Digg ~ 10 of the World's Most Fantastic Tombs

Throughout the history of human civilization, different cultures mourn and treat the dead differently. Some, like Tibetan Buddhists, have no use for burials as they dispose the dead by feeding corpses to vultures or by burning them in funeral pyres. Most cultures, however ...


I always find myself attracted by the dark side of life but death has little to do about it (yet?). However, when I'm looking at these magnificent tombs I still can't resist the deadly beautiful ideas behind them. They really are SOMETHING ain't it? I mean, did the aliens build it or what? :P

read more | digg story

Funny video ~ Fake at the free throw line

What the??? LOL... Just look at how those guys got faked and reacted in the end. :D :D :D

Memo ~ Good time comes after hard time

Over the course of the past few weeks, things were quite harsh on me. I was busy with my increasing workload in the new D, looking for a condo unit to buy, looking for a room to rent in (ya, it's different from finding a place to buy), and having all this balanced with my life.

But this time, though I was surrounded with all these setbacks altogether, I was still able to resolve all of them (to a certain extent of happy ending) in the end. Well, to me I would usually prefer to settle things one at a time and only one after another. Oh hell ya, I didn't go into detail about the sub-setbacks in those major setbacks yet. But sometimes life could go against your wish (not a perfect world?).

The last 2 days were quite inspirational and fruitful to me. In the 1st day morning, I did an enterprise solution demo in front of the most-ever number of prospects along with my fellow teammates. And the day before I was still stuck with another project task right until 3a.m. midnight. I wasn't able to complete that task but I think I DID IT RIGHT. Ofttimes when there are a few things for you to do, pick those which you're confident to finish first and get the best result; don't do all at the same and in the end never finished any of them and yet try to find an excuse for it. So the demo? I felt exhausted but was impressed by what I was able to accomplish as the result. It's the best among the 3 demos I've done so far.

Then in the 2nd day, it was the appraisal done by our boss. Well, all I can say is it turned out to be better than what I had expected. And also, I felt like having been helped by some (the following words failed to be translated) 'expensive persons' (wuahaha :D) to get things go smooth that way too.

So in the coming year, I can foresee things are coming tough and tougher again (and it's gonna be tough to most people in Asia). But I'll just continue to take them heads on until I otherwise give up. I told one of my colleagues the other day that as long as we have the people inside (colleagues and bosses) to help us (in most cases, that's the most we can hope for la), then we can rest assured that things are going to get done no matter how (someone told me before company won't fail because of you right?). We're feeling pressured now is also because we have put in expectations and responsibilities onto ourselves but simply not aware of it.

So, well done to myself for this year 2008. Hope to see you get it going and going and going... in year 2009! And best wish to the nation!

(If I believe I can do it, I CANnnn! Behh~~~)

Funny video ~ Baby talk

Baby Talking - Click here for more free videos

I think she's complaining to her parents why they had brought her to this boring world without her permission first! "And so now I have to sit in this stupid baby chair for another 3 years you're telling me?!?" :P

Funny video ~ You can watch this 100 times and still laugh

Wuahaha... (x100)

Funny video ~ Why female drivers rule

Every argument with women ends up like this, doesn't it? :o

Cool video ~ Christian the lion

Believe your eyes. Honestly, it was quite thrilling for me to watch this first time.

Funny video ~ The great escape explained

So this is how the Pixar people got inspired by the domestic pets. :o

Cool photo ~ Escalade

escalade by ~poivre on deviantART

Flickr ~ flyingkitty1_2

flyingkitty1_2, originally uploaded by twentypoundtabby.

I really enjoy the peace by looking at the cat's facial expression. :)

Can you feel it too?

Funny joke ~ Why Ah Beng isn't at work?

Ah Beng was walking along his work area one day and saw his friend Ah Mute.

Ah Mute can't speak so he needed to use sign language to communicate.

Ah Mute signaled why Ah Beng isn't at work.

Ah Beng then looked around and gathered some leaves under the tree and stood on them.

He looked at Ah Mute and pointed down at the leaves.

Ah Mute was confused.

Later Ah Sian passed by and saw Ah Beng standing on the leaves.

Ah Mute then signaled Ah Sian on what is Ah Beng trying to say...

Ah Sian then typed down in his handphone and showed it to Ah Mute.

Can you guess what's Ah Beng trying to say?

Try lah! very easy!

Really duno???

"Aiyo so simple, Ah Beng Is On Leave lor!"

Hahaha!!

Digg ~ Paradise Island

Also known as Tahiti.

That's really a fantastic view. And it looks like really exclusive too. Though it has a "shitty" name I'm really intrigued to stay on the island forever.

Take a look at the original hi-res here.

read more | digg story

Digg ~ The Bald eagle who likes to swim

Olivia the eagle has developed into a swimmer with real talon.

Carer Patty Perry found teaching the sick bird to flap about in her pool was a good way to get back her strength.

Olivia was discovered starving, half blind and unable to hunt last year. But she has made a dramatic recovery thanks to Patty.

Never say Never.

read more | digg story

Short story with beautiful message

Little girl and her father were crossing a bridge.

The father was kind of scared so he asked his little daughter, 'Sweetheart, please hold my hand so that you don't fall into the river.'

The little girl said, 'No, Dad. You hold my hand.'

'What's the difference?' Asked the puzzled father.

'There's a big difference,' replied the little girl.

'If I hold your hand and something happens to me, chances are that I may let your hand go. But if you hold my hand, I know for sure that no matter what happens, you will never let my hand go.'

In any relationship, the essence of trust is not in its bind, but in its bond.

So hold the hand of the person who loves you rather than expecting them to hold yours...

Funny video ~ Webcam girls go wild

Gee... I only realized it was just a prank when the 9th or 10th girl walked into the room. What a setup.

Funny video ~ Bathroom mystery explained

I would say I only do some of the stuff like what that man in the video did but NOT ALL OF THEM. But I've learned a few more to do indeed. :P

Sports video ~ "The Human Highlight Film"

This is why sometimes we wonder if we should add a new rule for 4-point play in the game of basketball... He's the best ever dunker I've seen yet.

Digg ~ Transformers: Parking Lot

Apa la ni???

read more | digg story

Cool video ~ See Wii in (brand new) actions!!!

During my last weekend I spent at hometown with Wii, I totally got addicted with it and never remembered to share my fun time here in my blog with the live photos. But never mind, I've tried to search from the Internet and found a new Wii promo video which is coupled with loads of brand new in-game experience (and I think this is definitely way better than what I would have done at first).

What's most interesting is, the video is shot on the Wii players' actions instead of the TV screens. And yeah, this is one of the main differences you can see in Wii compared to others - most of the time you'll be watching how your friends or family are playing, and imagining what types of games they're playing without looking at the TVs! Sure, you have to see it to believe it.

Now, fasten your seat belt and witness the revolution yourself.



And guess what? I'm gonna get Wii Music next!!!

Memo ~ Taking a brief stop to recharge

I've been not around in my blog for sometime now. Until this morning I had been busy with a customer demo for more than a week. Throughout the course I felt pressured a bit (I won't admit I'm that weak anyway :P) and fell into some deep thoughts again (about time to quit again? :P).

It was my 1st time to be part of the pre-sales demo team to sell products (and ourselves as well, really) to the customer in my not-so-long carrier. And I had put some considerable amount of efforts and time into it to not let down those who are watching over me. In the end, I got compliments from people and me myself was satisfied with my overall performance too. Phew~

Now has come the weekend, I want to take some good rest before go for another rush again. But oh no, I need to find a place still to move out now! Well, slowly slowly I'll learn to pick up the new pace of life I guess. So, WELL DONE MAN to me la.

Joke ~ The Dead Cow and Vet School

First-year students at the UC Davis Vet school were receiving their first anatomy class, with a real dead cow.

They all gathered around the surgery table with the body covered with a white sheet. The professor started the class by telling them, 'In Veterinary Medicine it is necessary to have two important qualities as a doctor: The first is that you not be disgusted by anything involving the animal body.' For an example, the Professor pulled back the sheet, stuck his finger in the butt of the dead cow, withdrew it and stuck his finger in his mouth.

'Go ahead and do the same thing,' he told his students. The students freaked out, hesitated for several minutes, but eventually took turns sticking a finger in the anal opening of the dead cow and sucking on it.

When everyone finished, the Professor looked at them and said, 'The second most important quality is observation. I stuck in my middle finger and sucked on my index finger.' 'Now learn to pay attention. Life's tough, it's even tougher if you're stupid.'

Flickr ~ jap_garden_canopy

jap_garden_canopy, originally uploaded by ahp_ibanez.

Behold the beauty of Japan.

Another BIG DAY has come

Today it was officially announced that I've been transferred to the pre-sales division. Basically my job scope now has more to do with presentations to prospective customers and more talking time liao :D

Well, surely, my mind is both excited and puzzled with uncertainties at this moment. I mean, in my ex-company I used to do presentations on my R&D researches in front of my fellow colleagues. I'd usually have done it comfortably and confidently to some extent. But talking to the outside people and some more have to convince them of the things I'm doing? Well, it could be very challenging to ME.

Anyway, the new division seems to be friendly and I'll have more chances to meet some girls out there liao :P Ooops... I shouldn't have said it that way because most of the people who know ME would not even think for a split second that I'm actually joking, right? :D

Well, life is about making changes to fit in better our minds into this physical world. We should not resist changes all the time. It would not only make our own lives dull but as well as those of the people around in your life. So, throw the dices out!

Oh by the way, I've just started to make tea in my office as a habit. And it's the Japanese green tea. Well, too much caffeine in my previous days liao and I'm now trying to live out an healthier life too :) (and more gym!)

This is the brand of green tea I'm trying on now. Yeap it tastes pretty much like the Japanese restaurant's.

Weeeeeeeee!!!~

I've been keen to get a Nintendo Wii console when I have my own place to stay in the city. Unfortunately, my house plan has been postponed indefinitely for now. :(

But then...

the Wii console...

has come into my life first! Tada~

Well, it's not really an interesting story to tell about how did I get my Wii so "early" in my planning (because it's not that hard also :P). Initially I've planned to get it only when I've got my place right? It can't be more accurate than I just say it came in a big surprise to me! Last time I shared my little enthusiasm about this Wii thing with my boss. So happened that her son is working in Chicago at this moment. And so we talked about getting one from US since I can get it anytime I want it.

And? Tada~ It's here now. Haha... I don't know want to cry or laugh now. I guess me and my boss didn't tuned in the same frequency at first place. :P (And somehow I feel like a teenager boy who is told by his small girlfriend that she's got their first baby liao!)

So here's the Wii. The side view:

The front:

The front in close-up again:

The Nintendo logo on the console body:

What I've got in the box:

Box #2:

And this game disc comes together bundled with the concole box. It has 5 mini games inside as seen on the hard cover: boxing, bowling, golf, tennis and baseball. Let me share with you that this is how I've got hooked by the charisma of Wii. I watched the demo clip that featured these mini games which were released by Nintendo just to showcase to the world the potentials behind the Wii concept. It's bringing up "in-game" experience that can immerse the players into the game dimension. Or I should just say "I'M IN THE GAME" (quoted from EA Sports). Well, search for the demo clip and you'll understand better.

And this is another game box that has 9 more games inside plus another controller stick (2nd player).

So everything is up and ready, except, well... where's the TV? Darn... Should I have bought a TV altogether? Nah... wait. I don't think a 21" TV will serve right for me to play Wii (it's a waste and shame!). So I shall wait for the next weekend till I get back to my hometown to introduce the treasure I've discovered to my family. And hopefully I can get some live action pics when I get into the games then.

Until then, stay tuned...

Flickr ~ Double Coconut

Double Coconut, originally uploaded by janelbot.

Don't get it wrong OK? It's not what you're thinking now. It's not a human-made thing. In fact, it's made by the mother nature. See? Again you're thinking to a different direction...

This is called "double coconut". And it has the biggest seeds in this world according to an Australian biologist. And I swear I read it from the Discovery Channel article here. And it can weigh up to 27 kilograms!

Nice shape huh? :P

Flickr ~ Rack mount

Rack mount, originally uploaded by '56 Mojo.

Someone's got to put a "Shoot On Sight" signboard outside of this room. Oh, that includes a mouse, a cockroach or an ant.

Memo ~ Is that a sign?

This is my daily horoscope (scorpio) for today (by Tarot.com):

"Before things settle down into a more regular pattern, you may find yourself getting exhausted trying to keep up with everything. Although you are able to do what's expected, your life could feel overly complicated now. Instead of attempting to push back toward the basics, resign yourself to staying in touch with your complex life until it starts to reintegrate and simplify."

Seems like I've just got myself on the right track and I'd better keep on this track from now onwards to welcome some brand new elements into my simplistic life.

Memo ~ My next milestone?

Today I've made another move in my carrier. A decision has been made to explore more possibilities in myself to advance ahead. It's just the start but it might be a big one too.

I've been dwelling on my carrier direction for a while now. And I've been staying outside of the world that I once struggled in and looking at familiar bummers on people which once befell on me. Do I want to go back? Well, maybe next time.

I'm ready to go. Maybe I'm not prepared perfectly. But I believe once I've made my move, I'll be the first person to make sure that I'm prepared. To be prepared to move on to the next milestone. I'll make sure that happens. Because I have to.

Jokes ~ Men and women (again?)

~ ~ ~ 1 ~ ~ ~
There was this guy who told his woman that he loved her so much that he would go thru hell for her. They got married - and now he is going thru hell.


~ ~ ~ 2 ~ ~ ~
When a man opens the door of his car for his wife, you can be sure of one thing: either the car is new or the wife.


~ ~ ~ 3 ~ ~ ~
When she is 18 - She is a football, 22 men going after her. When she is 28 - She is a hockey ball, 8 men going after her. When she is 38 - She is a golf ball, 1 man hitting on her. When she is 48 - She is a ping pong ball, 2 men pushing to each other.

Cool video ~ David Copperfield's death saw

Warning: there is EXTREME material in this video. See the title above?

Well, I do like those blockbuster magic shows like traversing through the Great Wall of China and making the Statue of Liberty disappears. But what's more interesting to me is those close-up acts which have defied all common senses and left me stunned until today.

To any young generation who has missed the most popular magic stunts back in late 80's: meet David Copperfield.

Revisit to Penang (2008/09/28 ~ 2008/10/02)

This Raya holiday I spent my time in my 2nd hometown Penang. I did not plan anything special in this trip but to meet my old friends and "re-live" my old days there just like back a year ago. Really nothing special. I just went to eat my favorite food, see the sights I used to see, walk on the roads I used to walk, window-shop the shops I used to window-shop... It's just as simple as breathing the air.

This was actually my 1st "real" trip back to Penang after I had left for more than a year ago. I had the chance to re-do all the things I used to do, but I never had the chance to un-do things I had wished to have done in better ways. Haha... seems like I'm back to my normal self when I have got back to my old place. Well, only this time is not to shed any tears. So that's alright to do it once in a while.

And wow! I have found the 3rd franchise shop of my favorite Japanese restaurant! It's Yataimura! That's right! It's in Queensbay. This one I found it's a bit less spacey. But it's got some unique in its interior design too. See all the beer bottles on the rack? Don't know why I really can get excited to get immersed inside such an environment. Ahaha... Oh, but the food isn't as nice as the 1st ever franchise shop.


Here it goes - the Yataimura restaurant logo on a tissue bag.

The last time Penang Times Square came across my life was when I was really interested to buy a unit there! Yet it was too expensive for me at that time to live a life that way. Now? It's already standing tall in the city center! Damn... (seems like I don't have any luck in finding my home sweet home... yet)

So see you again Penang next year!

Funny video ~ David Copperfield in slow motion duck

I remember seeing this when I was a small kid. It's still so funny watching it back again. Good duck, good boy, good boy.

Funny video ~ Will he fit?

Will He Fit? - Watch more free videos

Looks like we humans still have a lot to discover out from ourselves. Make your backyard your personal science laboratory and playground!

My Japanese drama review ~ Change

I love Japanese dramas so much till I have rejected almost all HK and Korean dramas :P So, I'm going to start writing my personal reviews of some of my thumbs-up choices.

I've just watched this series which was released during summer time in Japan. It was quite controversial for a while because Kimura Takuya (木村拓哉) is cast as the Prime Minister of Japan! And ya, my favorite celebrity Abe Hiroshi (阿部寛) is also cast in this drama too!

I give this series a 5 out of 5 not just because of the fascinating line of casts (and 2 of my favorite stars :) too) but also the intriguing plots which simply feel cool to me. Ya, that's my expectation to enjoy a good Japanese drama - simply cool~ Those kind of stylish cools that would create echoes in my mind. Oh ya, the ending theme song is totally cool too! I only found out that it is performed by Madonna only after I had finished the whole series. And the song title is Miles Away.

The only shortcoming in this series is that there are only 10 episodes. Arr... will there ever be a sequel to it again?

Funny pic ~ What's autofocus?

One pic says it all...

Funny video ~ Ninja cat comes closer while not moving!

So this is how all the horror/ghost film directors and scriptwriters got inspired by the stealthy cats! It really feels like watching The Ring! (Be ready to be scared the s**t out...)

Funny video ~ Youth (Vodafone commercial)

Youth - Vodafone Commercial - The best video clips are here

So this is why a man wants to stay in his childhood as a boy forever... or... what he would do first when he turns young into a boy again!

Cute video ~ Ping pong cat

Ping Pong Cat - The most amazing bloopers are here

"Curiosity kills the cat". That says how much curiosity a cat has doesn't it? And it's a real fun to watch when it falls to it.

Farewell to my manager (2008-08-29)

More than a year ago, i came down to KL all the way from Penang to attend the interview called upon by my current employer. There I met with him and we sat down for 3 hours together with our si-tau-poh (mistress of my company). At that time I was eagerly looking for another milestone in my life and carrier. Then, with a plenty of luck and The Nod from him, my wish came to reality.

In the beginning of my new carrier, I had been condemned by the contemptible customer interminably and could never find my exit to it. Ya it was really that bad ain't it right? Haha... Then I asked for a quit AND another quit thereafter but in the end I'm still here yet. I knew you had done all you could to help me in my situation (my gratitude here) but still I decided to walk away from all the harshest days that I had survived thru. And so I ended up in another department now.

It's all painful to us, anyone of us who have passed it. So now it's my turn to wish you all the best in your future days. Bon voyage!

See all the drunken faces? I had not had enough of whisky! I have ordered a bottle of duty-free whisky from my big boss while he's on his next trip overseas. Then I'll have happy hours at home. Haha... Well actually I only like the taste of whisky after it's mixed with Coca-Cola~

Digg ~ America's 10 Most Confusing Traffic Signs

Most of these signs are the creation of local and state governments that seem to lack the time or sophistication to make clear ones. Although these are the 10 most confusing traffic signs we could find, feel free to add photos and descriptions of awful signs you've found in your own travels.


Well well... seems like living in a bigger city needs a bigger brain too :) I especially enjoyed reading the unofficial meanings the author had put forward personally... LOL

read more | digg story

Flickr ~ Würsa (18 000 Km from earth)

Würsa (18 000 Km from earth), originally uploaded by shadycam.

This is an Olympian who won a gold medal in Beijing 2008 Olympic.

Funny video ~ The amazing non-blinking woman

The Amazing Non-Blinkng Woman - The funniest videos clips are here

The grandpa's picture is priceless!

DIY video ~ Windows XP CD key

How To Get The CD Key Off Of Any CD - The most amazing bloopers are here

Gee... I didn't know this. How could it be so easy?!

Funny video ~ Tricky chick

Tricky Chick - The best video clips are here

This is way extreme man... That guy lost to her trick, not the dice.

Funny video ~ Funny baby

Funny Baby - Celebrity bloopers here

Babies are susceptible to the cartoonish sounds we make. On the other hand, we adults are susceptible to the babies' laughter!

My cousin's wedding (Chinese style) on 20080810

I wanted to make a post about my cousin's wedding on the next day right after it but there's been some disturbance in my life (and my mood to do it). Anyway, here it is. Oh don't get it wrong okay? :)

On 10 Aug 2008, my cousin celebrated his wedding and I was invited (or 'chosen') as the key person in his wedding (explained later). It was a simplified traditional Chinese-styled wedding. We all gathered in the bridegroom's house in the early morning of the wedding day. And by tradition we were to go by cars to the bride's house to escort her back to bridegroom's house where they would pour teas to the bridegroom's senior family members. Oh by the way, I was not eligible to take the tea because I'm younger than the bridegroom. So I was given the task as key person instead. Right.

I was sitting in the same car with the bridegroom on our way to the bride's house. A Chinese marriage sign sticker was pasted on the windscreen that says the bridegroom's family name.

Upon arrival at the bride's house, it's our proud tradition to let the bride's family 'tortures' the bridegroom and his innocent companions (a.k.a. brothers). Normally the brothers would go through a series of physical and mental sufferings to entertain the crowd (ya I admit I've distorted the story just a little bit).

Arr... See? See? This is what brothers do. We're all on the same boat (Chinese saying).

I volunteered to do a little bit more sacrifice just before we brothers could enter the house. We ought to find the right key to unlock the door by not using hands at all. After I pondered for a while, I chose to use my right leg instead of my head to get the key out.

Now you see? I'm the key man. Who can open a lock without the key right?

Phew~ Then we were back in the bridegroom's house. Again, as the key man, I ought to open the car's door to let both the bride and bridegroom to step down from the car. There's the end of the key man's role. And he would get his reward from the new couple upon completing his task too. ~$$$~

My 2 cute nephews. They're brothers.

Weight-lifting.

Funny pic ~ Puzzle lock

But what if the thief is good at solving puzzles?

Cool video ~ Wooden mirror

This is an astounding blend of nature and modern technology that will blow your mind away at first glimpse. But when you learn that those are actually "wooden" pixels then probably you won't be as amazed as in the first time. But still it deserves a look into it to appreciate the works behind. Kinda cool when seeing it in actions.

You happy, I happy

Today I was feeling really energized at my workplace. I helped a couple of my fellow colleagues to solve their problems in hands, and in return, we shared a happy day in office.

I didn't feel it this way only today, but occasionally discovered MY days in life when I suddenly had an unusually closer interaction with people around, even some of whom I seldom have chance (or mood) to chit-chat with. But I've realized the key factor to this phenomenon without much difficulty, that is, I just simply happened to be "handy" to people at the right time and the right place, and things would start going smoothly for me at the same time.

Thus, I've come up with this little notion - when people feel happy that I've helped them, I receive an energy boost back in my day. It's not that difficult but, it does not always happen. Haha... So that's the tricky part. But I don't care when it would happen again, because I wouldn't give up the chance when it comes. ;)

Oh by the way, I do believe to some extent this has something to do with the daily zodiac dos and don'ts too. Looks like I have to study in astrology to further extend my knowledge in this.

Cool video ~ The true MS Windows theme

They all sound a lot much better when they're put together. Why would have Microsoft torn them apart? Haha... A great piece of recovery work indeed!

Digg ~ Once You Look, You Can't Look Away (Pic)

This is way creative and disturbing at the same time. Well, fortunately enough this is not a video...

read more | digg story

Funny video ~ Beat it?

Haha... my friend sent me this one. I've seen many modified MTVs. And most of them, including this one, are of high quality. The anonymous singers behind these prankish MTVs not only know how to imitate the original celebrities but also are great singers themselves. Really entertaining.

Cute video ~ Little kitten in Japan

Sweet Cat Plays - Funny home videos are a click away

Gee... That's why I love cats!

Funny video ~ How does an on-duty lifeguard go for bathroom break?

Bathroom Break - More free videos are here

I wonder how he felt while doing it in public. It was a prank for sure I know. Just... curious.

My #100 post...

About a year ago, I departed from Penang island to PJ here. Or, I should say 'left'.

Yeah, it was mainly for the sake of changing to new job. That's what I'd told people including myself.

But deep inside my mind, I ain't know what was I doing that for actually.

Was it because of the past? I had failed? Stuck at the hole like forever where I had the big fall?

I don't know, till now. And I wouldn't tell anyone, even to myself. Because I was too afraid to face it perhaps. Fear, because of the unlikeliness/helplessness to change over things during my downhearted course of time.

Since my move to the new place, it turned out way harsh and ugly. It was all ugly around me. It began in my work, ended up in my living.

Two times I had given up to fight against the big waves of 'inhumanities' befell upon me. Two times I had placed my trusts back to the ship captains. Yet, this time, even the ship captain quit himself. Huh?

Is it worth that I've turned back again? Again I can't tell.

Before I could find an answer to that, I was hit by another biggest quest in life - love.

But first, is it really love that I'm thinking or feeling? Is that what's she been trying to tell? I failed to respond once to a girl, and this time, I can barely feel the presence of my enthusiasm anymore. I kinda feel the forever lost of the missing piece of puzzle in my heart.

What's the purpose of life without a goal? I couldn't find a solid answer to that yet but I know for sure I wouldn't want others to fall together with me. I always want to be alone. I want to amplify my inner voice outside to my ears.

If I ever failed you once terribly, I'm sorry for that, really. That's because I would not have wanted to fail you another time. You should move on, because I will too.

21 July '08
~ with a big question mark on future ~

Programming ~ Glitches in GetFiles() method (VB.NET)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ foreword ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When I started this blog, one of the things that came across my mind on creating new contents here was the writing on programming stuff. Besides the fact that I'm working as a programmer, I believe it's good to share the things I've learned with anyone who may be facing the same problem again (of which I got a ready solution here). And another thing is I've always found it difficult to get a "safe" place to put down these valuable ideas mainly because of my personal weariness disorder (I'll probably explain this in the future).

So, here comes the 1st post in my programming dimension.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today, I got a problem in one of my programs which is actively running in my responsible customer's site. It's a "translator" program that picks up wire feed files coming from news agencies and translates them into a native format acceptable to the system that would make use of it. So, these feed files come in non-stop and a single wire news might be split into multiple files. For that reason, these files use a series of running numbers in their file names as a way to indicate the sequence in which they have been generated (and, the sequence in which they could be reassembled back).

OK, so that's the details we need to know now. As for my translator program, it's running on a configurable interval. Say, in every 5 minutes, it would go inside the source folder to which the feed files are generated, gather all the files currently in it, and start parsing the contents inside (and merge them if necessary). Then, the problem happened. First see, for a wire news that is split into multiple files, those files can only be merged if the file names are presented in a continuing series of running numbers (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and so on). Here's an example (file names all start with xxx_):

File #1: xxx_1 (1st legitimate file of wire news a)
File #2: xxx_2 (2nd legitimate file of a)
File #3: xxx_3 (3rd)
...
File #10: xxx_10
File #11: xxx_11 (last legitimate file of wire news a)
File #12: xxx_12 (1st legitimate file of wire news b)
... (and so on)

In Windows Explorer, these files are sorted perfectly in the order as seen above. However, as my program is built in VB.NET, the GetFiles() function I'm using returns the the file names in this order instead:

File #1: xxx_1 (1st legitimate file of wire news a)
File #2: xxx_10 (10th legitimate file of a)
File #3: xxx_11 (last legitimate file of wire news a)
File #4: xxx_12 (1st legitimate file of wire news b)
File #5: xxx_2 (2nd)
File #6: xxx_3
...
File #12: xxx_9
... (and so on)

Now don't get it wrong here. The wire news 'a' was not built out successfully from the files xxx_1, xxx_10 and xxx_11 (file xxx_11 was last in the legitimate queue of wire news 'a'). This is because like I said, the split files could only be reassembled if they are processed in the order that a continuing series of running numbers are presented. Thus in this case, wire news 'a' was failed to be reconstructed upon receiving file xxx_10 (file xxx_2 was expected after xxx_1).

After knowing this is the order the GetFiles() function would return the file names, I immediately built a function just to sort the file names in the legitimate fashion as what's seen in Windows Explorer every day. Oh wait, this was the order used back in Windows 98 where the numbers in file names were totally ignored. So, the GetFiles() function was built out from Windows 98?

OK, I solved my problem. And I'm putting it into my archive (blog) here. So next time I would not take things for granted again in much the similar way of What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG). What I see (sort order of file names in Windows Explorer) Is 'Not' What I Get (sort order of the GetFiles() function). :S

My sweetest nightmare in computer games

Long long time ago... when I'd just begun using (playing) computer (games), I saw my bro was playing a game deep in the darkness all the time fighting monsters which could be hardly seen. Soon I got intrigued with its all-dark theme and its beautifully creepy music accompaniments. As I started to play it and got my avatar way down below the dungeon levels, I found myself cemented in it helplessly at the same time. I remember seeing (+ hearing) the gold and bizarre items dropped on the ground, the most charismatic dialogues ever found in games, and last but not last-of-all, the distant looks of all characters in the game which had always got my spectacles hitting the monitor just to get a really close look on them.

Then... Diablo came back! It came back with yet more fascinating arts and darkness this time. There were more dungeons, monsters, angels, avatars, skills, quests, items and more colors (I'm not talking about graphics here)!!! Oh yeah, and of course the best ever made game trailer I'd ever seen. Then I recalled that in the finishing cut-scene of Diablo I, my avatar pierced his forehead with the evil crystal he had pulled out from Diablo. With little surprises, I found myself had become my avatar himself! You really got me Diablo! You're the real diabolic monster! Since then I had been playing Diablo II for more than 4 years consecutively and in the end beating all Hell-level Diablos with all avatar classes. However, I could never accomplish one thing: to get the best weapons and armors out of the game myself.

In two or three years later (I hope so)... we'll be seeing Diablo waiting in his dungeons again and we shall beat him and his minions once again (hopefully not for the last time :P). Until then, I will be ready. See you, Diablo.

My buddy Diablo's personal homepage: http://www.blizzard.com/diablo3/

Digg ~ GOAL!! (Pic)

Very creative advertising by ESPN! =)

I'm not really a football fan. But I'd like to give it a try, I mean a shot :P

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Funny video ~ Crazy sports moments

Amazing Moments(jackpotter) - Watch more funny videos here

I couldn't help myself from laughing when I watched the cameraman being fooled by the soccer player together with the opponent team. He must have %$*#@ to him. LOL.

DIY video ~ Origami jumping frog

Origami Jumping Frog (cool Homemade Toy) - The funniest videos are a click away

Well, I think I'm going to make one for my pastime too!

Cool video ~ The Ross sisters

Solid Potato Salad - The Ross Sisters - For more funny videos, click here

Gee... I feel pain in my spine now :0 I never thought of seeing one of these back in the oldies.

命中注定的缘分配对 (Chinese)

处女座：

　　处女座也是一个颇为宿命论的星座，平常虽然不怎幺看得出来，但是事到临头，他们总有被命定的感觉。和处女座有宿命缘份的是宝瓶座和白羊座。处女座和瓶子常常有很特别的吸引力，因为两个人都是头脑发达的星座，所以可以达到很深入的沟通哦！处女座和羊儿也是缘份星座，羊儿会很欣赏处女特殊的气质，而处女对羊儿的纯真和莽撞也是特别有感觉，两个人会相当喜欢彼此相处的时光。

天秤座：

　　和秤子有宿命缘份的星座是双鱼座和金牛座。平常秤子也是个随缘的星座，他们觉得有缘是一件很美的事情。秤子和双鱼座是两个很有美感的星座，所以很容易互相欣赏，而且鱼儿还有一股艺术家的梦幻气质，也是让秤子很喜爱的一点。秤子和金牛座在一起的气氛是浪漫而温暖的，两个人之间不会有太大的争执，相处起来有甜密的感受，通常感情会相当的融洽。

天蝎座：

　　天蝎座对神秘的宿命缘份是很有感觉的，所以和他们有缘份的星座也很容易在一起。和蝎座有宿命缘份的是白羊座和双子座。蝎子和白羊是有很强的性魅力互相吸引，所以不论男女都会互相特别感受到他们的性别所具有的特殊感应。蝎子和双子真是没什幺相干的星座，不过双子的变化无穷蛮能吸引蝎子的注意力和征服欲，所以一但冒出火花也是很精彩的爱情故事哦！

射手座：

　　射手座和金牛座以及巨蟹座有说不出来的缘份哦！射手和金牛一个是到处乱跑，一个是不动如山，但是射手座的幽默常常能打动沉默的金牛座，而金牛的稳定踏实也会吸引射手的目光，这真是蛮破天荒的组合，有没有结果，就看缘份有多少啰！射手和巨蟹也是不太一样的星座，但是巨蟹的温柔会让射手停步，而射手的洒脱也是蟹子很欣赏的地方哦！

摩羯座：

　　和摩羯们有宿命缘份的主要是双子座和狮子座。摩羯和双子座是没太多关系，不过因为摩羯的认真与远见会让双子相当的折服哦！而且双子的灵活手腕与技巧也会赢得摩羯的赞美和欣赏呢！摩羯和狮子座也是很好的撘挡，因为摩羯的实际和狮子的活跃，可以一起完成很多的事哦，常常也会因此而惺惺相惜。

水瓶座：

　　和瓶子有特殊缘份的星座是巨蟹座和处女座。瓶子和巨蟹座可以是很合适的一对哦！因为瓶子喜欢蟹子的温柔体贴，而蟹子也特别欣赏瓶子的聪慧，如果好好经营可以很长久哦！瓶子和处女座都是蛮会批评的星座，而瓶子对处女座所拥有的特殊气质相当的着迷，处女座则是喜欢瓶子的优雅，两个人相处会有一股很迷人的气氛哦！

双鱼座：

　　鱼儿是十二星座中最宿命不过的星座了，所以对他们来说缘份可就很重要了！和鱼儿有特殊缘份的是狮子和天秤座。鱼儿和狮子座是很容易互相吸引的，鱼儿喜欢狮座的热情，而狮座则对温柔的双鱼呵护有加，是让人羡慕的一对。鱼儿和天秤座都是很美的星座，所以对于美有独到见解的双鱼很容易得到天秤的喜爱，而鱼儿自己则是喜欢和秤子一起沉溺在美感的气氛之中，所以也是一个很特别的配对哦！

白羊座：

　　和羊儿生来就有特殊缘份的是处女座和天蝎座，看起来真是八竿子也打不着边的星座，但是常常就会被羊儿给遇上，甚至有些还发展到了迷恋的地步！羊儿和处女之间一直会有特殊的吸引力哦，尤其是处女座不论男女都有一些纯女性的特质，是让羊儿难以忘怀的原因。羊儿和蝎子如果谈起恋爱来就会有种天雷勾动地火的感觉，双方的性吸引力会很强哦，所以也很容易变成一对！

金牛座：

　　和牛座有着特别缘份的是天秤座和射手座，这两个星座和牛座没什幺相似处，却很容易给牛儿不同的感受。牛座和秤子有一个地方是相同的，就是他们同样对于美感非常重视，只是牛儿重视质感而秤子偏向气质。所以牛儿和秤子光是站在一起就是非常的赏心悦目，而且容易产生感情。牛座和射手座几乎是最快和最慢的星座配对，不过牛座的稳定却是射手们很喜爱的特色，而射手的睿智和幽默也让牛座非常的倾心。

双子座：

　和双子座特别有缘的是天蝎座和魔羯座，可能是因为差距太大了，反而有了莫明的吸引力！双子容易被蝎子的神秘魅力所吸引，毕竟双子是个特大号的好奇宝宝嘛！蝎子又神神秘秘的，说起话来慢调斯理，让双子座想要一探究竟。双子座和魔羯座是没什幺相同处，不过对双子而言魔羯座认真和专业的魅力是很特别的，所以信心十足的魔羯是很容易得到双子注意的哦！

巨蟹座：

　　蟹子是蛮宿命论的星座，所以他们和射手座、宝瓶座这些缘份星座也是很有可能在一起的。蟹子和射手座，一个是居家星座，一个是旅行星座，真是天差地远，不过因为差太多了，蟹子安静详和的气质反而容易吸引到射手座的注意，而蟹子也容易给射手带来安全感，让射手有「根」的感觉哦！蟹子和瓶子也是两个差十万八千里的星座，不过蟹子的单纯也很容易让瓶子对他们特别的注意，而平常不太用脑蟹子就很崇拜瓶子出众的智能，所以也就有机会互相吸引啰！

狮子座：

　　和狮子座有宿命牵扯的星座是摩羯座和双鱼座，又是一堆很难联想在一起的星座，不过因为差距太大反而造成了神秘的吸引力呢！狮子和摩羯也是王见王的星座组合，如果两个人是对头绝对是势均力敌，但是如果是配对也是很不错的配对哦，因为狮子可以引发摩羯的热情，而摩羯则能够帮助狮子脚踏实地，互补之下当然就粉顺利啦！狮子和双鱼座是很常见的配对组合哦！主要是双鱼的美丽和艺术气质可以吸引狮座的欣赏，而两个人谈起恋爱来可是非常非常浪漫哦！

Cool video ~ Censor bar art

See more funny videos at CollegeHumor

Oh no wait, what's so cool about this video? I didn't get to see anything! Damn. :P

Funny video ~ Yukie Nakama's CM

Isn't she beautiful? I'm her big fan. I love watching her performance in the Japanese drama series Trick. Oh ya, I'm also a big fan of Hiroshi Abe too. I wonder when do we get to see Trick IV?

Funny video ~ When a giant monster and a giant hero fall in love...

Kind of romantic right? I don't think so... :S

Digg ~ McDonald’s lettuce growing billboard is actually kind of cool

This is definitely a unique and creative way to sell some salads. The advertising folks over at McDonald’s came up with this billboard near Chicago that actually grows it’s message in lettuce and judging from this picture were quite successful.



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I hope this will make a new trend going on in every city. I mean, not just about lettuce, billboard or even skyscraper farm but anything green! I'd love to see a greener city rather than an ever-heating city life. By the way, I recommend the Incredible Hulk as the perfect endorser of this.

Funny video ~ Incredible McCain girl!!!

You know McCain? You know Obama? Well I know their names and a handful of news about them only. But you should be able to enjoy this spoof video as much as I do! LOL~

Funny video ~ Moving breasts

Bizarre video ~ Horrible disease turns man into tree

Horrible Disease Turns Man Into Tree - Watch more free videos

Gee... I've never seen or heard anything like this. Extreme.

Practical example ~ Deadlock in life

Boss said to secretary: For a week we will go abroad, so make arrangement.

Secretary make call to husband: For a week my boss and I will be going abroad, you look after yourself.

Husband make call to secret lover: My wife is going abroad for a week, so lets spend the week together.

Secret lover make call to small boy whom she is giving private tuition: I have work for a week, so you need not come for class.

Small boy make call to his grandfather: Grandpa, for a week I don't have class 'coz my teacher is busy. Lets spend the week together.

Grandpa (the 1st boss ;) ) make call to his secretary: This week I am spending my time with my grandson. We cannot attend that meeting.

Secretary make call to her husband: This week my boss has some work, we canceled our trip.

Husband make call to secret lover: We cannot spend this week together, my wife has canceled her trip.

Secret lover make call to small boy whom she is giving private tuition: This week we will have class as usual.

Small boy make call to his grandfather: Grandpa, my teacher said this week I have to attend class. Sorry I can't give you company.

Grandpa make call to his secretary: Don't worry this week we will attend that meeting, so make arrangement.

This is what is called deadlock.

Digg ~ 14 Creative Advertisements Part 2 [PICS]

Nice collection of creative advertising ideas.

I love creativity. It's like the chilly sauce (or any other good sh*t) put on your burgers.

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