thumb tacks, thumb tech

Why do I need a home security system?

2012-01-13T14:37:00.001-08:00

Why do I need a home security system?

Guest post from: Kent Lara

I know what you are thinking. I live in a nice neighborhood. I have nosey neighbors. My parents live down the street from me. Why do I need a home security system? I will tell you that while you may feel safe with all of these creature comforts close by no one can ever be watching over your home twenty four seven. I thought that our neighborhood was safe until recently when a few homes at the front of the subdivision were broken into. This really got me to thinking about what if that happened at our home? Even worse, what if it happened when I was at home alone with the kids and my husband wasn’t there to scare the intruder off? That is when I decided to check out www.homesecurityfamily.com one night on my laptop. I found out that there are affordable options to having a home security system installed and monitored. In fact it was much cheaper than I had imagined. I guess that when it comes to your home safety you can’t put a price on it.

How to save with Mambo Sprouts - Part 2

2012-01-13T14:37:00.000-08:00

The latest deal coupon-ing with Mambo Sprouts (Manufacturer coupons) and Whole Foods Market's (Vendor coupons) Whole Deal must be on those CLIF and LUNA energy bars.

Retail at Whole Foods:

(1) CLIF:
Retail price: $0.99/bar

Mambo Sprouts coupon $1.00 off for 4 bars or more
WHFs coupon $1.00 for 3 bars or more

Buy 4 bars and get $2.00 off. So that is $0.99x4 - $2.00 = $1.96
and $0.49/bar

What a steal!

(2) LUNA:
Retail price: $0.99/bar

Mambo Sprouts coupon $0.50 any one bar
WHFs coupon $0.50 any one bar

Buy a bar, get $1.00 off. So 0.99x1 - $1.00 = FREE!

FREE taste good, isn't it!

Far and Away

2011-12-12T13:46:00.001-08:00

Far and Away

Guest post written by Kevin Beach

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? These are the questions I often ponder in the quiet of the night when the rest of the house is asleep. Many nights, I am sitting up alone watching HGTV’s “House Hunters International” on http://www.direc4u.com/, and this takes me away to exotic and lovely destinations. After spending 6 weeks in England during college, I long for the days when my girls are old enough to appreciate traveling to historic locations like Oxford, England or even somewhere less inhabited like rural portions of Nicaragua. There is so much that the world has to offer. It’s a place far bigger than ourselves, our city, or even our country. Endless differences in culture and lifestyle exist, and I find it immensely important to be able to raise my children in a way that they can experience and embrace the differences amongst nations and populations. Only through exposure and awareness can we truly appreciate these differences, yet find a common thread in humanity. Experience and immersion and far more impacting than any book or website or TV show. True understanding only comes through experience and the time to absorb those experiences to change the fiber of our being.

How to save using Mambo Sprouts

2011-12-12T13:46:00.000-08:00

What I usually do is to pick up the Mambo Sprouts coupon booklet and the Whole Foods Deals coupon; then double-coupon valid items at Whole Foods Market. It will be more savings if the item happens to be on sale.

For example, with

Earth Balance $1.00 off manufacturer coupon (Mambo Sprouts coupon valid to use at any stores); and
Earth Balance $1.00 off vendor (Whole Foods Market) coupon (only valid to use at Whole Foods Market);

the Earth Balance Unsweetened Soy Milk which is on sale in Whole Foods Market at $2.99 (regular $3.49) is now $2.99 - $1.00 - $1.00 = $0.99 !!

It is spectacular savings!

Medical Scrubs - comfort first, then style

2011-11-18T19:26:00.000-08:00

It might be classic and it might be http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/categories/Scrubs/Scrubs-for-Men/ but it does not mean style-less and in no way less fashion-savvy. This collection of men's scrub tops comes in a variety of classic colors but are hand made and tailored to a slimming design - the scrub tops are just the perfect length to tuck in or wear out.

The men's scrub pants are also tailored for superior fit and long lasting enjoyment. They are made boot cut, low-rise using soft, wrinkle-free fabric. Comfort comes first then style, isn't it? Just like the nursing scrub pants and bottoms - classic design and comfort with a modern flair. You can now also custom make (each stitch, each seam, each pocket etc.) your professional medical attire. The scrubs are handmade from the best-quality fabrics, and sewn to fit perfectly by trained tailors.

Ready? Check out the sizing chart for your fit and order online. It is currently free shipping on orders $155 or more, with free returns and exchanges on all orders. If you are a team of medical professionals, why not order or even custom make your uniforms as a team? Maybe the whole team can go with a custom design to show team spirit!

Getting a little inspiration for my fall home decor

2011-10-11T18:48:00.000-07:00

Guest post written by Liiy Smith

I'm really inspired by the nature around my home when it comes to decorating it. I've always loved flowers, other plants and animals so much that I think that there's nothing that I'd rather surround myself with in my home. Now my house isn't a green house or anything but I mainly just stick to things that are simply representations of those when it comes to my home.

That goes the same for my holiday decorations too. I love to look online with my San Francisco wireless internet to find all kinds of ideas about how I can incorporate nature into my holiday decorations.
I guess that for fall, the obvious natural fall decor inspiration is pumpkins. But I thought that maybe I could get a little more creative and am also using some fall colored flowers with my decorations too. It just keeps everything looking so fresh and not so obviously Halloween-y. I think that when it comes to successful holiday decorating that goes with the rest of your home decor, it's small little things like that which make the difference.

Bra Shopping!

2011-08-01T10:41:00.000-07:00

Bra Shopping!

Posted by Virgil Burks

I did something today that most women avoid like the plague, I went bra shopping. I remember back in the day I wanted a bra that was sexy and came in a certain color. Today I wanted something that would make me look somewhat normal. Of course this is coming from someone in their 30?s and has a couple of kids. Prior to this shopping trip I only had three really good bras and decided one or two more would not hurt. So after I cleaned up the breakfast dishes I managed to drag my youngest away from the television to go with me to the store. She was enjoying a new channel we have from TVBYDIRECT.com. After my daughter and I arrived at the store, I spent an hour trying on many bras while she spent the hour getting tangled in them. As I untangled my daughter I felt a bit of sadness come over me. I was no longer looking at the pretty sexy colors. I had a boring white bra in my hand. I left the store realizing there was a part of my life that had changed, but looking at my daughter, I realize it is worth it.

Groupon pays to stay local!

2011-07-29T12:49:00.001-07:00

Buca di Beppo Coupon Deal $10 off $20 on Food & Beverage

2011-06-06T16:27:00.000-07:00

Right now, the only American chain-restaurant I frequent the most, with the food I enjoy, gotta be Buca di Beppo.

The fried calamari is one of the most delicious fried calamari I have tasted to-date. Crispy, fresh and tasty. The spicy marinara dip is a good pair-off too.

I have also tried the Spaghetti with Meat Sauce and Spaghetti with Meatballs. The meatballs are huge and the dish is typically too "meaty" for me. So I prefer the Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, as I enjoy how the meat in the meat sauce "sticks" to the pasta strands - makes a great consistency and each mouthful is satisfying.

Food is delicious and there are good coupon deals $10 off $20 on Food & Beverage around too.

Coupon expires June 30, 2011.

Wind Turbines, Are They The Future For Energy?

2011-06-01T09:03:00.000-07:00

Post contributed by Alfredo Gaines

From what I can tell, I am expecting to see home energy savings through new green technologies in the very near future. The reason I say that is because there are a lot of different things that are taking place today, to create newer methods of generating electricity than ever before.

Things like wind turbines being placed in fields all across the nation. These turbines are showing up out in open farmland where there is no obstruction to prevent them from receiving all of the wind they need to turn. They are wired to pow! er plants, like batteries, to store the energy they generate. These huge power plants are then ready to send electricity wherever the need is.

Contrary to what some would believe, faster turning wind mills does not mean more electricity generated. What is needed to produce the greatest amount of electricity is torque, so the turbines are adjusted for resistance to the wind.

Generating electricity from renewable sources will put this planet back to its healthy state faster than could ever have been imagined just a couple of decades ago. This is very exciting indeed. Along with solar power, there seems to be no end to what can be done to decrease our "carbon footprint", using the earth's own clean natural resources. Why didn't we think of this before? Check out http://www.shopelectricityratestexas.com/ for more.

Almost FREE Groupon Deals - how good can it get?

2011-04-06T13:01:00.001-07:00

It pays to stay local! Sign up with your email at Groupon.com and receive up to 90% off on Local Daily Deals!

Earth Balance Best Deal

2011-03-26T17:35:00.000-07:00

This month, I made the best deal out of Earth Balance Organic Soymilk (unsweetened).

With the manufacturer coupon (expires 31 May 2011) from Mambo Sprouts Coupon Book ($1.00 off) + the Whole Foods Market coupon (expires 31 May 2011) - Whole Deal Coupon ($1.00 off), I get $2.00 off the retail price ($3.49) of Earth Balance Organic Soymilk. And the soymilk is so good!

Professional Mold Removal - reduce allergies found at home

2011-03-04T17:26:00.000-08:00

I have been sick for the longest time (as far as I remember) since a month ago. The sore throat, runny nose, congestion, coughing never ended; and at this time, I am still coughing. Initially, we thought it was the common cold (it's winter season) but when the congestion and coughing did not go away for so long, my husband suspected it was the mold in the house. I must be allergic to the mold. A moldy house really makes one sick!

I told my husband to inform the landlord about the mold especially mold on the windows. I am quite sure if we were the owners of the home, we would engage professional cleaners similar to The Steam Team (in Austin) which offers services such as elimination of mold from water damage austin and mildew odor removal austin.

Another "culprit" might be due to allergic reaction to the dust on the carpet. I wish I had hardwood flooring. But it is not my home and I can't do changes to it. So we better have best home carpet cleaners in Austin to thoroughly clean and sterilize the carpet regularly. Of course, hardwood floor needs cleaning and maintenance too. You just need to know how to care for such flooring, for example, know the hardwood floor cleaning products austin suitable for hardwood floors.

Medical scrubs, apparel and accessories from Blue Sky Scrubs

2010-12-21T17:12:00.000-08:00

I blame myself for not reading enough when I was younger. Goodness gracious! I did not even know this word - "scrub". Well, I usually use this word as a verb e.g. I scrubbed my back. But now I know. Scrub also refers to a kind of occupation - a group of professionals which is part of a team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients. Further, scrubs can also refer to the apparel worn by nurses, surgeons, and other operating room personnel. Knowing this word now, I can finally appreciate what is "Designer Nursing Scrubs", and know what Blue Sky Scrubs is all about.

Whoever said uniforms are boring are in for a surprise. The nursing uniforms and medical scrubs and uniforms offered by Blue Sky Scrubs are so stylish. They are also made of high quality fabric. Sometimes, the correct custom-fit nurse scrub top and pants make one proud of her own occupation. It is true. If you wear with confidence. You feel confident. Blue Sky Scrubs did not forget the men. They have an apparel line for men, so the men gets it too! I am attractive by the scrub caps and hats which are uniquely designed. I can even use this word "pretty"! Blue Sky Scrubs offers distinct collections of scrub hats: the executive collection, the urban collection and the sports collection. How cool is that?

Professional House Cleaning Service

2010-11-27T16:04:00.000-08:00

Late last year while house-hunting, my Agent and I came across a few houses that are exceptionally disgusting. I remembered a house we viewed which was still owner-occupied. We were greeted by a lady and a friendly dog. Of course, when it is not an empty house - it makes house-viewing more restrictive. However, that was not the point. The house was not even neat or tidy to start with. My Agent told me that is not usual. If the Seller is serious in selling, they should at least do a basic/minimal cleaning of the house. The carpet was stained and moldy, the house smells (not sure if it was the pet but the odor was really strong).

Such owners should at least engage a similar carpet cleaning or pet odor removal, Austin professional cleaning service to minimal freshen up the house. At least the house should not smell bad! Would you buy a house that smells? I would not. Also, if you have leather sofa, make sure a leather cleaning specialist, Austin is engaged for help and service. You know how I used to have a moldy leather sofa when I was living in a country that is humid. If you do not want such headaches in the future, make sure you maintain the leather sofa by using a special leather maintenance kit regularly. To find a professional cleaning service, make sure you ask friends for referrals or look out for ratings like this Austin company which is rated the best professional carpet cleaning service.

Servers reliability and protection

2009-09-28T09:13:00.000-07:00

For disaster recovery and business continuity, reliable back-up and storage servers are critical in corporations. Double-Take for Windows is an affordable and easy-to-use product that provides real-time replication for your physical and virtual servers.

Over-protective is evil

2009-09-05T15:11:00.000-07:00

Last night, communication broke down with my D & M, once again. Repeatedly, they failed to realize I was not happy bound to my birth country. Weather could not convince them. Quality of living (I know that is too general) could not convince them either. They just want me to live THEIR life and not my own life. If that were the case, why was I born to this world and given my own lungs to breathe. I could jolly well be stuck to a external life support and breathing apparatus (them) and just wait till the day I die.

Life without heart is sad. Life without soul is equally the same. I am almost vivid clear that I will gain more happiness if my body and my heart (and souls) stays together. A fallen entity means failure, and I will not make the same mistake again.

D&M, sorry if I have broken your heart. It is your refusal to believe in me, your refusal to have trust in me, refusal to see that happiness can be mine by a simple act of being able to enjoy what I want to do, who I am with, and where I am, even when it means not able to stay close to you. If not being seen by you defines an act of losing filial piety, then mark me down with those hideous words. Deep in my heart, I know I am not. I can only choose a distant way of expressing filial piety, a way you consider NOT. I know you are not wrong but I can bravely stand on my grounds that I am not wrong too. As I have told D previously, if we cannot share a same vision and perspective, both of us will lose the battle altogether. You will not lose me by letting me go. Rather, you will win a part of my heart if you can understand that whatever I am doing now is to pave a better path for my own family. Happiness is not $. Quality of life is not $ either. It is all about an individual feeling comfortable in the state of mind and heart.

I watched Curious George this morning, taking one leaf from a book. The kite. It sounds cliché but it rings my heart. The purpose of a kite is to let it fly. If you refuse to release the line and wants to have total control, then a kite can never be a kite. It will not fly and merely be a decoration. If you want to tie it with a line and allow it to fly, then manage it with good control. The looser you hold the line, the better the kite flies in the environment. The extreme will be a total let-go (kite flies and be gone forever) which in this analogy is not the end-goal.

Not in the mood for Chinese New Year

2009-01-23T19:29:00.000-08:00

Seriously, I am not in the mood for Chinese New Year this year. I just hope this will be the last CNY I have to be in Singapore. Whoever reads this and knows me and my family, please don't give me away, just in case I don't get a chance to get out of Singapore and DUH!!!, it is going to be so darn embarrassing I said that. Anyway, I won't be celebrating much since I NEED to WORK. BLEH! Yes. Public sector. Work-life balance. BS. Just pure unlucky I am one of those three co-ordinating members in my organisation that are supposed to work with our HQ after the recent Resilience Budget. If you do not know, after the Budget comes the debate and preparation of answers to questions raised. Turnaround of each question - 24 hrs!

I really need to stay resilient! Almost going crazy.

Borrowing money is a bad thing ?

2008-10-10T01:27:00.001-07:00

BOA, Washington Mutual(WaMu - everybody says Wa-Moo), Wachovia - familiar names to us as we see those names whenever we go past Sunnyvale financial district in California.

Local and foreign media have put so much focus on the financial crisis and analysts have provided us with details of the causes and effects.

Why were Asian banks not hurt as badly as Western (US, and European banks) ? Many attributed to the way money was spent by the banks. If you go deeper, it is really in the culture and education we were nurtured in since young.

As an Asian brought up in a traditional family in Singapore, "borrowing" money is typically seen as a bad action. It means you are "poor". It means you are "not doing well". Mom used to say:

"Don't take on loans and incur the interest rates. It's not worth it".

"Pay off credit cards bills all at once. Don't delay payment and get fined for it. Don't pay by installments and get charged interests."

"If possible, pay the bills (that can include BIG items like house and automobile) upfront".

So, is taking loan really a BAD THING ? Yes & No. Of course, thanks to the conservative teachings of Dad and Mom - I consider myself (and is) a risk-averse person when it comes to financial planning/investment. Also to the point I could not really understand - when some of the people I know (not so close that I could call them "friends") chose to pay 0% interest installment when they purchase a washing machine and a refrigerator from Courts. But when thought more objectively, maybe I can understand why. To them, it is not a matter of being seen "poor" or "rich" when they go by installments. They are using this ever-popular evil (especially in this turmoil times) word called LEVERAGE.

Similar to the Western culture (I don't know about Europe) eg in the USA, BEING IN DEBT may not necessarily be a bad thing. And they don't call it DEBT, they call it LEVERAGE. That is how people like you and me use loans to build credit. Till today, I don't know the specific dynamics behind this but put in simply - if you were to purchase an automobile today (say eg. a new Toyota Corolla cost only about US$16K), some people will advise you to go on a car loan even if you could pay the whole lump sum upfront. Because when you take a loan, and are able to re-pay the loan, your credit rating goes up? Then in future, when you want to borrow money for something more critical or important, you could get a loan more easily? Something like that. I told you I am not an expert in this!

Too much of a good thing becomes evil ! The cause of this crisis is the result of OVER-LEVERAGE!! I think the"ang-mohs" need to learn about being thrifty from Asians and Asians need to open up their concept of "borrowing" at the same time!

Then, all of us will be smarter in future.

New York Times, then now Malay Mail. Yippee!

2008-10-09T04:20:00.000-07:00

I chose this site to "announce" it first, since this site has LOWER (secret) traffic following, compared to my main blog at Teczcape - An Escape to Food. Freakonomics.

In fact, I just had a cooking post up in Teczcape - An Escape to Food and did not want to create another new post so soon.

OK. A-hem....my interview with Malay Mail is up! ^o^ I am The Food Escapist as featured in Malay Mail, 9 October 2008.

This "light" must have followed me, after my snippet feature in New York Times (online 30 Sept 2008, print 1 Oct 2008).

Hooray! At least something to brighten me up before I start the dreary work week from next week onwards.

Contrasting views all a matter of perspectives

2008-10-08T23:38:00.000-07:00

My Dad is going to jump at this - "S'pore top choice for expat parents" published in My Paper, 9 October 2008. It re-emphasized his point that Singapore......"is very good what ...a lot of foreigners want to come here..."

Yes & No. If your automobile and gas are paid for, your living (meals and transport) expenses are paid for, housing paid for, your children's education are (partially?)paid for, your medical bills paid for, who would NOT say - S'pore is TOP choice ?

TODAY, also 9 October 2008, had another report on "Here today, gone tomorrow" of expat children. I have no question about a good early education they are able to receive in S'pore. Most importantly, they can make use of this opportunity here to gain perspectives on the Asian culture, learn another language - all these eventually help them to gain access to MORE (note: I did not say "better") opportunities.

Get the missing link of these two tabloids? So, expat parents and children are just here to tap and make use of the good system and opportunity, but will eventually leave one day...back to their home country or somewhere better.

So, Dad (I wish) should know going out from Singapore does not mean not returning. Singapore is but so limited in the kind of industries it is trying to nurture. Other than IT, biotech (maybe) and oil & gas, I wonder where will all the engineering(civil, mechanical) grads go to - take some MBA and go into investment banking, probably ? And unfortunately, Singapore does not have many relevant opportunities for hubby. If other countries "need" his skills/knowledge, just like how Singapore "need" them, then we are just following the footsteps of those foreigners whom you cited as your example, right?

More convincing to be done to open up their perspectives.

And of course, still thankful we are alive today, to keep dreams burning.

Different views of employment

2008-10-03T01:32:00.000-07:00

Most of us who are employed or looking to being employed or even choosing "not to be employed"- we all have our reasons for doing so. The hierarchy of needs directs to a environment where the basic bread and butter needs to be satisfied first. Someone needs to bring in the bacon, right? With that, you come to decide other factors - eg. how big the bacon should be, how many people can that bacon feed, the taste of the bacon, the quality of the bacon, the fat content of the bacon, and maybe even the color of the bacon...blah blah blah...blah blah blah.....

I've come to terms with all these for a long time. Almost boils down to what our government says about having kids being personal choices. If you already have the basic bacon, employment then becomes more of a personal choice, at least to me. What deep social problems overall unemployment will bring....eg. it slackens the economy etc etc...another blah blah blah...blah blah blah session next time - to be put up by some great magnificent policy maker or statistician out there. Not me.

But I don't think the local government will ever encourage people, esp mother/father (depending who brings back the bacon) to NOT work. They even want old people to stay active and work till they are 55, 60 or even 65. For what? I ask. You see old people clearing plates/dishes and cleaning up in food courts and hawker centers. Well, they must "earn" their keeps because if they fall sick, nobody will look after them....they have no savings....CPF is not enough. OK. I know. They are always old people who are enjoying life. Sometimes, you just have to walk around different zonal estates in Singapore to know what is happening.

Such the mentality of different individuals. No one thinks the same. There are certainly people who LOVEeees working and gets HIGH the higher they climb up the career/status ladder. Well, this just does not excite me. I am the kind of worker who likes to go home on the dot (god, where to find such a job that does not scrutinize this?) if I am done with the work for the day. I make sure I am efficient and effective during office hours. I would rather go to office early than return home late. I am not really ambitious in my career (so I don't talk about how much value I can add to the organization etc), as long as I am able to do something I enjoy, learn what I want to learn, and finally reality bestowed...bring back some bacon bits.

In most corporations I have worked before - it seems that "coming in late" and "going back late" is the much preferred practice. Why ? Because when you go back late, your boss sees that. And when you come in early, your boss does not see that (in fact, nobody sees that). Yes, that is the difference. Unless, you are lucky enough to have a boss who chooses to come in early, and leaves promptly as you. Then, he/she will perceive you as a good worker/employee? Nah, I don't go to such extent of making other people happy and making myself unhappy. I stressed - I sought after QUALITY time at the work place and not QUANTITY. Bosses, if you see your workers staying late everyday, it may be because they are inefficient and ineffective...not because they are enjoying their work, and being diligent, okay? Bosses are smart, right? HA!

I digress too much.

The subject title was to talk about employment, in general. And this was what I heard and gathered from my peers in different instances. Their comments and thoughts -

"...in Singapore, being unemployed is a crime..." :O OMG!

"....I need $2mil cash to retire NOW..." meanwhile, this friend earns a reasonable (to me) basic and told me 10k (this is already heaven to me!) would be nice. OMG! But I see that he has more "free" time than others. At least, he goes for his Jap lessons during weekends and dive/windsurf quite regularly. I asked "is $Xk too low?" . I told him he has what other people found more difficult to achieve, that is, work-life balance.

C: Any lobang ? Are you working or Tai Tai?
Me: what tai tai? was nvr one. :P ...in SGP, even more difficult to be one.
C: Anyway what are u up to nowadays? to me not working is Tai Tai loh
Me: wah.....no wonder I need to look for job lah! If not, will be "branded" such term by pple like you leh! Told u many times already, Tai Tai in SG = not working yet living the high luxurious life leh!

Question: Give specific and detailed accounts where you have exhibited integrity.................and courage at work and also in your personal life.
Answer (it happened to be me): The most "courageous" decision I have made in my personal life that relates to work as well, was when I decided to resign from my job back in 2006, and follow my spouse to USA due to his work relocation. For me, it was a chance to adjust and adapt; to learn and appreciate other cultures and environment. I call it life experience and not work experience. Life experience in turn enhances work experiences in the future.

So it is true. If someone ever asked me for my opinion about going out of Singapore and to somewhere more conducive, I would say "Go". And I would not perceive unemployment as something bad. Hey, can't we be doing other constructive things even if we are not working ? During my "unemployment" times, I don't just sleep, eat, then eat, sleep okay? In fact, I was able to do MORE things that overall enriched myself. I definitely find it more satisfying and happier. Life was much better then.

Being gracious

2008-09-25T21:11:00.001-07:00

I did not experience/observe this personally but hooby did. He saw a mother pushing a pram(with kid, of course) into the MRT train one day during morning peak hours. With the pram, this mother was occupying about four "standing spaces" in the train and guess what!....she got many "dirty looks" from other passengers! OMG! Those passengers were frowning! They must be thinking..."why is she here?...now I don't even have a space to stand!" .

So much for being gracious. DUH!

Making personal choices, just let us be

2008-09-18T05:05:00.000-07:00

There is something that sparked off this post. These days, even a single sentence in a full long article can have me make inferences to how I feel. It is about what Ms Teo Ser Lee (TODAY Newspaper, 16 Sept 2008) said "Men want to have a successful, good-looking woman who will still be submissive..." -AND- "...if I meet someone tomorrow and he asks me to give up my career, I would...".

~~"Men~~ Parents want to have a successful~~, good-looking woman~~ children who will still be submissive..." . In my case, maybe? ...Healthy and Happy yet Submissive?? Hmmmm.....

I do think most parents would want their children to be healthy and happy (over rides being successful). If you can be healthy and happy AND successful, it is a triple bonus for parents of course. But I can hardly agree with being affirmative and aggressive at work yet be submissive to parents at home. If it happens, it will be one of the toughest "task" to accomplish, IMO. Too many roles to play and too many situations that conflict and contradict your own behavior. The child will ultimately turn crazy and suffer from schizophrenia. :O

Parents should not assume ~what they think is good~, ~will be best for their children~. Helpful advice based on long years of experience is useful (I am not discrediting that) but the children (of decision-making age, say above 25? I'm not sure, kids mature early these days) should be able to make their own decisions with the help of parents' guidance and advice. And with decisions made by their children(already adults!), parents should support their children and give them their blessings, whether the decisions made by the children turn out right or wrong in future. I am not sure if this sounds too ideal. Or am I dreaming ?

This brought me back to the scenario two years ago when I (we, including hubby) had to convince my parents for an opportunity to venture overseas for hubby's career. We were "disallowed"! The constant series of negative preaching came "Why?" "Can't you find another job in Singapore?" "Why must it be overseas?""What will happen to your own career when you follow him(my hubby)?" "Why?" We took great efforts to convince them it is a good opportunity. And really, I am not lying. And finally, we told them it will probably just be two years - this may be a partial lie, but even so, it was a "white lie". During the two years in California, we get the SAME question repeating every time we connect via the web - "when are you coming back?"....there is just this deadline of "2 years" in their mind though we tried very hard every time, conveying the message that there is no work contract (of 2 years) at all. Nearing that two-year deadline was more and more of reminders "it is nearly two years, when are you coming back?" Come on, can't you give us time to settle down? We were thinking of staying put for good...at least for a while (that does not mean not returning to SGP). We just did not have the guts to break your hearts.

To them, everything in Singapore was GOOD GOOD GOOD (thanks to the govt. and SGP media). Why did they not ask - "are we happy there?" They thought I was not really happy there. They assume I will be bored, thus not happy and keep asking us to return to SGP. They ASSUMED. And due to constant questioning of our return, my hubby realized I was under stress - yes, I was indeed pressurized to return to SGP. He did not want me to be unhappy due to the stress. To be frank, both of us were happy in California. I am not saying California is ALL GOOD and Singapore is ALL BAD. However, I think we prefer CA to SGP in some ways (more on that in future posts). These are all personal choices.

I feel sorry for my hub that he married me - someone with over-protective parents who cannot let go even if I am already married. I confided in my girlfriend. I told her I was unhappy. I told her I returned to SGP because of my parents (that is a fact!). I told her my parents controlled me too much to the extent of controlling my hubby. She said something which was true and reflected what I was feeling. She commented "poor thing...your hb...being tied to an invisible string". Oh I think both me and hubby are tied to invisible strings. It's like a dog leash. You let them go, but not totally. You make sure they are within your line-of-sight just to know they are ok. Hmmm....perhaps, "invisible leash" for us is a better analogy. Stop pulling us back! And don't treat us as kids anymore. How are we going to learn survival skills this way? We need to face the real world outside, you know.

In the eyes of parents, kids will be kids forever but PUH-lease, don't treat us like kids in all your actions. Being 听话(obedient?) does not mean I am being submissive and definitely does not equate to being filial. Put it clearly this way, when you are filial, it does not mean you have to be obedient always, and submissive always, to your parents, ya? Many times, I just wanted to avoid conflicts and clashes by being obedient. But I think my tolerance may just wear off some day.

If I had to make the same decision again - to be out of Singapore and to be at somewhere more conducive (it does not have to be California but at least we know CA is reasonably conducive), I will make the same choice. No regrets. And hear me, this choice is mine and nobody forces me (though my parents would have jumped to the conclusion that I was influenced!). That shows how well they understand me. "...if I meet someone tomorrow and he asks me to give up my career, I would...". I don't think I was ever asked to give up my career then and will not be asked to give up my career in future. However, if certain decision needs to be made, it will still be a personal choice, ultimately.

I miss California so so much...

2008-08-17T22:04:00.000-07:00

I did not sleep well on Saturday night. In fact, I have been feeling sad ever since I came back to Singapore.

I miss California so much! Sunnyvale and the surrounds....

I miss the freedom. It is hard to define. It is just a feeling deep inside my heart.

I miss the weather. The weather which I could just walk out in the outdoors without much thinking. As and when I like it.

I miss the peace. It is just so pleasing to the mind and heart to be peaceful everyday.

I need to get myself back there again.

Singapore transport system sucks!

2008-08-14T02:21:00.000-07:00

You will not feel it if you are staying right in the city, steps away from the MRT station. Unfortunate for you if you are staying in the East working in the far West such as Jurong or up extreme north in Woodlands. Well, just not all parts of Woodlands are well-connected - take an example...the building named "Semi-conductor" building in SBS transit website.

Typical transport route starts like this.

1. You take bus 12 in the morning in order to get to the MRT station @Kallang
2. From Kallang MRT, you take the MRT to City Hall and transit to Woodlands/Marsiling
3. From Woodlands/Marsiling MRT station, you have to take a taxi into the Industrial Park. Yes. No bus goes in there and the company bus cannot be taken by company suppliers, vendors, visitors.

In the evening, you take a taxi out from the Industrial Park to the MRT station, and take the MRT back to Kallang. But the torture is waiting for the bus at the bus stop at Kallang MRT station! Torture during evening peak hours!

Few days have passed and data is telling us, from Kallang MRT to Tanjong Rhu - it takes almost 45mins!!! Can you believe it?! 45 mins just to get home from the nearest MRT station. Adding the total commute time, it is almost 1hr 45min from work to home!

How inefficient can this be? The frequency of bus services needs to be improved during peak hours. I can fully understand the issue of bus delays due to traffic in the city causing a backlash in delays in the sub-urbs. This is only telling me there are flaws in the transport system.

I think SBS needs to be reminded that during peak hours, the frequency of the bus services needs to be carefully studied. And puh-lease......don't send single deck buses during peak hours. You are worsening the conditions since a single deck bus can only manage half the typical load of a double-decker bus.

You increase the fare price and we pay for it. Where is this money going to? Go and get more double-decker buses!

About Positive Thinking

2008-07-10T00:08:00.001-07:00

What is Positive Thinking ?

I was skype-ing my friend yesterday and had a non-heated debate about this. She says she is trying to THINK POSITIVE of late and discovering the benefits of it.

Me. I.

Am not overlooking this word. Neither Am I saying it is something bad. In fact, it is good to think positive. However, I choose to believe only people at an "OK" encompassing situation tend to say "THINK POSITIVE".

I asked. Put yourself in the shoes as if you become a roadsweeper one day, would you then still tell yourself to "THINK POSITIVE" ? Would you turn negative and unhappy?

"THINK POSITIVE" to me, should be independent of CHOICE, and SITUATION. If you tell me "the roadsweeper" is a bad scenario to illustrate positive thinking, then I think it is not even the tapping of positive thinking here, since we can choose NOT TO BE A ROADSWEEPER and NOT TO BE UNHAPPY.

THINKING POSITIVE is such a overused Corporation or rather Human Resource mantra. Of course, you can tell me to THINK POSITIVE. All the benefits...blah blah blah...

THINKING POSITIVE, to me, is fool-proof only when you can do so in whatever situations you are, either you choose them or not.

California High Speed Rail - still need for debate ?

2008-06-24T23:52:00.000-07:00

Personally, I think it's a superb idea with the rising prices in fuel - making air travel and driving more costly than before. If Taiwan can have a high speed rail, I don't see why California can't get it's own. If the bill does not go through, it just has to be a conspiracy among the US govt and the petroleum giants. Yes. It must be.

We have to know this. If high speed rail becomes such a convenience and relatively inexpensive way to travel, who wants to travel by air ? Air travel means delay, especially in the US and now, they even want to charge checked luggage? And remember the authority that disallow fluids with carry-on luggage ? If I can't bring it with me and have to check them in, then I have to pay????

I digress.

Now travel from San Jose to Los Angeles in less than 3 hrs!! WOW! I remember our 5 hr + road trip from Sunnyvale to LA and being caught in the LA city traffic was no fun.

Go for it, California High Speed Rail, it's time!

Inside the latest iPhone

2008-06-23T19:40:00.000-07:00

We have...

3G wireless chipset - Infineon.
GPS chipset - Broadcom unit Global Locate
2MP camera - Micron
Memory chips - Samsung, Hynix, and IM Flash Technologies (JV of Micron and Intel)
3G technologies - Qualcomm: who owns several patents related to a technology known as WCDMA used in the 3G chipsets. Sweden's Ericsson and Finland's Nokia

Chinese manufacturing partner for iPhone: Hon Hai Precision Industry.

Laptop cooling pad - as portable as a bamboo sushi roller

2008-05-13T00:32:00.000-07:00

I wanted to get a notebook cooling pad for a long time. I procrastinated for a while because I kept thinking of my "inactivity" on my notebook.

I may be wrong now since I use my notebook more often than the desktop PC , even when I'm at home. It is approximately 12hrs of daily usage of my notebook. Maybe it makes sense to get a cooling pad now. The Gigabyte Rolling Pad (picture, left) really caught my attention. It was featured in a Taiwanese show last night. With this rolling pad, it becomes more mobile for me to carry the pad in my laptop bag. You can roll up the cooling pad, just like a bamboo sushi-roller and stuff it in my carrying case. It is the design that fascinates me. No wonder this won the iF Product Design Award 2008.
Well, you can compare the flexibility factor with the Belkin Cooling Pad that appears so much bulkier.

How effective is heat transfer of a standard cooling pad and rolling cooling pad for the laptop/notebook, I am not sure. First, let me check the price of the rolling pad and if I could get my hands on it in Taiwan.

P.S My hub read this and asked me to use two chopsticks to create a cooling "gap" between the laptop base and the working table. :(

Nothing technological about JEANS - what shoes goes with skinny jeans

2008-05-12T20:30:00.000-07:00

It is about sense. I've always been a "jeans" person. Counting from university days, I think I have 20 or more jeans. 10 years past uni, I believe I have about 8-10 pairs of jeans to-date of which there are 2-3 pairs I really like. I am not a person who goes along with fashion even when jeans are concerned. I have always preferred straight-cut jeans to tapered jeans. However, ever since I got a few pairs of leggings (cropped and long), I thought of trying skinny jeans. Well, the fabric is different but to me, the "cut" is similar. I have no Kate Moss type figure that goes perfect with skinny jeans but I've been trying to think - what shoes goes with skinny jeans.

(1) Ballerina flats
(2) Non-chunky wedges that are almost like flats
(3) Heeled shoes - pump or sandal-like, provided they are not chunky
(4) Knee high boots that goes over your jeans
(5) Pointed toed shoes to make you look even taller. Rounder toed shoes if it could be pulled off

Because the skinny jeans are supposed to make you "look slim"knee down to ankle, you should not pair off with any chunky shoes or it will tend to make the bottom look bulky ALL OF A SUDDEN, and especially spoil the visual effect of slimness knee-down.

Color of shoes - I prefer neutral colors such as black, brown, beige and on the shimmer-side ~ either golden or silver. Take note if you wear a brightly-colored shoe, it will draw all attention to your shoes and create the effect that "you are short" (skinny jeans or not). Unless you have the height to pull that off, stick to plain boring colors like myself.

Since long leggings have a softer lighter feel (due to thinner fabric) compared to jeans, you could pull it off with (1)-(5) as long as it does not add too much bulk to ankle and below. Remember: proportion, proportion and proportion.

Make ethanol at home washing machine style

2008-05-08T23:47:00.000-07:00

Instructions:

1. Open the "washing" machine
2. Dump in sugar, yeast and water
3. Close the machine door
4. Click the "Make" Button
5. After full cycle, go collect 100% ethanol

Yes. That is basically the gist in Wired's Feature on Micro-Fueler. A stacked washing machine+dryer- sized machine you can place at home and easily make ethanol. Then, pump and go. The car, I mean. My hb was telling me one could make alcohol with this. OK. I don't deny that. It says Micro-Fueler but did not specify if it's for the vehicle or the beer-belly.

I'm not advocating you to dump food for fuel but it is just interesting to see how easy the concept is.

Portfolio management vs Program management

2008-05-07T20:20:00.001-07:00

I woke up this morning, suddenly thinking of project management. Don't ask me why. Must be one of those weird days. I could not remember the differences between program and portfolio management all of a sudden. Started referring to some "old" notes.

What will make me remember in future ? In a gist (I'm leaving out most details and capturing the essence) :

Program management - a pool of INTERDEPENDENT projects, working towards a greater company objective or goal.

Portfolio management - a pool of projects, some of which may be INDEPENDENT to one another, towards a strategic objective of the company.

More specifically, if Company A has a business strategy - to develop Green Energy in the Road Map.

Then PROGRAM BIOFUEL can be broken down into smaller interdependent projects -
Project A - growing fuel-ready corn for ethanol production
Project B - using used vegetable oil for diesel
Project C - researching into cellulose - algae to breakdown biomass for energy production

Then I could also have PROJECT SOLAR that is independent from BIOFUEL (sort of) but together, all these projects forms a portfolio and works towards a common strategy of GREEN ENERGY.

Am I right or wrong ?

ShopWiki - a shopper friendly site

2008-05-07T08:11:00.000-07:00

I enjoy online shopping sites even if it is not for shopping and just for browsing or researching. That is because most online shopping sites have the basics of allowing me to compare different online store prices. Sometimes, I could even use the online reference price and check out if the on-site store itself carries a same product which is cheaper or more expensive. What I like about ShopWiki.com is that it does not just focus on online stores that have paid for advertising placement in the internet. Instead, ShopWiki finds every store on the internet for you and me (the consumers) and this means...I can do a thorough and more objective comparison, translating to better deals and savings. To the consumer, this is all good news.

I was researching about video game consoles under Gaming and interestingly found good reviews and opinions being offered around each product. I could also link to established and reputable brands for popular gaming consoles. With a specific video game console like the Xbox+360, I could easily find supporting and compatible gaming accessories - out came a list that allows sorting by prices and linking to stores that carry each specific accessory product. ShopWiki is such a shopper-friendly site.

Asus Eee PC - bigger mouse pad, larger screen size

2008-04-16T18:58:00.000-07:00

Bigger mouse and bigger screen anyone? That's the ASUS Eee PC 900 for you.

With the popularity in Asus Eee PC, will this revive the UMPC line of Dell ?But I find it funny. The beauty of Asus Eee PC is the size. But there are consumers who want bigger screen sizes. Why not just stick to smaller notebooks or laptops. Those who want 17-, 18- and 19-inch screens can jolly well stick to notebooks. Those who seek lighter and smaller notebooks can try the 7- inch Asus Eee PC.

Taiwan High Speed Rail

2008-04-16T01:49:00.001-07:00

Have I talked about the Taiwan High Speed Rail before ? I forgot. But anyhow, the high speed rail is one of the things I am most impressed with here. Nothing much impresses me here, really. Maybe I need a long time to explore, discover and appreciate.

The Taichung station

Arriving train

There are cars for reserved (assigned) sitting and the last few cars (I think from car 9-12) are free sitting. Free sitting tickets are usually 20% cheaper.

An information map and guide of the train

Quite comfortable if you ride long distance, since it is not as bumpy as a 2-hr taxi ride from Taichung to Taipei.

So if you are working on a laptop, the high speed rail is definitely a much better option.

Safety at the MRT tracks

2008-04-08T00:03:00.001-07:00

With several cases of suicides and accidents on the MRT tracks in Singapore, maybe it's time to build an automated gate or door along the train tracks, similar to those in the underground MRT stations. This will definitely prevent accidents during rush hour traffic when people are rushing for trains. Who knows, you might get pushed around by running masses and fall off to the tracks? :O

The Taipei Metro does it this way in crowded stations -

Food elevator

2008-03-26T18:04:00.001-07:00

This (picture) should jolly well work in Luk Yu Teahouse, Hong Kong. You can argue about holding on to dim-sum traditions but the heavy loads of dim sum over the waiters'/waitresses' shoulders, need to be lightened, especially when they have to climb steep stairs to serve the customers. If you have not seen them, read about them here.

A FOOD ELEVATOR...to the rescue.

I know that is no new invention but it just surprises me when an old store -老店 can embrace that.

Using a food elevator when your eatery establishment has two or more storeys will certainly make operations more efficient.

How it works?
1. You order your food after you are seated (assuming you are not seated on the ground floor)
2. They will take down your orders on a chit and you are given a number
3. They "drop" your orders (somehow, but I don't know how) to the kitchen which will then prepare your food
4. When ready, the dishes will be place on trays and up the elevator they go
5. Your order number is called
6. You collect your food at the food elevator/station

Photo was taken at A-Gei -阿給老店 in Tamsui, Taiwan.

Tag: taiwan eating, tamsui, street food

Travel without luggage

2008-03-25T20:13:00.000-07:00

While I was reading about Luggage Free and Luggage Forward in NY Times today, I thought of a similar convenient service here in Taiwan - 黑貓宅急便. It all seems new but who would have thought Japan has this convenient service - Takuhaibin- that included the transportation of luggage long time ago. The point of having convenient service, domestic or international, is to have ...yes, CONVENIENCE. Taiwan's T-Cat (黑貓宅急便) has made it so by partnering with 7-Eleven. Well, you could arrange pick up at 7-Eleven since 7-Eleven is touted as the most dense network in this country.

And if all these services are reliable, transportation of bulky luggages while you travel will indeed cut down on air traffic and delays. You just have to put your luggage through a different transportation route when you travel on a plane in future. With so much air traffic restrictions, this might be a good idea. Plus, you don't have to claim your baggage at the destination airport if the luggage transportation service offers door-to-door delivery (means from your home, straight to the hotel you staying, just an example). Now, you can even think about almost any items when you travel. Golf vacation - your golf clubs and sets. Cycling - your bicycles!

Innovative ways to reduce solar panel production cost

2008-03-17T19:20:00.000-07:00

I was browsing Technology Review and found this short article on reducing cost of solar panels. One reason for solar panels not being accepted as mainstream is because of COST. The use of silicon in manufacturing of solar panels has made it expensive to produce and costly to buy. These are a few innovative ways to reduce cost.

1. Using clear molded plastic (cheaper raw material) as a collector. To gather the light and funnel it to silicon strips. Since silicon strips only account for half the panel's real estate, less Si material is used

2. Using manufacturing equipment already developed for the semiconductor industry, instead of expensive customized equipment

3. Effectively locate the wires for collecting current and optimizing wires to collect electricity more efficiently

4. Mass production

Partial source: Technology Review

Bamboo - the next new performance material

2008-03-05T18:21:00.001-08:00

Well, they say "longevity" is the new "sustainability" in the future go-green concept. Well, if you hear corn being pursued for future fuel, using natural materials rather than man-made for fabrics....hmmm...I start asking if all these are "protecting the environment" ? Let's take an example of Asus Eco Book which is supposed to be made of laminated bamboo strips. The laptop will be practically toxin-free since a natural wood is used. But can you imagine how much bamboo has to be harvested if bamboo is indeed proven to work to replace plastics and metals? Now they need to ensure heat insulation and other reliability issues work right through in bamboo laptops and/or other electronic gadgets. Is bamboo casing just for aesthetics or performance ?

Bamboo is even touted as the next "metal frame" for bicycles?

Technologies highlight for 2008

2008-02-25T20:57:00.000-08:00

Ultra mobile PC will be something to watch out for in 2008, at least that is what BBC sources predicted. Yay! That's good news for me - meaning, UMPC will get cheaper (will it?). There are in fact five technologies that may push forward during 2008. Google's Gear or Microsoft's Silvelight - all about web-to-go. How many times are we dampened when we are on the go, without the ability to surf the web. Though wi-fi is prevalent, it's not all and everywhere free at the moment. Well, 3G might be something to look out for too, if you ask me. But back to web-to-go, it's more about allowing work to be done on web applications and functionality offline - technologies able to take rich web content and make it available offline. Of course, 2008 may also see high speed broadband over long distances (WiMax) take off. With mobility, sees VOIP in the mobile arena too. Using your smart phones and UMPC for VOIP. IPTV - just maybe. It seems that the telephone and the television will breakthrough into the internet arena but which first, we shall see.

Partial sources: BBC

Ultra mobile PC - UMPC

2008-02-11T21:56:00.000-08:00

I blogged about hubby wanting to get that HTC before. It was a HTC TyTNII he wanted. However, when we returned to Singapore last week, he got himself a HTC Touch. HTC TyTNII has more functions such as 3G+wi-fi and GPS that the Touch does not have, but hubby said he would not be need these functions at the moment anyway - and so he opted for the cheaper gadget that has functions such as wi-fi. The difference in price is almost SGD500! TyTNII about $1200 while the HTC Touch was about $500. I was tempted but I am still thinking if I should get a UMPC instead. Hmmm.....I don't think either the Touch or TyTNII would be blogger-friendly - well, I need to be quick and fast in incorporating photos in my blog + writing. Now, Asus Eee PC or KOHJINSHA UMPC? Asus Eee PC is about SGD$598 - almost half the price of KOHJINSHA or more than half the price of Fujitsu UMPC. The catch - the Asus Eee PC runs on Linux and not the typical Windows OS that I am used to. Thinking...thinking...thinking....

Anyway, the Asus Eee PC is out of stock from some stores based in Funan. According to store owners, Asus Eee PC usually runs out of stock two weeks after stock is replenished. Now, does this spell something good? :P

More thinking now...since I'm back in Taiwan again and won't be getting THE UMPC that I want. But I'm quite sure I want a UMPC rather than a PDA phone. A UMPC that fits into my handbag!

Eco-friendly or unfriendly

2008-01-29T19:34:00.000-08:00

Now, when bamboo can be made into bicycles and into notebooks (Asus Eco Book), it's really telling us that we are going back to the very natural and raw materials for many products, even eletronics. As ethanol is already causing food prices to increase, I begin to wonder what the impact will be - on natural and raw materials. While we say "Go-Green", are we really preserving the environment ? It seems a vicious cycle to me. They are even talking about algae and plankton for chip nanofabrication. Well, I just hope it's not the case of protecting the environment by destroying more nature. :O How ironical...

$100 laptop, $2500 car - what's next

2008-01-13T20:00:00.000-08:00

I hope the $2500 car by Tata will not be called or branded as the Tata car. Why ? Well, if you do not know, "Tata" sometimes means "Bye bye"as a way of waving informal goodbye. Hmmm...that's not an auspicious name to use for a newly launched product, in Mandarin/dialect terms.

(Courtesy: New York Times)

Why can this be made so cheap? Besides cutting down on engineering and labor costs, this car is kept to the basics - no radio, no power steering, a dated rear suspension design, and many more of without "this" and no "thats". With such a minimal designed and minimally constructed car, I started to ponder if this looks like a scooter with just a body and shell. Then it would not sound cheap anymore. Plus, will it be reliable and safe ?

$100 laptop, $2500 car - what's next? A $5000 luxury bungalow? :P

A trim supply chain gives best value prescribed eyeglasses

2008-01-13T19:46:00.000-08:00

I have serious myopia and astimatism with eyeglasses prescribed at about 800-900 Rx. My eyeglasses prescribed at the optician usually burns a $500 (or more) hole in my wallet. How glad I was in the Great Discovery: $ 8 Zenni Optical Rx Eyeglassess.

Even a complete progressive eyeglasses is just starting from $37. That is how a trim business supply chain will benefit the customer. When Zenni sells their own manufactured frames direct to the customer - no middlemen and virtually no advertising budget, there is no extra indirect cost involved and most importantly, nothing extra is imposed on the consumer. End of the day, consumers just pay less!

Intel and AMD - the rivalry continues...or not?

2008-01-07T18:25:00.001-08:00

While AMD has been in the quiet at CES2008 for new product roll-out, you can hear more of this company in corporate news - mostly in either 2007 round-up news or 2008 look-ahead news. Bad deal on ATI. In the reds. No use crying over spill milk. AMD needs a revival in its business to stay ahead. The rumor -looking at going private or a take-over. But the M&A fever is not over and will not be over in 2008. This may mean the latter is likely.

Though Intel has launched a notebook microprocessor based on 45nm technology, this company is not totally away from danger. There are talks about take-over of Nvidia but in the AMD so-called mistake or lesson learnt, the take-over may not happen after all. How about doing it with Apple?I see some synergy. Let's see what happens.

Gambling or gaming - whatever you call it

2008-01-07T17:14:00.000-08:00

I used to hear some seniors and elders say that playing stocks and shares help them keep alert and sharp since they tend to put their "thinking" skills to work and does not allow brain cells to deteriorate so fast. I even heard some of the elders playing mahjong and poker to keep alert. Well, I only play a mild poker game during Chinese New Year. That's the only time the family gather round the table for a small game of poker and card games. Money is involved (though a small bet of just a dollar). Is that gambling or gaming? Instead of excessive gambling, the mathematics and tactics involved in playing online poker are not that useless after all. There is currently a range of online activities and facilities that even includes an interactive games section. With these online facilities and one manageable integrated account, it provides customers with a secure online environment for their online betting needs.

Technology - how far can it go ?

2007-12-30T22:01:00.000-08:00

From a country that excels in semiconductor manufacturing and LED implementation, here you have such old ways of garbage disposal..or should I say, funny ?? A way of community building or the state of a poor third world country?

At the sound of music, residents will get "prepared" and run out to the disposal truck to throw bags of garbage.

Here you go. This is Taichung (central Taiwan) city, Taiwan.

Cost Leadership vs Value Differentiation

2007-12-19T18:42:00.000-08:00

As Gartner recently forecast, when 32-nm designs start in 2009 and move into production in 2010, the semiconductor situation will worsen. The costs of developing a 32-nm device from scratch could hit $75 million, pushing the drive to consolidation and collaboration.

Semiconductor companies need to be clear in their strategies - to have scale (cost leadership) or to add value (value differentiation), in order to stay afloat. Like what PM (Project Management) preaches, it's hard to have both. Simple Maths apply: IF Profit = Revenue - Expenses THEN Cost Leadership will cut down your expenses and bring you profits ELSE alternatively, a value-added product will bring in more revenue and increase your profits.

And similarly to what PM "teaches", there needs to be action. Aiming is not enough. You have to shoot. Currently, a lot of strategies are sitting there, simply inert. Whether they are good or bad is impossible to determine, because they do not drive action.

I would really like to follow through the strategies that companies would adopt in these few years and observe their path to success. I wish I will have the discipline and time to do that.

Hotel Reservations around the world

2007-12-19T18:31:00.000-08:00

As Taiwan(as compared to US) is nearer to Hong Kong and Japan, maybe we could take this opportunity to visit some parts of Asia. Been ages since I visited Hong Kong and I have never been to japan. With Hotel Reservations, it helps us locate hotels at competitive rates not just in United States and Canada but also in other destinations including Hong Kong and Japan. I will definitely use Hotel Reservations in my travel planning soon.

Find directions without GPS

2007-12-10T21:42:00.001-08:00

You lost your way in the middle of New York city. You do not have a handy mobile GPS to help you. Bad luck! No internet connection in the proximity. More bad luck!!! Your cellphone to the rescue! Google's My Location collects information from the nearest cell-phone tower to estimate a person's location within a distance of about 1,000 meters. This resolution is just fine when you lose your directions while searching a restaurant or a store.

Well, if you do have an internet connection, Plazes (a Swiss location-tracking service) may also be able to help. This service is established based on a relatively small database of Wi-Fi hot spots around the world, manually geotagged by Plazes users. Using a Wi-Fi connection, you are able to establish your location based on a "history" of addresses or a business names, tagged and "stored" by previous users who have logged the Wi-Fi hot spots' location.

Which do you prefer? I like the former which uses just the cell phone since I'm a person who is not that mobile it seems. I do not carry a laptop for internet connection most of the times. Even my cellphone does not have internet connectivity.

Lapband promotion in California

2007-12-10T21:19:00.000-08:00

Just when we moved out of California, LAPBAND reaches California with a special promotion. As a cash-paying patient of lap-band los angeles, all lap-band fills are free for life. Ok. Weight-loss is not just about offers and promotions. However, if this is an effective weight loss procedure, why not? An offer that includes pre-operative consultation with the surgeon, a lap-band procedure performed at the state-of-the-art outpatient facility, and free lap-band fills for life. Check out the details in the lap-band los angeles page.

When nature and science meets the environment

2007-12-05T18:04:00.001-08:00

Kangaroo flatulence contains no methane ? Thanks to special bacteria in their stomachs.

And now the Australian scientists want to transfer that bacteria to cattle and sheep who emit large quantities of the harmful gas, in an effort to cut the emission of greenhouse gases blamed for global warming. But is the emission of greenhouse gases by cattle and sheep substantial to cause something as alarming as the emissions from motor vehicles, and smokestack pushing out CO2 ?

Oh, maybe in Australia, it's substantial where livestock flatulence contribute a surprisingly high percentage of total emissions. 14% of emissions from all sources in Australia is from enteric methane from cattle and sheep, claims a senior research scientist with the Queensland state government. And New Zealand, almost around 50% since it has got a much higher agricultural base.

Now, should we eat more roo meat, or beef? ;P

Funky technology in home design

2007-12-05T17:24:00.001-08:00

I actually thought this was an interesting concept.

Does the picture tell you anything?

This new and improved faucet light turns an ordinary faucet into a Blue or Red light source depending on water temperature. It incorporates two LEDs - a red, and a blue. When the water runs cool, the aerated stream glows blue and when the temperature rises above 32 °C, it switches to a red stream.

The internal pressure switch activates the light source when you turn on the tap. It adds color, fun, class, and added dimension to any bathroom.

Hmmm...do you think it makes a creative holiday gift ?

Better care information from Bettercaring

2007-12-05T16:58:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for answers regarding to care for yourself or your loved ones, then Bettercaring.com is a dedicated service website for your needs and resources.

With care information, useful resources such as residential care and finance issues are provided. Let's say you are deciding for your senior/elderly to stay in some residential homes while you are at work - you will be able to find out more about the various types of residential care homes available. From small family-style homes to homes with five star hotel standards, you base it on the needs of the person receiving care. Nursing homes also vary in size and facilities but all provide nursing care 24 hours a day for people who are bedridden, very weak or have a medical condition that needs full attention from a doctor or nurse. Similarly, choose it based on the needs of the care receiver.

In addition, the health matters section provides archived information on health issues such as dementia and strokes, so that you can follow through health issues with much details. There is even a care discussion that contains a forum and letters page for you to contribute your experiences and share it with other, or hear other true stories about topical caring issues from real people.

GPS-enabled camera

2007-11-29T21:24:00.000-08:00

Alright. I do not know the cons of owning a GPS-enabled camera at this moment. Privacy concerns, public exposures etc. - I'm not thinking too hard about it. What I do know now is...I will like this camera.

I will like it for the fact that I no longer need to remember where the pictures were taken. I'm sure those of you who travel a lot especially to the mountains, have a hard time remembering the names of the lakes you have visited. Well, this "geotagging" function in the camera will surely help me, and help us out. How nice...I do not need to download photos titled IMG100.gif or IMG 28.gif, then rename them to Yosemite Falls and Emerald Lake respectively. The GPS-enabled camera will automatically do all of that "labelling" for me. I want I want! But, how much? how good is it in fact? Let me sober up some time and think about it again.

Opticsplanet - you will not run out of gift ideas

2007-11-29T21:02:00.000-08:00

It's the holiday season. Running out of gift ideas already? Opticsplanet has some best sellers such as sunglasses and other lens/optics products - binoculars and telescopes, that might make a good gift for your friends who love the outdoors. The same website has a gift guide for choosing the perfect gift. I will be interested in getting a designer sunglass for myself while I know my hubby may like the durable and reliable streamlight flashlights for multi-purpose use especially when he has some of his DIY "projects" done in the garage. In addition, especially in a earthquake-prone country like California, he will surely have this flashlight kept under the bed, as part of emergency preparation action.

Buying a gift with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee will also put our minds at ease when we know this online retail has a generous return policy. IWith a purchase of $29.95 or more, FREE ground shipping on all orders is provided. How good is that ?

Technology enabled parking meters

2007-11-20T22:35:00.000-08:00

You are finding a parking somewhere - somewhere that still does traditional parking coupons? You will be off to a restaurant for dinner and don't know who much hours or value of coupon you should tear off. 1 hour, 2 hours? Well, some parking meters in the United States can be as conventional as parking coupons that are still used in parts of Singapore. I know the parking meters in San Francisco, Sunset area, still use conventional parking meters where you insert the value of coins equivalent to the total time you think you need the lot space for. Imagine you park few blocks away and need to go back to the parking meter to insert more coins to extend your parking or think of the frustration you have when you have already paid for 1 hr of parking but only use 10 minutes of it.

How nice if you get texted in your cellphone when the time in the parking meter is running out and you can "feed" the parking meter remotely via credit card. Being tested in Vancouver, such a service adds conveniece to you and will increase the city's revenue without costing much.

Now, when can we see that in San Francisco and Singapore ?

Air traffic in Thanksgiving

2007-11-20T18:22:00.000-08:00

Though I'm away from California, I still keep in touch with local news. I was frustrated to read about the heavy air traffic coming up this week in the next ten days (the holiday season). Not that I'm new to this. I know that Thanksgiving season is one of the highest peak periods for holiday travel. But we still cannot avoid that. We are flying back to California on Thanksgiving itself. Bleh!

It is reported that thick coastal fog has delayed 19 arriving flights at Los Angeles International Airport to-date, causing minor delays for passengers at the start of the busy Thanksgiving travel week. We really hope for good weather, especially that at San Francisco Airport.

The Mist - horrifying but real

2007-11-20T18:05:00.001-08:00

I was with my family at a resort. My family was having a drink session in the hang-out hut while I was strolling along the coastline at the beach. Suddenly, I hear the sound and splashes of water from afar. I looked beyond the horizon and saw a huge tidal wave approaching, fast. My heart sank at the instant. Tsunami! The next second, I was swept up high by the powerful wave and the only time I know for sure I'm going to lose my family...forever. I struggled so hard...so hard that I woke up! Yes, it was a nightmare, but one nightmare that will definitely leave me the deepest impression such that I recalled even to the vivid image of me being swept up by the tidal wave up so high. That nightmare left me moments of fear. Fear that I might lose my family anytime without even the chance to bid goodbye. Fear of death. Fear of disbelief that life is so short and sudden.

Goosebumps and goosepimples. That was my first reaction after watching the trailers of The Mist. Then it reminded me of the nightmare I had. Though I have not been trapped in a real-life threatening situation (I won't want to) to experience the dark side of human nature, I'm never a optimistic person to believe only the good side of human nature. In reality, humans have a selfish dark side in them which tends to show itself in moments of adversity. Rather than reinforcing the group strength and belief, people tend to disintegrate into fear and panic when they come face to face with life-threatening situations.

Suspense. Mystery. Terror. Thriller. It's everything, and this is what The Mist by Stephen King is about. This movie adds in an element of "disaster", neither man-made nor natural, and centers around the seek for survival whereby fear and panic are injected into man to create disbelief and reveal their true nature. The Mist itself is a mystery and is horrifying. The trailers have surely scared me off my butt but I still want to watch the movie when it comes to the theaters, and it will be soon.

Will Amazon's new ebook reader re-kindle your love ?

2007-11-20T17:51:00.000-08:00

Just a month ago, I wrote about the Sony ebook and today I read news about yet another ebook...by Amazon. It's Amazon own-brand wireless electronic book reader - Kindle. This ebook can store up to 200 books based on its onboard memory, has a low power digital ink screen and can last 30 hours between recharges. Kindle's content arrives wireless and owners of a Kindle do not have to pay to use this wireless network. Amazon pays the access costs and only charges for any content downloaded to the reader.

If you do not know, books in Amazon are known to be competitive, if not cheaper, than those books out in the market retail stores or other online stores. Will the launch of Kindle kill their own online book sales at Amazon, or will Kindle complement its current business model and make its online book value chain more complete than before? Amazon is not the first company to produce an e-book reader. Many other companies have tried similar devices but all have failed to win over large numbers of customers. What's different - it's the entire package Amazon is providing - Kindle, the ebook and the whole range of books and content available in Amazon, plus its wireless delivery. Hopefully, this will re-kindle the acceptance of ebook readers.

Well, the people outside North America may just have to wait a little longer till this technology reaches them since the current wireless network delivery is only limited to North America.

Freeze the pain - say goodbye to muscles aches and pain

2007-11-19T18:45:00.001-08:00

My hubby used to play rugby when he was much younger and now suffers from some of his old injuries such as knee joint pain and muscle back pain. The worst part about his injuries is that the pain (sometimes acute) can occur anytime when he is well into his normal daily routine. It can be so painful when the pain shoots down from his lower back down to his limbs/legs. In addition, his knees will sometimes start to hurt at the joints when he is on the treadmill for some light exercises. Whenever these pains and old injuries strike, it affects his mood at work since he can't be as agile as before. Even standing up, lifting himself from his seat/chair at the work desk can be the most strenuous physical task for that day. And when he is in pain in the evening, he does not get a good sleep for that night since turning and tossing on the bed means pain.

Oh, if only he could Freeze It! - freeze the pain. I came across that the Freeze It Gel could relieve sore muscles; muscle sprains and strains; back, shoulder, neck pain; and even arthritis, knee, hip joints pains by gently rubbing the Freeze It gel on the skin surrounding a sore muscle or joint. Since my hubby still heads to the gym for exercise when he has slightly sore muscles, I need to remind him to apply Freeze It directly to the sore muscles area and massage in to the affected area before exercise.

The Freeze It Gel can be used as many as 4 times per day. For arthritis pain, simply rub and massage the gel all around the affected joint or joints for pain relief. For sore muscle pain, massage the gel into the sore muscles and the gel provides a "cool-revitalizing" feeling and quickly delivers pain relief. This can be effective in helping people who have trouble sleeping due to persistent pain & discomfort.

Solar energy without panels

2007-11-19T17:39:00.001-08:00

I think Harold Hay should get credit for this invention. A solar system operated without any electricity or rather call it Passive Solar Technology. Hay's basic concept was to make use of a roof-pond or an area of water-bags to mainain consistent temperatures indoors during summer and winter. During summer, the roof pond is covered,heat is kept out and you feel cool indoors during the day. At night, the roof pond gets exposed and radiates heat out into the air, still keeping you cool. During winter, the roof pond absorbs heat during the day and the covered roof at night maintains the heat indoor using this "absorbed" heat".

This makes use of water's ability to absorb heat.

Performance gear - well designed and functional

2007-11-19T17:31:00.000-08:00

If you are into high quality and innovative designed gun leather and galco holster, then this tactical outdoor website is right for you. I'm more interested in the performance shirts and pants since I know that these can be the most comfortable and durable wear for field trips, hiking and trekking. You get much more details and quality in the stitching and design.

Great technologies should improve business environment

2007-11-16T17:31:00.000-08:00

While AMD's chief made a keynote address on improving the business environment through innovative technology, I begin to ask if innovative business models should be considered on improving the business environment.

Echoing what he said that great technologies achievements are not just about creating better technology, but they were about creating better businesses for our customers is a news out in less than a month apart that Abu Dhabi had bought 8.1 percent(amount in $ unknown) of AMD. Using similar companies and deals as benchmark, the deal would have cost Abu Dhabi about $700 million.

Well, since AMD has not done really superb in records after acquisition of ATI, seeking various ways to attract investors geographically to keep them afloat should be something on their priority list at this moment. They will somehow improve shareholders' confidence level and cultivate a culture that creates better business for their customers.

Business cards for bloggers

2007-11-16T17:08:00.000-08:00

Wow!!! A blogger business card - Oh, I would like to have them. How about Free blogger cards ? - I will be even happier! Network to attract new readers and interact with other bloggers using these new blogger business cards. These business cards will show them you are serious about blogging. The even-happier-to-hear-about offer currently is that 100 OOprint blogger cards will be for FREE (you pay for shipping fees) and privilege for Payperpost bloggers who are interested in posting an article about these blogger cards can order for FREE, entirely, including free shipping (Ooprint will provide a voucher for free shipping). If you are a blogger like me, I know you will be happy, won't you?

Sports technology

2007-11-16T16:41:00.001-08:00

Oh, this is for real? Remember this snippet I wrote about using the human finger as the "earphone"? The similar concept and technology is being applied in the MP3 player!!!

Working like a sports head band, just wear the so-called Bone Conduction Sports Band on your head and the band will act as two speaker-like emitters to transmit the music from your MP3 player via your skull to your inner ear. They call this bone conduction. I need to find out more about the details workings of this.

What I know for more? - You can have a functional sports head band that does more than keeping your sweat out. I do have doubts about how light this band can be. I hope it does not weigh the frequent jogger down.

LAP-BAND surgical in Texas area

2007-11-16T16:31:00.000-08:00

If you have heard of the LAP-BAND system and you are finding this surgeon in Texas, you will be pleased to know that a houston lap band can now be performed in Dr. Collier's surgical center. Dr. Richard Collier specializes in the LAP-BAND System procedure - a completely reversible weight-loss surgery available in the United States today.

Rail and transport around the world

2007-11-14T18:52:00.000-08:00

If Taiwan already has its high-speed rail, I do not see why there can't be one in California.

Coming in too late, still better late than never, there seems to be a scuttlebutt around that a bullet train is in the pipeline between Northern and Southern California. The go-ahead or not is still left for balloting, voting and sufficient funds (estimated cost is about $40bln!!). The recommended route would start in Anaheim(well, Disneyland!!!), through Los Angeles and into the Central Valley, then split at the northern edge of Madera County - one line would stop in Gilroy, San Jose, possibly Palo Alto/Redwood City, near San Francisco International Airport, and end in downtown San Francisco. The other route would continue through the Central Valley into Sacramento. If I had voting eligiblity, I would go for it. First, it could solve the congested air traffic problems. Then, this could facilitate the ever-promoting "green" campaign where you encourage people to take the bullet train and reduce their dependence on autos.

Just on the other side of the continent, it has been reported that a new station - St. Pancras International, will become the new London station of the Eurostar route. With this station, it is expected to cut the Paris-London travel time to as little as 2.5hrs.

This is train news around the world for today. Well, minus the strikes going on in France's transport currently, I'm happy to hear all of them.

Shop online this holiday season, avoid the crowds in stores

2007-11-14T00:44:00.000-08:00

The holiday season is drawing near. If you hate the shopping crowds in the stores, the next best way to shop for holiday gifts will be to shop online. This new easy-to-use site is updated daily with coupon codes and newest offers. I know I will save money when I go to my favorite stores. There are Target coupon savings to enjoy when I shop for gifts, and if I buy some shoes to pamper myself, the Zappos coupon codes will surely come in handy.

Communications with no barriers - is that a blessing?

2007-11-12T18:27:00.000-08:00

Talking about the future of communications - how about a "touch sensitive" sensor device that is able to take orders from the user individual and enable electronic payments or data transfer at the touch of a finger? This is just one example.

The excitement about future communications is more than just a cool new mobile phone. It will be about removing the barrier between people and devices/gadgets. The human body will quite gradually and literally become part of the human-electronic interface. This may sound pretty far-fetched but how about doing without the keyboard and attaching sensors to each finger such that any deliberate movement of your fingers will translate into action? For example, tapping a code-like motion with your fingers to instruct a device to access the Internet, take photos and take/send messages.

This will sound more unbelievable - using your human finger to simulate the receiver function of a phone. When you hear the phone ring next time, insert your finger into your ear and start speaking into a "module".

The visionary aspects of an entrepreneur

2007-11-11T22:01:00.000-08:00

Can Entrepreneurship be taught? Entrepreneurship is an experience, if you ask me. The basics of general business knowledge, general entrepreneurial principles, keeping alert to specific fields of opportunities can be passed down just like the basic management principles and strategic thinking in a typical MBA course. However, you can never claim yourself to be successful business manager with a MBA if you have not accumulated enough on-the job experience, just like you cannot be an entrepreneur if you have not been one.

Somethings that can't be taught is the act of being a visionary in an entrepreneur - the ability to understand and see niches in a market and recognize whether it will be successful. Not everyone can be a visionary. Sometimes, it takes guts and experience to believe in something that the majority is not able to see. So it takes this quality to make an entrepreneur.

Functional and modern design garage flooring

2007-11-11T17:22:00.000-08:00

Using garage floor tiles flexible to be used over uneven or cracked concrete floors is such a durable application of garage flooring and provides a cushioned surface that is more comfortable to work on than concrete, epoxy coatings, or rigid plastic tiles. These garage floor tiles are also fire and chemical resistant - a safer option if you are thinking of refurbishing your garage flooring. I do not have a garage to think of flooring at the moment but I would definitely consider garage floor tiles from Carguygarage. They are functional and the design is very updated and modern as well.

Slingbox and firewall problems in hotel room

2007-11-11T17:21:00.001-08:00

We bought our Slingbox AV, finally. We could not buy them online as we were on the move these few days and will not be able to physically receive any parcel or package. Most electronic stores such as Best Buy and Office Depot were selling at $129 vs Circuit City at $119.

This is our Slingbox revealed. Simply, can you see the 2 wires overhanging at our DirectTV receiver and LiteOn DVD ? Yes, this is how Slingbox controls the turning on and off when an infrared signal is sent via the router/modem.

It works perfect when we tested back in our apartment in California.

With the Slingbox, I can now watch my TVB dramas at DirectTV telecast even when I'm overseas. YAY! Control of my California DirectTV channels and even time my recorder to record TVB drama, all using the internet when I'm overseas. Just make sure the modem/router and the Slingbox is in the ON mode when you are overseas.

Rough assembly of my SlingBox.

I'm in a hotel now at Taichung, Taipei, looking forward to watch my shows....BUT....WHAT A BUMMER!!!! :( There seem to be some firewall in the hotel room wired internet. It seems to be blocking access to my Slingbox and can't get it to work.

Fast effective dental repair with Dentemp OS

2007-11-07T18:37:00.000-08:00

Dentemp OS - developed by a dentist and FDA Approved. This 60 minute solution over-the-counter dental cement is perfect for fillings and loose caps and would have prevented the pain and embarrassment of losing the fillings in your teeth while attending an important dinner function or while discussing with your business associates and clients. I know my mum used to have this pain when she lost the fillings in her teeth. She had important meetings for the whole week then and had to delay a visit to her dentist. For that whole week, she had trouble eating and chewing. How I wish Dentemp OS were there then for her, as her temporary dental repair. It will indeed provide fast, temporary relief of pain and discomfort for her. It's easy to use - just remove it from its plastic vial and with no mixing required, it's ready for usage applications in each vial. Within 60 minutes of setting, lost fillings can be replaced and loose crowns can be temporarily cemented. Within 30 minutes of setting, you can even eat on it. All products have been tested and fully comply with FDA Regulations for Oral Care. If you want to save yourself from the pain in a situation of urgency, Dentemp OS seems to be a feasible solution for you.

Vending all the way

2007-11-07T18:28:00.000-08:00

Vending for soda and water is something of the past.

Now, we can shop with instant gratification with SIMcard vending machine and even a cell phone vending machine.

The basic concept is the same. Just "Touch Screen", choose your product, pay with credit card and receive your product.

Ever been caught in a situation where you arrived in another country that is using a CDMA network while you are holding on to a GSM phone. Or having problems getting a SIMCard? With these vending machines, they will ease the inconvenience for you in terms of communication.

Also, the major sell point is in that users are able connect to a mobile phone network without the necessity of dealing with service provider personnel - imagine...switch on the spot from paying more than $1 a minute for international calls to making calls for pennies a minute - what an attractive bargain to purchase SIM cards or phones.

Shop meaningful at Alzheimer's Foundation of America

2007-11-07T17:50:00.000-08:00

When patients are suffering from illness or diseases, it's always good to help maintain a positive mental health in these sick patients. Imagine the pain they have to go through while on medication. Some patients turned negative in the process and this may worsen the medical condition. It's still wise to keep positive and be optimistic. For a illness/disease such as Alzheimer's, it is thus important to maintain high quality care for those who suffer from it. There are many ways to provide quality care. For example, spending time with your loved ones who are suffering from this disease so that these victims do not feel lonely and know someone is by their side; holding close family gatherings so that the victims feel a sense of togetherness and love; or even give the gift of love from the holiday gift in the Alzheimer's Foundation of America estore.

The estore of Alzheimer’s Foundation of America hopes to raise awareness and enhance knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and related illnesses by providing a list of meaningful products. For example, the Four-Part DVD Training Program for Family/Professional Caregivers is such a wonderful gift produced by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America - a step-by-step educational program with easy-to-follow content, designed to help family and professional caregivers provide effective hands-on care in the home setting. When your caregiver or any family member receive this, he or she will learn more about Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia, and the principles of personal care, about behavioral management and even safe home care. What is more meaningful - when you buy from the estore, the proceeds go further to support the programs and services of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and its member organizations.

This holiday season, we should not just think of ourselves. We should learn to share our love and care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and support the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. Only when we give, we will feel real happiness around the holiday cheer. It's time for caregiving.

Earthquake

2007-11-07T17:42:00.000-08:00

We were not at home when the earthquake happened in California last week on Tuesday (Oct. 30) evening. We were in another earthquake-prone country in Taiwan when the California earthquake happened. In 1989, a major earthquake also hit the Bay Area. That 6.9 Loma Prieta killed 62 in California and injured 3,756 people. It also caused damage to fabs and offices in the region. Hubs and myself were discussing about earthquake and he mentioned that the likelihood of surviving an earthquake in California is higher than in Taiwan. I do not disagree.

What will you do when an earthquake strikes? Hide under a table? Run for your life? Anyway, I have already practiced hiding under the table for a few times. Just make sure it's not a glass-top table.

Car purchase, car loans, and much more - all in one stop

2007-11-05T20:25:00.000-08:00

I remember having so much trouble when I first came to the US and searching to buy a car. We surfed many different websites, each for different needs. If we had know about CarsBlvd.com earlier, we would not have wasted so much time looking for car purchase information in such a disorganized manner. CarsBlvd.com helps consumers with car quotes, car loans, car loans refinancing, auto insurance and even auto warranty. Yes, all well-organized in one site. If you are thinking to get a Honda Car Quote, get to the website now - enter the Year/Make/Model/ Trim and with your ZIP code, you can find where is the nearest dealer near you, and from then, get a quote for your new Honda.

Price hike in the cheapest laptop

2007-11-05T20:15:00.000-08:00

The US$100 laptop or the XO laptop, as the machine is known, has been developed to be used primarily by children in the developing world. This durable and waterproof laptop can be powered by solar, foot-pump or pull-string powered chargers considering that developing countries may have a problem in energy sources. However, this US$100 should be called the US$200 laptop since the laptop's price has increased to almost about US$188 (the cost of building this machine) recently.

Taiwan Quanta Computer - one of the world's largest contract laptop maker which joined MIT professor-the man behing the OLPC(one laptop per child), said it is ready to mass-produce the $100 latop despite the hike in price to $200.

Isn't technology supposed to help improve our lives and not exploit?

Get a loan quote before a formal loan application

2007-11-05T19:59:00.000-08:00

I am in need of some cash advance. With all the different finance rates offered by money lenders, I am confused. I may end up paying much more than what I have borrowed. No Fax Payday Loans has set up a loan fee calculator to provide multiple quotes on payday loans so that consumers can get an accurate amount at the upfront of what's to be paid taking into consideration finance rate and loan period. Do make use of this handy calculator when you request for payday loan or cash advance.

Google and its competitors

2007-10-29T19:34:00.000-07:00

While attending classes last year, classmates were discussing the fact that Google does not have competitors. Well, is Google a monopoly? Or rather, should we ask, is Microsoft a monopoly? Microsoft used to be a monopoly in desktop applications but Google has turned out a fearful competitor of Microsoft. Now, when search engines are concerned, Google roots itself as the "king". We wonder what were under its sleeves when Google bought over Youtube sometime ago. At that time, Youtube used to be one leading site for free online videos. But now and today, we hear of Hulu - the new kid on the block. Hulu-a JV of General Electric's NBC Universal and Rupert Murdoch's News Corp.-adds shows from Sony Pictures Television and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios.

Hulu has not accumulated as much viewers traffic as Google Inc's top online video sharing service YouTube. It is not going to be a Youtube killer in terms of traffic, in the near future too. More so because it targets a different market and audience. Hulu will be the premier destination for full length shows and movies - a distinction from YouTube's offering of video clips.

A new informative site about mortgages

2007-10-28T23:17:00.000-07:00

This is one of those one-stop mortgage website that provides relevant information on the many varied types of mortgages in the market. Whether you are a first time homeowner or mortgage applicant, this site is user-friendly, advises and guides you along the world of mortgages. First-tme buyer mortgages, re-mortgages,buy-to-let mortgages, commercial mortgages, international mortgages and bad credit mortgages - you would not have known there are more household mortgage options available than there are. In the context of banks and mortgage lenders, these information will be handy for you and you will find yourself familiarized and comfortable with professional terms the next time you converse with a professional regarding mortgage. With a mortgage guide, you will also be updated on current interest rates, and be kept aware of competitive rates so that it makes a easier decision-making process for you when you think of a mortgage application in future.

Universal adhesive that sticks to any surface

2007-10-28T23:04:00.000-07:00

In future, you could even coat almost any object, even one made of Teflon, with microscopic patterns of metals and organic materials. I could not emphasize any more after this and this. After the common gecko which is experimented for its "bonding" ability on the wall, mussels might be the next big thing. The chemistry of protein strands that mussels use to attach themselves to nearly any type of material has helped researchers develop a new, versatile adhesive. The researchers in Northwestern University has found that under the correct condition, this protein compound forms an extremely thin polymer film on almost any type of surface applied to.

Just when there is the non-stick chewing gum that taps the hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties, this is another method for "functionalizing" materials - a universal adhesive that works on many different surfaces. A potential application might be of water filters that use tiny pellets coated with the adhesive. As water runs through a cylinder full of the pellets, the adhesive pulls harmful and "undesired" metals out of the water by binding to them. This could also be a way to print electronic circuits onto plastic flexible object.

Secured online loans

2007-10-28T22:04:00.000-07:00

Are you thinking of purchasing a brand new car, a new house or even re-model/renovate your current house into something newer and more updated? How about a simple debt consolidation loan to pay off all outstandings and high interest credit card bills? Even simpler matters such as taking that once-in-a-lifetime round-the-word holiday or to finance a grand family wedding or special anniversary celebration?

So many questions, finance burdens and worries but you just need one answer. The answer is Magic Loans. Magic Loans provide secured Home Loans UK, Consolidation Loans and Secured Loans. This newly set up loan resource provides you with the relevant information that you need for loan application.

Using technology success in Japan on Taiwan's high speed rail

2007-10-28T21:34:00.000-07:00

We were quite amazed by the quality and speed of the High Speed Rail (HSR) in Taiwan. Each HSR train rolls out twelve cars, reaching speeds of 300 kph / 186 mph. Though there is controversy that this Taiwan HSR is a white elephant (there is no need to build such an expensive construction since Taiwan north-to-south is not that far apart afterfall), this HSR has certainly shortened our travel time from Taichung to Hsinchu by more than 50%! It would have taken us about 1hr to drive.

Cars for the HSR are based on a design used by Japan’s Super Express HSR, modified to fit Taiwan’s topography and environment. Originally, a European rail technology was considered. However, Shinkansen, which operates Japan’s world-famous bullet train service, formed a Taiwan Shinkansen KK to get the work done. Cars are soundproofed and every train is equipped with handicapped accessible seats and washrooms. Every car displays real-time travel information such as time to next destination and current speed. This train requires not just one single front–end locomotive but twelve cars in the train provide power. This multi–engine system not only raises maximum speeds, but also allows for greater space in the typically "locomotive" cars.

How plumbers run a successful business

2007-10-25T18:35:00.000-07:00

We have known that plumbers are one of the better paying jobs in the UK. While in Asia, we always talk about lawyers and doctors earning high income vs the so called lowly paying jobs such as plumbers, this is so different in UK. Plumbers are in high demand in UK and Avand.co.uk was set-up as a plumbing training company - a company that has gone UK-wide with centres all over the UK. Now, many qualified plumbers are even comfortable to start and have their own business. Since then, Avand has expanded their business into sales training and has molded many more qualified plumbers with sales skills that are imperative to run a successful business.

Smart and super-strong materials

2007-10-25T18:14:00.001-07:00

The world of material science and technology is fascinating. While we talk about improving technologies of materials to better the efficiencies of alternative energies for adoption, there is also the arena of smart fabrics we talk about. Hi-tech "smart" fabrics that conduct electricity and probably lead to the development of clothes that shimmer, light up, or even generate moving image.

Developing or manufacturing a form of carbon fibre with properties - several times stronger, tougher and stiffer than fibres currently used to make protective armour, and potentially, an application in military usage such as bullet-proof vests. Another up and coming area is the area of biomimetics where simulation of nature's properties are found in materials. For example, the recent development of adhesive tape material that is found in gecko's adhesive feet; or the hydrophobic nature of lotus leaves that are finding its way into water-proof fabrics and materials.

Oak Bed collection - sleep tight, sleep comfy

2007-10-24T23:54:00.000-07:00

We have always insisted on wooden beds for our bedrooms. We thought wooden beds gave the room a better cozy look and feel. While looking at the Oak Beds collection, I was particularly attracted to this solid oak 'Meldord' - a generously proportioned bed with elegance. With that open window top, how inspiring it will be to wake up on this bed and get refreshed and challenged for the day. Time4sleep is launching a new oak bed collection in addition to their current leather beds range; and they are already doing very well in other wooden beds and even children beds.

Is it time to sleep now? Well, sleep tight in one of these most comfortable beds.

Energy and high-tech

2007-10-24T23:40:00.000-07:00

I've written earlier about energy crops and technologies used to develop them. Biomass (bioenergy), solar, wind...we need better efficiency in order to make them happen, and make them happen soon.

Materials technology is one area that has been looked into for development of alternative energy, or more accurately, efficient alternatives energy. For example, if silicon can be made a few microns thick for light-trapping techniques and if scalability becomes very promising, the price will possibility plunge. Even a semiconductor company such as Applied Materials has started out making thin-films for infrared coatings on windows.

Energy will become increasingly high-tech, generation and use. Capital should also be invested to power engineering, such as DC conversion and transmission technologies - related to effeciencies. There are also longer-term things like fusion or nuclear fuel recycling, carbon sequestration - especially after combustion in coal plants. Don't overlook these - there are just so much happening in technology of energies.

Adelaide and Brisbane - places to visit in Australia

2007-10-23T16:11:00.000-07:00

Australia is one place we like to visit, and revisit. We have been to Tasmania and Melbourne; while still waiting to accomplish Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide some day. I remember Adelaide rated as one of the most beautiful and livable cities in Australia. There are just so much to do in Adelaide - immerse in their culture and arts, visiting wineries, recharge along Murray River and many more. A few days are just not enough. Now, we need to go through this list of Adelaide Hotels and find somewhere that is reasonably-priced and convenient to most major attractions.

Oh yes, and also Brisbane - the sunshine state, surfer's paradise. We can make it worth in one trip by visiting Adelaide and Brisbane all in a same trip. The theme parks are famous, so we are going to do that in Brisbane. The pure white sand along Sunshine coast and Gold coast - we are going to stroll along these beaches.

Am I dreaming? It might be a dream to be in these places now but with the ease of booking Hotels in Adelaide and the convenience of making reservations for Brisbane Accommodation, we are sure this dream will turn to reality, real quick and real soon

Going virtual - a different game experience

2007-10-23T08:12:00.000-07:00

We just came back from Reno. Reno is not just a gambling city. Similar to Las Vegas, there are loads of entertainment shows and adventures in the surroundings as well. Of course, how can we miss out on sinful buffets. OK, if your sole purpose is just to strike it big in casinos, then you don't really have to travel that far and head towards a state like Nevada when you are in other parts of the country or even in the other continent.

Although the idea of online casino is not new to me, I did not know so many existed. How did I know? Just look at Pro360. There are thousands of online casinos around while Pro360 has filtered through the thousands online casinos and bring you the best of the hundreds. Online casinos offer a different game experience, and bonuses compared to on-site casinos. Well, at least when you are staying in a state or country that does not legalize gambling, you are not totally stripped of the fun. Or at least, there is no need to travel far to another so-called casino destination "on earth", since casino can be now virtual.

Start browsing for some fun!

LCOS - something of the past

2007-10-22T20:37:00.000-07:00

Everyone know what is a LCD or at least what LCD stands for. But how about LCOS ? Do you know what is LCOS? LCD means Liquid Crystal Displays while LCOS means Liquid Crystal on Silicon. LCOS was touted as the the chip that was going to kill DLP technology from Texas Instruments. LCOS uses reflective technology similar to DLP projectors anduses liquid crystals instead of individual mirrors (of DLP). LCOS technology can produce much higher resolution images using highly advanced silicon technology than liquid crystal display and plasma display technologies, but I guess design problems, and high cost manufacturing have spelled trouble for LCOS technology. Intel has withdrawn from LCOS, and recently Syntax-Brillian. Management has finally done the sums and and decided the revenue potential did not outweigh the risk and investments needed to be successful.

LCOS will be a thing of the past in future, or even soon.

Read real reviews of products you are interested in

2007-10-22T20:10:00.000-07:00

I ask "What is the average number of hair lost in a day?" Some said ~100 strands are normal while I heard that ~500 is not a surprising and shocking number. While I don't suffer from hair loss at this time, I'm worried I will in the future. Age and nutrition matters in hair maintenance. Well, prevention is better than cure. By the way, have you heard of Provillus? The hair loss product that helps seed the scalp to create the environment for new, healthy hair growth and restore new life to damaged hair. As there are so many hair loss products marketed on the net and in stores, it is always good to have a common source of information like TrustSource that you can go to, and which can help you make better choices. At TrustSource, I hear real people making real reviews and rating products. TrustSource includes a rating of the most popular hair loss products such as Provillus, with reviews from people and from the people who have used them. To see the reviews of any product, simply click on the "Read Reviews" linked to each product.

Knowing the importance of insurance

2007-10-19T09:54:00.000-07:00

I began to realize the importance of insurance while I was traveling and a train delay totally disrupted my travel schedule. I had to stay an additional night in Paris and being a tourist, a newbie to Paris, and have not allowed flexibility in my travel dates, I had trouble catching the next train back to London, and importantly "where am I going to stay". I dialed for help - a travel insurance agent number. Thank goodness I bought a travel insurance then. Professionally, the travel insurance agent reserved a decent hotel stay for the additional night I needed and I could make claims on these additional expenses that I incurred due to the delay. Yes, if travel insurance is important, then I would say insurance is definitely more important for bigger items in life such as car insurance and home insurance. I find websites that allows you to compare car insurance or compare home insurance based on different insurance criteria or adds-on, very useful for the consumers. Usually this comparison sites allow you to estimate the kind of premiums you need to fork out based on your specific requirements. It makes decisions easier at a later stage when you decided which insurance policy to take.

Using mobile phone on the plane

2007-10-19T09:53:00.001-07:00

Yes. This might be happening. You will not be asked to switch off your mobile phones when you are on the plane next time. Is that good news to you? It does not affect me that much since I am not on my mobile that often, even to text-message.

But for travelers who need to make urgent calls especially to cancel business meetings or to establish timely important contacts, this might be good news. A lower-power base station, that communicates with passengers' own handsets, will be installed on an airplane The base station will then route phone traffic to a satellite which is connected to mobile networks on the ground. Naturally, expect higher phone call rates in the air compared to the ground, and calls will be billed through passengers' mobile networks just like how billings are done on ground.

How do you choose or use your credit cards ?

2007-10-19T09:21:00.000-07:00

My basic criteria when choosing credit cards - it has to have the lowest (compared to other competitors) or even no annual fee; has a good reward points system for established merchants (so that I can get cash-back and discounts); and issued by an established bank (that has secured, anti-theft features system set up for the card). Well, if you ask me if you should own just one credit cards or many, I would say, it depends. If your credit card are one of those rewards credit cards that are frequent-flyer cards at the same time and allows mileage accrual on the same card while you spent; or credit cards tied to specific merchants that earns you points - equivalent or even up to triple - when you buy from the specific merchants and finally using those points to redeem the same merchants' products, more cards are indeed better than one. Of course, all these depends on your needs, for example if you are a heavy shopper rather than a frequent-flyer, or vice-versa. Till now, I do not have balance transfers issues when it comes to credit cards. But I know that if I need to, I must find the best that allows 0% balance transfers.

High performance relationships as powerful drivers for organizational performance

2007-10-17T13:46:00.000-07:00

While you read about the challenges of talent management in organizations these days, while I've also written about it here and here, I do still want to share some key insights on Southwest Airlines. It's turnover rate is one of the lowest among other US airlines though its pay and compensation package is not the most competitive.Behind the success factors of Southwest Airlines, these words "High performance relationships" kept popping out.

It's not just any relationships as relationships are not just “nice to have”. If invested consistently in the long term, this can be powerful drivers for organizational performance. And it is the ability to build and sustain relationship characterized by shared goals, shared knowledge, mutual respect that make Southwest Airlines such a successful corporation.

Advanced staffing tools allows easy and focused recruiting

2007-10-17T13:29:00.000-07:00

Trovix Recruit is a full-featured multi-functioned applicant tracking system (ATS) that is a perfect human resource and staffing tool that companies could use to effectively manage their recruiting process. ATS is easy to use, enables collaborative work flow, allows feedback and alerts, and even schedules interviews. That's just some of the many other features of this applicant tracking system. This system also allows easy identification of the best qualified candidates through resume capture, extraction, job matching and a comprehensive applicant tracking functionality; and is indeed a integrated platform with intelligent search technology built-in for usage by human resource professionals, staffing managers and recruiters.