Google just posted this service they claim to be in beta mode right now.
The service allows users to upload their personal profiles and then search for matches using Google searching algorithm. In other word, it's the Google approach to online romance and dating like match.com.
http://www.google.com/romance/
Be careful as I think it is just a trick Google is planning on April Fool!!!
Happy Fooling everybody.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Friday, March 31, 2006
Software Development Process
Well, GP team knows that we need to convert the current (old) UFO to the so-called new look-and-feel UFO. I personally think the new look-and-feel sucks big time. It is confused, complicated and filled with superfluous configuration. Yeah, one of the statements got repeated time after time at the company is "configurable". True, it's only configurable after *you* spending weeks on writing codes for the damned configurations which is mostly in XML format.
I made an estimate of 6 to 8 weeks for the conversion. And remember at the same time, we all have to take the new release development cycle into consideration. Also we have to take into account that the new UFO will "contribute" a tons of pleasingly surprise sweet bugs!!! We encounter about 2 - 4 so far during the trial period.
This reminds me of one of the most basic principle in software development: new features or enhancements must be backward compatible with the old codes. If you cannot make it compatible with the old codes then please don't coin it with the same name as the old framework, only different by the version number.
Should I quote one of the famous quote of software development principle in its parody:
"Human brain should be open for extension but close for modification"
If all fail, this is what depicts the reason of that failure:
I made an estimate of 6 to 8 weeks for the conversion. And remember at the same time, we all have to take the new release development cycle into consideration. Also we have to take into account that the new UFO will "contribute" a tons of pleasingly surprise sweet bugs!!! We encounter about 2 - 4 so far during the trial period.
This reminds me of one of the most basic principle in software development: new features or enhancements must be backward compatible with the old codes. If you cannot make it compatible with the old codes then please don't coin it with the same name as the old framework, only different by the version number.
Should I quote one of the famous quote of software development principle in its parody:
"Human brain should be open for extension but close for modification"
If all fail, this is what depicts the reason of that failure:
News Flash: Whitney Houston is a Real Damned Mess
The National Enquirer recently reports that the pop diva/crack addict Whitney Houston has made a surprising turn for the worse. On Bobby Brown's sister account, Houston spends weeks at a time holed up in her crack dens and is living in utter squalor. She claims that Houston spends days locked in her bed room smoking rock amid piles of festering garbage while mumbling about "evil apparitions" and "demon".What makes me surprises is the guy who turned Houston into this mess. Think about how superhuman Bobby Brown's dark force must be, to take one of our generation's greatest singers and turn her to a babbling, slobbering mess. I am not talking without concrete evidence. Take a look at the photos below:
Pre Bobby
Post Bobby
Whitney, I am sure that your transformation from a beautiful, sweet-voiced, fresh-face little thing wearing foiled hat and living in gauzy pinky room to a matted-fur wearing chikenhead, clutching a pack of smoke with a random dude from in a deli would have happened all on its own.
Whitney, I am sure that your transformation from a beautiful, sweet-voiced, fresh-face little thing wearing foiled hat and living in gauzy pinky room to a matted-fur wearing chikenhead, clutching a pack of smoke with a random dude from in a deli would have happened all on its own.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
You've Got to Find What You Love
I recently ran across the transcript of Steve Jobs' speech at a commencement in Stanford last summer. Steve Jobs is currently Apple's CEO. The speech is very inspiring. Jobs mentioned three stories reflecting his life. I specially like the last one when he talked about death.
In short, his idea is that life is short so don't waste your time living somebody else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most importantly, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition for they already know what you truly want to be. Everything else is just secondary.
I think I should do what he's been doing when he has to make a tough decision. He always looks in the mirror in the morning before going to work and asks himself "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" And if the answers are "No" several days in a row, then he knows he needs to change something.
Could I add that if today were the last day of my life, what would I want to do. 24 hours is not enough to do a lot of things.
First, I would call my parents (they live so far away now) to say thank you. Thank you for raising me up and make me the man I am today. And tell them I am so proud to have them as my parents.
Then I'll meet as many friends of mine as I can. Specially the dorks here at PROS :-). It's been a privilege working with you guys.
That's all I could think of right now. That sucks. Probably today is not my last day then.
And I think I should enjoy all the food made by Toris too. Thank you for making such a great dinner tonight. We really love them.
A samurai once asked Zen Master Hakuin where he would go after he died. Hakuin answered 'How am I supposed to know?' 'How do you know? You're a Zen master!' exclaimed the samurai. 'Yes, but not a dead one,' Hakuin answered."
In short, his idea is that life is short so don't waste your time living somebody else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most importantly, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition for they already know what you truly want to be. Everything else is just secondary.
I think I should do what he's been doing when he has to make a tough decision. He always looks in the mirror in the morning before going to work and asks himself "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" And if the answers are "No" several days in a row, then he knows he needs to change something.
Could I add that if today were the last day of my life, what would I want to do. 24 hours is not enough to do a lot of things.
First, I would call my parents (they live so far away now) to say thank you. Thank you for raising me up and make me the man I am today. And tell them I am so proud to have them as my parents.
Then I'll meet as many friends of mine as I can. Specially the dorks here at PROS :-). It's been a privilege working with you guys.
That's all I could think of right now. That sucks. Probably today is not my last day then.
And I think I should enjoy all the food made by Toris too. Thank you for making such a great dinner tonight. We really love them.
A samurai once asked Zen Master Hakuin where he would go after he died. Hakuin answered 'How am I supposed to know?' 'How do you know? You're a Zen master!' exclaimed the samurai. 'Yes, but not a dead one,' Hakuin answered."
~Zen mondo
So what would you do if you knew today were your last day?
So what would you do if you knew today were your last day?
Monday, March 27, 2006
Framing Your Photos
I took several photos to illustrate the concept of framing in photography.
The use of frame can turn an otherwise plain photo into a pleasing one. Objects for frame are usually foreground elements such as tree branches, a window frame, a door, arches, a fence or rows of trees, etc...
For example, those photos are taken from a park.
In this one, the frames are: the bottom row of flowers and the middle one as a dividend for the photo. The branches of trees serve as a frame above. In addition, frame is used here to isolate the main subject, which is the metal sculpture in the middle, and create an interesting composition.
When composing a shot, keep your eyes open to foreground objects to be used as a natural frame. If necessary, you may need to back up or kneel down a bit, or zoom in to include your main subject within your chosen frame.
here are some more example
Hope you enjoy next time you take a picture of nature!
The use of frame can turn an otherwise plain photo into a pleasing one. Objects for frame are usually foreground elements such as tree branches, a window frame, a door, arches, a fence or rows of trees, etc...
For example, those photos are taken from a park.
In this one, the frames are: the bottom row of flowers and the middle one as a dividend for the photo. The branches of trees serve as a frame above. In addition, frame is used here to isolate the main subject, which is the metal sculpture in the middle, and create an interesting composition.
When composing a shot, keep your eyes open to foreground objects to be used as a natural frame. If necessary, you may need to back up or kneel down a bit, or zoom in to include your main subject within your chosen frame.
here are some more example
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Dog Horoscopes
DogHoroscopes.com has a comment about me:
You have lots of nervous energy and love a game of any sort. This year prepare yourself for active times, but don't get off to a premature start until the go ahead signal is flashed. You hate to be criticized since you are so sensitive, but you must also watch your own attitudes and actions so as not to hurt those closest and dearest to your heart. You are always devising new ways to get more attention. When you hide under the bed or shiver uncontrollably, someone will come to your rescue and that will make you smile. You have regal and engaging qualities if you want to use them. But your friends think you are too proud and arrogant (although it is usually a sign, a secret sign, of your love.) The Sign of the Crab makes you a lover of home and you never stray far from home. You love luxury and good food and you will find the best chair in the house and declare it yours or lay claim to the middle of the bed no matter who else tries to sleep there. You are also very territorial and protective of your home. Pity the defenseless delivery person who thinks you are "so cute" and then finds out you will do anything to defend your premises and its occupants. With the Moon as your guide you are the ultimate romantic and you are the eternal optimist. You never get discouraged and this makes you a cherished companion since you are able to cheer up your dear ones. Maintain a simple and healthful diet since your digestion and gastric troubles must be watched carefully. This will be a fine year for you and the only cloud will be the absence of a friend. Your lucky number is 2, which of course, is the perfect lucky number for this year. Your favorite color is violet.
Pretty accurate, except for the part that I am not very protective of my home :-). I welcome *anyone* coming to my house. Um... I already forget when it is the last time I bark!
Have a nice day playing golf, tennis, basketball or whatever you play.
Funny quote:
"If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is that certain dogs I have known will go to heaven, and very, very few persons." - James Thurber
Friday, March 24, 2006
Help me - The Song Stucks in My Head
Music of the day: "Walking in Memphis" again - by Lonestar
I've been listening to the song for 2 days. And it stucks! It's just an ordinary song. The lyrics is so so but somehow manages to take over my brain. I think I'll probably get a migraine if I keep listening to the song one more day.
Once, not so long ago,I had "Who Let the Dogs Out" stuck in my head for an entire day. I'd hum it in meetings, even alter the lyrics to match the situation (e.g., "Who left the milk out!"). It was probably the longest 24 hours of my live.
But that's water under the bridge. You want to know why songs like "The Macarena," "YMCA," and that damned baby-back ribs commercial get stuck on repeat. Professor James Kellaris from the University of Cincinnati believes "cognitive itches" are the reason. This isn't a real itchie-bitchie, but rather a fancy-sounding metaphor for falling victim to catchy but annoying tunes. Just like real itches, the only way to get rid of a cognitive itch is to scratch it 'til you are satisfied. And by "scratch it," I mean *sing* or listen to it until you're teetering on the brink of insanity.
As for why certain tunes get stuck while others don't, there's no definitive answer. But the reason may have to do with repetition. The more you hear one chorus, beat, or whatever, the more likely it will burrow into your subconsciousness.
As this article from the BBC states, Kellaris found that 97-99% of people are susceptible. Additionally, women tend to be more vulnerable. Apparently this affliction is an epidemic :-). Maybe a telethon would help. So long as the Baha Men don't perform.
I've been listening to the song for 2 days. And it stucks! It's just an ordinary song. The lyrics is so so but somehow manages to take over my brain. I think I'll probably get a migraine if I keep listening to the song one more day.
Once, not so long ago,I had "Who Let the Dogs Out" stuck in my head for an entire day. I'd hum it in meetings, even alter the lyrics to match the situation (e.g., "Who left the milk out!"). It was probably the longest 24 hours of my live.
But that's water under the bridge. You want to know why songs like "The Macarena," "YMCA," and that damned baby-back ribs commercial get stuck on repeat. Professor James Kellaris from the University of Cincinnati believes "cognitive itches" are the reason. This isn't a real itchie-bitchie, but rather a fancy-sounding metaphor for falling victim to catchy but annoying tunes. Just like real itches, the only way to get rid of a cognitive itch is to scratch it 'til you are satisfied. And by "scratch it," I mean *sing* or listen to it until you're teetering on the brink of insanity.
As for why certain tunes get stuck while others don't, there's no definitive answer. But the reason may have to do with repetition. The more you hear one chorus, beat, or whatever, the more likely it will burrow into your subconsciousness.
As this article from the BBC states, Kellaris found that 97-99% of people are susceptible. Additionally, women tend to be more vulnerable. Apparently this affliction is an epidemic :-). Maybe a telethon would help. So long as the Baha Men don't perform.
For scientific explanation, go to WebMD site for more info.
Funny Quote of the Day - Bill Cosby - "Human beings are the only creatures on earth that allow their children to come back home."
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Amazing 3D Sidewalk Painting
Music of the day: "Walking in Memphis" by Lonestar
Julian Beever is an English artist who is famous for his art of the pavement around Europe. In this collection of photos, Julian shows off his talent in chalk drawing skill, which, when viewed at a proper angle, the drawings will appear in full 3D. The effect is convincing enough that pedestrians would try to avoid "holes" drawn on the streets, girls in bikinis appear to lift their legs in the air in front of you, and much more cool stuff!
Check it out!
"Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" ~ Patrick Henry
Julian Beever is an English artist who is famous for his art of the pavement around Europe. In this collection of photos, Julian shows off his talent in chalk drawing skill, which, when viewed at a proper angle, the drawings will appear in full 3D. The effect is convincing enough that pedestrians would try to avoid "holes" drawn on the streets, girls in bikinis appear to lift their legs in the air in front of you, and much more cool stuff!
Check it out!
"Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" ~ Patrick Henry
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