors when designing cars, the whole process will become much simpler, and the cost maybe lower than those lawsuits as well.

Time magazine's "Person of the Year" is You

2006-12-17T13:22:00.000+08:00

The magazine has put a mirror on the cover of its "Person of the Year" issue, released on Monday, "because it literally reflects the idea that you, not us, are transforming the information age," Editor Richard Stengel said in a statement.

Time magazine's "Person of the Year" is You | Entertainment | Entertainment News | Reuters.com.

It makes perfect sense to me that individuals are having a greater influence to the world than ever before. Before long the major stream of public voices will be coming from the web instead of the current media. A good thing of this is the total freedom of speech, I believe that the power may be strong enough to impact any current authorities. Yet the absolute free flow of information can also open up a perfect environment for rumors or provoking attempts. Can we depend only on mutual governance and filtering to keep ourselves on the right track?

Santa uses Windows Live Messenger?

2006-12-17T02:33:00.000+08:00

Using Windows Live Messenger, parents can spend time with their kids chatting in real time with Santa online. Customers can simply add Santa’s address, Northpole@live.com, to their Windows Live Messenger contact list and instantly open a conversation window to communicate with Saint Nick

Santa on Spaces.

Fun to know that you can actually talk with Santa Claus via MSN now. I have added this guy but haven’t talked to him yet. Maybe he is an AI robot or something, just curious to know…

Yahoo! Answers - What are some simple steps or creative ideas that people can take at home and work to combat global warming?

2006-12-15T21:07:00.000+08:00

Global warming is not only one of the most threatening environmental problems, but one of the greatest challenges facing all of humanity.

Yahoo! Answers - What are some simple steps or creative ideas that people can take at home and work to combat global warming?.

Leonardo Dicarprio labelled himself as an environmentalist in Yahoo! Answers, while I would like to label myself as ‘survivalist’ instead. Without the global cooperation to reduce consumption and pollution, there won’t be even a chance for us to survive.

In the movie “The Day After Tomorrow”, I remember a quote from that vice president: Our economy is even as fragile as the environment. Well the point is, when here comes a day we need to spend a thousand bucks for a glass of clean water, we will know the true fragility of our economy. Man, don’t let this day come, read and contribute some ideas, then start living green today.

A (Microsoft) code name a day: Fiji

2006-12-15T20:34:00.000+08:00

A (Microsoft) code name a day: Fiji | All about Microsoft | ZDNet.com.

Looking beyond Windows Vista there is already another project going on. Fiji may take the form of Vista Service Pack 1 or Vista R2, before the release of Windows Vienna (originally with codename Blackcomb)

I am just interested that Windows Vista is actually an intermediate product released to occupy the vacant period between XP and Vienna. The obvious question is, is it worthwhile to make the upgrade now, and when do we expect to make another upgrade after that?

Nobel Winner Urges Defeat Of Poverty

2006-12-11T01:15:00.000+08:00

We must address the root causes of terrorism to end it for all time to come. I believe that putting resources into improving the lives of the poor people is a better strategy than spending it on guns

Nobel Winner Urges Defeat Of Poverty, Bangladeshi Economist, Creator Of Microcredit For Poor, Receives 2006 Peace Prize In Oslo Ceremony - CBS News.

A real positive approach addressing the problem we are currently facing. Somehow it worths pondering if our economy is developing in a way distorting the balance of world peace. Giving hope and opportunities to the poor maybe a way to keep the our development sustainable.

Global Warming Already Causing Extinctions, Scientists Say

2006-12-01T01:37:00.000+08:00

Global Warming Already Causing Extinctions, Scientists Say.

How much effort are we paying to save endangered species? By every means we can only save what we know to be endangered, yet global warming is arguably causing various ecological disruptions and messing up the life cycles of thousands of species, within those are many phenomenons we can hardly notice.

Large pieces of iceburgs are breaking up and floating out in the ocean, polar bears are drowned as their habitats are melting. As the TV show “LOST”described, polar bears can appear on other islands besides Antarctica, can it possibly be a result of global warming?

Global Warming Student Speakout - Top 50 Ideas

2006-11-29T01:46:00.000+08:00

Google For Educators.

Some kinds of initiatives working on education about the issue of global warming. Though in the first place we should figure out quick solutions to combat the situation at hand, educations are essential as well to ensure a sustainable effort to keep the carbon dioxide level under control.

Global warming already killing species, analysis says

2006-11-24T00:20:00.000+08:00

Global warming already killing species, analysis says - CNN.com.

We should really lament as human beings are being over self-confident about their control of the Earth, unaware that the Nature always reserves the power to strike back and to adjust itself, regardless of the cost.

The problem of global warming is becoming so obvious that it starts to substantially gain attention from the press and public. The main reason is that it is occuring at a pace much faster (by more than 50 years) than we human estimated. The interaction between temperature and carbon dioxide level in the atmosphere is causing a vicious circle that rapidly worsen up the situation.

The topic is gaining the attentions from governments too. Yet based on the lengthly legislation under bureaucracy and the oppositions from powerful energy companies, it is not likely that any substantial remedy can be figured out before the situation becomes irreversible. Next time when somebody is talking about the end of the world, start pondering, for it can really be an outcome we are shaping up right now.

Maslow's hierarchy of needs

2006-11-11T00:34:00.000+08:00

The famous pyramid Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Once I thought I should achieve self-actualization with a bigger goal and deeper thoughts of life, now I know that I am still far from it. Maybe I am still working on esteem or love and belongings. “Lack of prejudice”and “acceptance of facts”requires much maturity and experience in life, I may get there someday…

So what level are you at?

Web inventor fears for the future

2006-11-02T20:15:00.000+08:00

BBC NEWS | Technology | Web inventor fears for the future.

The web is a truly powerful invention, not about how it is technically achieved, but about the core concept behind. I would say everything can be more than what it is. World Wide Web refers the worldwide computer network, but ‘web’can mean a network of anything. In fact, the way computer is used to ease communication between different individuals has brought forward a clearer picture of how people are connected to one another.

All sorts of thoughts and ideas are sprouting on the web, fostering new kinds of cultures with groups of supporters. Yet I believe with a whole world of participants the web can still achieve some balance, whether or not there will be an uprise of undemocratic forces is yet to be seen.

ABC News: Apple's iPod Looks Great at 5 Years Old

2006-10-25T00:21:00.000+08:00

ABC News: Apple's iPod Looks Great at 5 Years Old.

iPod is indeed not just a technology, but also a fashion. Look around and see how many gadgets can look attractive for five years? How many technology products can sustain its market share for five years without a dramatic version upgrade? (Even Microsoft has to replace Windows XP with Vista)

The core of the gadget itself, together with the corporate image are all that it takes. Everybody still think that iPod is having much better sound quality that normal MP3 players. New gimmicks like larger screen, smaller size, larger volumn are also selling points throughout the years. It is nice to hear that in between the ‘work’market of PC and ‘entertainment’ market of say PSP, iPod can find its space of survival, and it manages to do well in this space too.

Tour to Shanghai

2006-10-15T02:02:00.000+08:00

Another nice short trip to Shanghai with my parents, the night cruise was absolutely amazing!

You may have a look at my album here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pccm/sets/72157594327827925/

Apple - Trailers - An Inconvenient Truth - Trailer

2006-10-01T00:03:00.000+08:00

Apple - Trailers - An Inconvenient Truth - Trailer.

Inevitable terror that we all have to face. It was depressing that nobody really listened when somebody talked about global warming years ago. Today temperature is increasing year after year and we all feel that it is becoming hotter than ever. Are we still turning a blind eye to this affair while the problem is right in front of us?

China bloggers surpass 30 million - Sep 26, 2006

2006-09-28T01:54:00.000+08:00

CNN.com - China bloggers surpass 30 million - Sep 26, 2006.

What a big pool and a huge potential market! Who can eventually figure out an appropriate business model and be the first gold miner?

Ajax RSS reader

2006-09-24T02:20:00.000+08:00

Ajax RSS reader.

A comprehensive tutorial from IBM DeveloperWorks, worth a reference.

Microsoft may offer web programs

2006-09-24T01:59:00.000+08:00

BBC NEWS | Technology | Microsoft may offer web programs.

This can be seen as a trial of Microsoft to enter the web market. Either can she continue to advocate traditional software products or she can renovate all her products web-based. A free version of web-based work suite is a clever move, for it can test the market response with limited investment (limited features).

We will see how things go from now on.

Microsoft is planning free web-based versions of its word processing and spreadsheet programs.
The online versions of the programs will lack many of the features found in the full versions found in Microsoft's Office suite of applications.
Although the programs will be free to use, Microsoft is planning to fund them via advertising.

High-Definition DVD War: Over Before it Starts?

2006-09-24T01:53:00.000+08:00

ABC News: High-Definition DVD War: Over Before it Starts?.

The video business is getting hot. Disney, Amazon, Apple are all in similar track offering online streaming video services. On the other hand movie producers are doing researches to further improve the movie quality with HD DVD.

It is true that HD movie can hardly be downloaded due to its size, physical ‘disc’such as CD, DVD and HD DVD are still keeping their market. But it is beyond doubt that as the network bandwidth is continuously improving, online streaming will become more popular in the video business.

Sept. 22, 2006 — Warner Bros. recently filed a patent application for a new type of DVD that could end the next generation DVD format war before it begins.
Blending aspects of the new HD DVD and Blu-ray technologies, the proposed discs would be playable in both types of players, eliminating the need for consumers to invest in one format over the other.
Current Blu-ray and HD DVD players range in price from about $500 to $1,000 with discs generally costing over $25.

Astronaut Collapses During Ceremony

2006-09-24T01:35:00.000+08:00

ABC News: Astronaut Collapses During Ceremony.

What a true hero. As one of the military officials she has truly demonstrated strength and perseverance. After 12 days in space one should need more time to physically adjust gravity again, her collapse during the speech is never embarrassing.

Piper, the fifth of the six astronauts to speak, appeared to be confused before her legs buckled during her address. NASA officials and crew members braced her and lowered her to the ground. She stood up again, and the crowd applauded.

ABC News: Microsoft Launching Online Video Service

2006-09-20T11:25:00.000+08:00

ABC News: Microsoft Launching Online Video Service.

Retracing the past market strategy of Microsoft, you can actually see a pattern that for minority leech markets she will never be the first mover. Web browser we had Netscape at the beginning and followed by Internet Explorer which slowly took over the market; Instant messenging we had ICQ at the beginning then MSN Messenger which slowly took over. Now comes the online video which we have YouTube as the current market leader, after Microsoft’s join in the market is again expected to become a red ocean, YouTube can hardly keep her market leadership without continuous improvement and innovation (which involves abundant supply of capital and positive cash flow).

Adobe brings Web conferencing to Acrobat

2006-09-19T11:55:00.000+08:00

Adobe brings Web conferencing to Acrobat | Tech News on ZDNet.

I doubt if it is really that strategic. Is web conferencing related to viewing PDF?

From a PDF file, a person can use Connect to let someone else view a document or a person's entire desktop through a Web browser. Connect, which runs with the Adobe Flash Player, also lets a person start a chat with instant messaging or send an invitation via e-mail.

A Big Boost in the Fight Against Poverty

2006-09-19T11:50:00.000+08:00

ABC News: A Big Boost in the Fight Against Poverty.

From time to time there are such charity acts happening, thanks to those brillionaires for their donations, which is a nice effort trying to bring the world back to equilibrium. As what I always say: what’s life all about, it’s simply about what you can do in a few decades. If you are financially viable to help, why wait till you are rich? I would appreciate a worldwide continuous effort dedicated to sustainable development. Third world countries may need help, so as the natural environment.

So, you want to be an astronaut?

2006-09-19T11:40:00.000+08:00

So, you want to be an astronaut? - World - Times Online#cid=OTC-RSS&attr=World.

I may get across the physical and mental endurance if I am determined enough, but definitely I won’t be able to achieve the last item…

Dilbert Comic Strip Archive - Dilbert.com

2006-09-19T00:58:00.000+08:00

Dilbert Comic Strip Archive - Dilbert.com - The Official Dilbert Website by Scott Adams - Dilbert, Dogbert and Coworkers!.

Web Office will be much different than Microsoft Office

2006-09-19T00:47:00.000+08:00

Web Office will be much different than Microsoft Office | Web 2.0 Explorer | ZDNet.com.

Office 1.0 (1980s): a set of discrete and often incompatible applications for word processing, spreadsheets, presentation creation, and simple database management. Archetype: Lotus 1-2-3.
Office 2.0 (1990 - present): integrated suites of PPAs, with expanded, if still limited, collaboration capabilities. Archetype: Microsoft Office.
Office 3.0 (present - early 2010s): hybrid desktop/web suites incorporating internet-based tools and interfaces to facilitate collaboration and web publishing.
Office 4.0 (c. early 2010s): fully web-based suites.

Web technology is gradually becoming the main stream and it is truly hiding enough potential to take over most of the client side applications. As far as the innovation is concerns, two major changes can also happen:

1. A refromation of the web. The current WWW infrastructure may not be an ideal platform for the distribution of robust applications. Existing web applications are mostly confined to dashboards, accounting, reporting, database operations and computing. High end fancy effects are not entertained. Imagine what it is like to access your office software by means of a URL, are you comfortable having it run within a browser?

2. A reformation of the client machines. Moving most of the loadings to the servers will require the servers to have superb computing powers. At the same time the requirement of the client machines will decrease so that the evolvement of PC hardware may slow down. Operating systems will also have to change (in this case OS with high system requirement like Windows Vista may be heading towards a wrong direction). Instead of UI fanciness, more emphasises should be placed on web compatibility, security and stability.

Selling IT to the CEO: Keep It Simple

2006-09-19T00:32:00.000+08:00

Selling IT to the CEO: Keep It Simple.

It is very true as you are pitching to your target audiences, you need to know beforehand what they want to hear. Most probably they are not interested in the details of your work, as close as you are talking to your project manager, better put your focus on schedule and manpower instead of the details of implementation.

That’s life.

Warner Distribute Videos Through YouTube

2006-09-19T00:22:00.000+08:00

Warner Distribute Videos Through YouTube, Warner Music Group to Distribute, License Videos and More Through YouTube Internet Site - CBS News.

Another example showing that the market leader rules. The strongest will only merge with the strongest, so as long as you can get the snowball rolling to create a big business, opportunities will come and help you get the ball even bigger.

It’s yet to be seen if YouTube can keep up with its strength to dominate this market.

First success for whale project

2006-09-18T00:26:00.000+08:00

BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | First success for whale project.

Nothing related to the new itself, I just love this photo. Indeed I do appreciate these efforts in protecting the marine lives, we all live on this planet and we ought to do more than that. Try going on a vacation more and appreciate the Nature, you will see it is not just us living here, all the lives and animals deserve our conservation and respect.

The scene is God’s gift to us, don’t you feel it is lovely?

Mobiles put the web in your hands

2006-09-18T00:13:00.000+08:00

BBC NEWS | Programmes | Click | Mobiles put the web in your hands.

It is an unstoppable trend that mobile devices will become the main stream of communications. The integration of web browsing and voice/video communications into the gadgets is yet another big topic to research on. In particular, how to put a web page with so many texts into a 320x240 pixels screen while the font size is still acceptable to human eyes? How to make the browisng (like reading and scrolling) easier?

Using mobile phones for electronic transactions (like purchasing a can of soft drink from the auto-seller machine, accessing e-bank and other services) is no longer a dream nowadays, but before the technology is fully mature and widely popular what we have currently is just a channel. We will need a more user-friendly interface, a more secured mobile transaction channel, more comprehensive services and a wider public acceptance for the whole thing to come true. Based on the current trend, this day won’t be far from now.

A broader industry initiative should make the whole process of going online a far more pleasant experience. From next month anyone will be able to register a .mobi net address. This domain is meant solely for sites that will be navigable by phones and anyone signing up must ensure their site meets a strict set of accessibility standards
MTLD, the organisation behind .mobi, expects 200,000 mobile sites to be registered in the next year.

TIME.com: Does God Want You To Be Rich?

2006-09-15T22:01:00.000+08:00

TIME.com: Does God Want You To Be Rich? -- Sep. 18, 2006 -- Page 1.

TIME magazine sometimes really comes up with interesting stories like this. Another question may be: Do you need to be a good guy for God to make you rich?

Does God Want You To Be Rich? A growing number of Protestant evangelists raise a joyful Yes! But the idea is poison to other, more mainstream pastors

Genetic code of a tree unlocked - Sep 14, 2006

2006-09-15T21:56:00.000+08:00

CNN.com - Genetic code of a tree unlocked - Sep 14, 2006.

It seems to me that this vast cultivation of cottonwood will do all the good and no harm. More wood, paper and fuel and faster absorption of CO2 in the air. Hopefully this can work, yet the world is a huge ecological circulation, more plants will cause a faster consumption of soil nutrients as well, is that replacable too?

Survivor's' race for ratings

2006-09-15T21:49:00.000+08:00

CNN.com - 'Survivor's' race for ratings - Sep 14, 2006.

It has been a good show and I am glad another new season has just begun showing. It is really controversial dividing the tribes by race. It kinda gave me an idea that it is a war between the Asians, the White Americans and the Black.

Meanwhile, several members of the New York City Council were denouncing the show for promoting divisiveness. "How could anybody be so desperate for ratings?" posed Councilman John Liu, who is Asian-American.
Then New York Times columnist Clyde Haberman observed that these city officials included members of the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus.
"In other words," wrote Haberman, "leading the condemnation of CBS for creating teams defined by race and ethnicity was a team that created itself using race and ethnicity as the definition."

Nevertheless, it is still a good show…

Dilbert Comic Strip Archive - Dilbert.com

2006-09-14T21:07:00.000+08:00

Dilbert Comic Strip Archive - Dilbert.com - The Official Dilbert Website by Scott Adams - Dilbert, Dogbert and Coworkers!.

Meaningful !!

Apple introduces new iPod, iPod nano, iPod shuffle and iTunes

2006-09-13T21:03:00.000+08:00

Apple - iPod
Apple - iPod nano
Apple - iPod shuffle
Apple - iTune

The world’s smallest digital music player and just $79, the 1GB iPod shuffle lets you wear up to 240 songs(1) on your sleeve. Or your lapel. Or your belt. Clip on iPod shuffle and wear it as a badge of musical devotion.

Can you image another company to be that aggressive in rolling out new hardware products? With all the Macs and iBook stuffs she can still manages to get the gadgets smaller and smaller.

See if these new stuffs are good for you…

Dilbert Comic Strip Archive - Dilbert.com

2006-09-13T01:11:00.000+08:00

Dilbert Comic Strip Archive - Dilbert.com - The Official Dilbert Website by Scott Adams - Dilbert, Dogbert and Coworkers!.

Only if it can be that easy…

Amazon.com Launches TV, Movie Service

2006-09-13T01:02:00.000+08:00

ABC News: Amazon.com Launches TV, Movie Service.

Is it possible for something like this to happen in Hong Kong? Maybe I should start making some studies about it…

SEATTLE Sep 7, 2006 (AP)— Amazon.com Inc. launched a digital video downloading service Thursday, ending months of speculation that the Internet retailer would be getting into the online TV and movie business.

Hong Kong Disneyland Facing Competition

2006-09-13T00:54:00.000+08:00

Hong Kong Disneyland Facing Competition, Hong Kong Disneyland Facing Unexpectedly Tough Competition From Local Fixture Ocean Park - CBS News.

It is not a must for a world renowned theme park to be successful everywhere. The high profile entry of Disneyland into Hong Kong created a legend and fantasy for a moment, vast number of tourists, mainly from the mainland, couldn’t wait to pay it a visit.

Ironically scandals were all around after the park’s grand opening. It was first criticized for its small volume, chaos appeared during peak days and hundreds were shutted outside the park. The realistic behavior of mainland visitors created a sharp contradiction with the romantic fantasy delivered by the dream world…

On the contrary, the Ocean Park was very cautious throughout the competition and seemingly it is keeping its market leadership. The boldness in innovation has apparently been rewarded by a sustainable growth of admission. It is time for Disneyland to abandon the ‘must-win’thought lest it will slowly be boycotted. Afterall, everyone has to pay in order to gain in Hong Kong.

Walt Disney Co., hoping to tap into China's huge market, has struggled a bit in its debut year in Hong Kong. Its park hasn't quite reached its first-year attendance goal of 5.6 million, and its had some hiccups along the way.

Walt Disney Co., hoping to tap into China's huge market, has struggled a bit in its debut year in Hong Kong. Its park hasn't quite reached its first-year attendance goal of 5.6 million, and its had some hiccups along the way.

People Really Do Try to Wash Away Sins - The Human Body

2006-09-11T21:02:00.000+08:00

FOXNews.com - Study: People Really Do Try to Wash Away Sins - The Human Body.

Interesting… So those who washes their hands most frequently are those who sins most? I would rather keep my hands clean always then.

CBS teams up with TiVo to promote network's new shows

2006-09-07T12:40:00.000+08:00

CBS teams up with TiVo to promote network's new shows - Sep. 6, 2006.

All as I know TiVo is doing a very good work out there, just wondering why she is not expanding the business to other continents? Just like Skype and Vodafone, good technologies and brands are always welcomed wherever there is a market.

That world is flat somehow…

Dilbert Comic Strip Archive - Dilbert.com

2006-09-07T12:18:00.000+08:00

Dilbert Comic Strip Archive - Dilbert.com - The Official Dilbert Website by Scott Adams - Dilbert, Dogbert and Coworkers!.

Dilbert Comic Strip Archive - Dilbert.com

2006-09-05T01:34:00.000+08:00

Dilbert Comic Strip Archive - Dilbert.com - The Official Dilbert Website by Scott Adams - Dilbert, Dogbert and Coworkers!.

Apple Unveiling Movie-Playing iPod?

2006-09-03T12:10:00.000+08:00

ABC News: Apple Unveiling Movie-Playing iPod?.

Is it going to be another PSP? The marketing strategy for Apple to go for digital entertainment is really amazing. Just look at the latest series of TV ads on apple.com will you understand. It is yet another example of the blue ocean.

"The iPod Nano was optimized for short-form video like TV shows, music videos," said Michael Gartenberg, analyst with Jupiter Research. "You could get that sense based on form factor, screen size, battery life etc. … [A movie iPod] would need a larger viewing screen. And, of course, Apple's challenge is to keep that iPod form factor."
The larger screen is a big deal for the little dynamo. While TV shows and music videos are generally made to be watched on a squarish screen, movies are shot in widescreen and require a more rectangular screen for proper viewing.

Windows Live Writer

2006-09-03T12:01:00.000+08:00

Introducing Windows Live Writer

Just learnt from a blog that Microsoft Live has released a product named Windows Live Writer, the functionality is similar to BlogJet. Yet I am not ready to try it out yet. Maybe sometimes later when the release is stable with greater compatibility…

Big Companies Go Green to Ensure Business

2006-09-03T11:48:00.000+08:00

ABC News: Big Companies Go Green to Ensure Business.

So protecting the environment is also about profits. That might be a good thing if the economy and the environment can find a way to balance themselves. I just hope it is not too late…

101 ways to organize your life

2006-09-01T23:34:00.000+08:00

Project Management Source: Lessons from Project Management: 101 ways to organize your life.

A very good passage. Allow me to quote some below:

1. Keep your approach friendly
5. Nobody appreciates a micro-manager: Don’t sit on the heads of your team members.
6. Giving autonomy does not mean not keeping track of progress.
14. Stand up for your team. When your employees are in the right, have the guts to take up their case.
15. Don’t let team members intimidate you with technical mumbo-jumbo. Don’t feel stupid when you ask them to explain what they are saying in layperson’s language.
20. Building Trust: Build trust within the team by demonstrating to each team member that everyone is important and creating a sense of personal value and contribution.
23. Say thanks, offer words of support, and show appreciation for good work.
28. Ownership: Have an attitude of owning your work.
30. To motivate, you have to empower. Motivation involves not only being enthusiastic and pumped up about approaching the task, but also involves being equipped with the tools and the ability to complete the assignment.
31. Accountability of Self
42. Keep your sense of humor: It helps
44. Celebrate achievements – even mini-achievements
61. Break down work into tasks
80. Take a break
85. A healthy personal life translates to a well-balanced, healthy person

Testing spam blog post

2006-09-01T10:38:00.000+08:00

I have been troubled by Blogger previously about the spam post blocking. This is a testing post to check if the block has been removed.

Google: These books are free

2006-08-31T11:44:00.000+08:00

Google: These books are free | Tech News on ZDNet.

Delighted to see e-books being available on the Internet. Just wondering why Amazon is not doing this sooner than Google? If a purchasing strategy can be placed for copyrighted electronic copies this can be a whole new era of knowledge distribution.

By far NetLibrary is serving as a popular e-Library with OEB ebook formats. Now Google is again joining the marketing with a more popular user interface. God knows why far this empire can expand…

Google CEO Dr. Eric Schmidt Joins Apple’s Board of Directors

2006-08-30T12:06:00.000+08:00

Google CEO Dr. Eric Schmidt Joins Apple’s Board of Directors.

Wowowo…. What’s going on? Seems there is something big happening behind the scenes.

August Jukebox -- The Maiden's Prayer

2006-08-29T22:40:00.000+08:00

The Maiden’s Prayer
Badarzewska-Baranowska

Dilbert Comic Strip Archive - Dilbert.com

2006-08-29T21:53:00.000+08:00

Dilbert Comic Strip Archive - Dilbert.com - The Official Dilbert Website by Scott Adams - Dilbert, Dogbert and Coworkers!.

Google Apps for Your Domain

2006-08-29T13:36:00.000+08:00

Google Apps for Your Domain.

Soon after Gmail for Your Domain we have Google Apps for Your Domain. With the tiny applications already in place there seems a be a lot to be played with. More applications of such kinds will surely emerge from the Google team and I am always looking forward to how much further they can go.

Google to target software market

2006-08-29T00:13:00.000+08:00

BBC NEWS | Business | Google to target software market.

So in the end the market becomes red. Sooner or later Google and Microsoft may have a head-on collision fighting for the same market. It has long been talked about that software is becoming a service that should be provided on-demand via the internet, so in the end the market is merging, the two giants will inevitably nail one another.

Google, eBay Form Advertising Alliance

2006-08-29T00:03:00.000+08:00

ABC News: Google, eBay Form Advertising Alliance.

I always love seeing deals like this to happen. As far as business is concern there are so many possibilities to make things more convenient. A wider scope of advertisement and a quicker way to settle auction deals can really help frequent bidders.

SAN FRANCISCO Aug 28, 2006 (AP)— In a deal between two of the Internet's most prominent properties, Google will begin selling advertising for Web auctioneer eBay outside the United States and help buyers quickly ring an online merchant to do business.

Technology lets ads get personal

2006-08-28T00:09:00.000+08:00

BBC NEWS | Programmes | Click | Technology lets ads get personal.

Everything is getting on the right path. In fact all the big corps are placing investment on how to collect audiences’ interests and living habits. While the technical barriers involved are relatively low, I believe that advertising through ‘narrowcasting’ approach will become much more mature within a short period of time.

Advertising is huge business. Companies are constantly looking for new ways to reach consumers and some are turning to new technology to make their brands stand out from the rest.

China-Russia plan joint mission to Mars - Aug 24, 2006

2006-08-27T23:52:00.000+08:00

CNN.com - China-Russia plan joint mission to Mars - Aug 24, 2006.

Happy to see that China is actually taking a proactive role in space research. I am looking forward to a Chinese landing to the moon and then Mars.

Maybe within our lifetime we can really take a trip to Mars?

Yahoo Kills Blog Search?

2006-08-27T23:38:00.000+08:00

Yahoo Kills Blog Search?.

In fact I am just wondering why search engines have to distinguish between ‘web search’ and ‘blog search’? For Web 2.0 to become generic and a basic groundwork, it is particularly important for normal users (both technical and non-technical) to just ‘search’.

As more information abound everywhere, as time goes by my searching practices become lazier. Most of the time I just want to type one word and expect to reach the correct destination. Unless I have particular criteria to add, the essence of searching are just simple and quick.

Sooner or later searching engines should fuse everything up. Being in the software industry myself, I can see that users normally don’t care about the difference between backend searching mechanisms.