Conversation occured 08/08/08 5:30 PST.
5:28pm
I am actually excited this time
I rarely am
and it's not because it's in China (Olympic)
5:28
then why?
5:28
I want to watch Ping Pong for sure
That's my sport for the past year
whole year
and tennis
which I went to watch last time it was in San Jose
and swimming
watching a tv show
that dude has really good body tone haha
all of a sudden, I kinda envision myself swimming
(which I need to learn to get better anyway)
so that's the sports
and baseball
b/c Taiwan is in there
and Tae Kwon Do
b/c taiwanese dude won GOLD last time... taiwan's first
and I love TKD you knew it
done.. that's my report of Olympic
Funny commercial:
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Friday, August 08, 2008
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
My Album cover idea for Address Book
I had this idea a while back. I designed it but no time and immediately technology available.
O well, at least it's still NOT BUILT.
Check out this person's post: http://www.techau.tv/blog/?p=513
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O well, at least it's still NOT BUILT.
Check out this person's post: http://www.techau.tv/blog/?p=513
Read more...
Monday, May 05, 2008
Hmmm :)
It's NOT BAD if I have to work at Google in Taiwan ;)
http://tw.news.yahoo.com/article/url/d/a/080506/78/ylxa.html
"Google 免費提供食物
But, I might have to hit the gym or Ping Pong table more often!
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http://tw.news.yahoo.com/article/url/d/a/080506/78/ylxa.html
"Google 免費提供食物
Google台灣昨慶祝成立兩週年，對媒體公開位於101大樓73樓的新辦公室，享有「百步之內必有食 物」盛名的Google，台灣辦公室也提供免費食物。Google大中華區總裁李開復表示，Google政策是員工超過400人，才有專屬廚師為員工做 菜，Google台灣目前員工60人，仍提供大量免費食物慰勞員工，無怪乎有所謂的「Google 15」，意指平均每位員工進Google後，都胖了15磅。
打開Google台灣辦公室的雙門冰箱，珍珠奶茶、 鮮奶、布丁、優酪乳，會令女性尖叫的Haagen-Dazs冰淇淋，都可以隨便拿，上層一盒盒的外帶餐盒，仔細一看可是鼎泰豐小籠包，Google台灣工 程研究所長簡立峰說，「餓了，微波加熱就可以吃。」還有便利商店營業用的冰櫃，存放各式飲料，小型廚房旁邊就是餐廳，架上滿滿都是零食與礦泉水，吃飽喝 足，可以在73樓的高空美景襯托下打一場乒乓，或坐在太空艙型按摩椅上，徹底放鬆一下。"
But, I might have to hit the gym or Ping Pong table more often!
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Friday, April 25, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Elevator Ride
... is interesting here in Beijing.
I don't like it though.. because its such a pain.
I can never time myself correctly b/c elevator arrives in between of 20 sec ~ 3 min; and the ride can be from 20 sec ~ 1.5 min. Maybe because I am not in a rush, I found myself enjoying watching people during my elevator rides.
It's interesting to see people waiting for elevator in the office building. They came in bunch... sometimes they chat with each other, sometimes it's just quiet. Since it's in China, since it's in office building... there is no line. People are just rushing in and out of the elevator. They came in quickly, push a button (or yell out a number), then stood orderly.
Maybe the elevator is so hard to get... people don't care how "pack" the elevator is, they will try to fit in until it's full full. Me being an American had to constantly put arms around my chest to create a space for myself. I tried to hold my breath sometimes so I don't have to breath in or breath at people in front of me.
Interestingly, people when they reached to their floor, instead of saying excuse me to get out... they yell out their number of the floor to get out... "20" then people would get out of their way.
Morning time... the elevator is very slow... it probably stop every other floor if it's not every floor. It's a little better in the afternoon, because people all head to one place...! Another thing I have noticed is.... people come and leave very ON TIME :)... Sigh, people rush in and out of office... life~!
Since the elevator is in the middle of the building, there is no stair immediately next to it... so, once you entered elevator space, you HAVE to take it... man... I miss stair now.. and I am definitely miss Mt. View's 3 floor building.
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I don't like it though.. because its such a pain.
I can never time myself correctly b/c elevator arrives in between of 20 sec ~ 3 min; and the ride can be from 20 sec ~ 1.5 min. Maybe because I am not in a rush, I found myself enjoying watching people during my elevator rides.
It's interesting to see people waiting for elevator in the office building. They came in bunch... sometimes they chat with each other, sometimes it's just quiet. Since it's in China, since it's in office building... there is no line. People are just rushing in and out of the elevator. They came in quickly, push a button (or yell out a number), then stood orderly.
Maybe the elevator is so hard to get... people don't care how "pack" the elevator is, they will try to fit in until it's full full. Me being an American had to constantly put arms around my chest to create a space for myself. I tried to hold my breath sometimes so I don't have to breath in or breath at people in front of me.
Interestingly, people when they reached to their floor, instead of saying excuse me to get out... they yell out their number of the floor to get out... "20" then people would get out of their way.
Morning time... the elevator is very slow... it probably stop every other floor if it's not every floor. It's a little better in the afternoon, because people all head to one place...! Another thing I have noticed is.... people come and leave very ON TIME :)... Sigh, people rush in and out of office... life~!
Since the elevator is in the middle of the building, there is no stair immediately next to it... so, once you entered elevator space, you HAVE to take it... man... I miss stair now.. and I am definitely miss Mt. View's 3 floor building.
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Day 4 @ Beijing
I feel much better today. I woke up at 7:30am. I chat with Rose 20 sec after I woke up... I miss Rose, and ping pong! Breakfast and went to work by myself ... that's new for this trip :)
OK.. if you follow my blog and read it faithfully, you will know what I was doing today! I blogged while working on my wireframe today! I also met with Jeff for their Mobile product - proud of myself.. i scheduled it myself (ok, reschedule it), and I went to the meeting by myself. Good Job!
Lunch time, we went to eat 貴州菜 because Violet was craving for fish ever since she got here. We went to the one that's behind Google.. yes, I am living, breathing, and working (next) to Google everyday!! From my room, I can see Google day and night!
Don't know what's for tonight yet... but I want another 糖葫蘆 (which I ended up not getting it)！!
For tomorrow, I am planning to have a meeting to present process, and a trip to 清華大學 maybe 圓明園? I know/think both of these are really closed to the office! I should also ask if anyone wants to go Great Wall together... ! I really want to go these places to check it out!
Dinner time, we went to 鷺鷺餐廳. It's 上海菜. Render treated us one more time before he went back to US. Out of all the dishes, I love 獅子頭 and 豆干結 the most. Super full!
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OK.. if you follow my blog and read it faithfully, you will know what I was doing today! I blogged while working on my wireframe today! I also met with Jeff for their Mobile product - proud of myself.. i scheduled it myself (ok, reschedule it), and I went to the meeting by myself. Good Job!
Lunch time, we went to eat 貴州菜 because Violet was craving for fish ever since she got here. We went to the one that's behind Google.. yes, I am living, breathing, and working (next) to Google everyday!! From my room, I can see Google day and night!
Don't know what's for tonight yet... but I want another 糖葫蘆 (which I ended up not getting it)！!
For tomorrow, I am planning to have a meeting to present process, and a trip to 清華大學 maybe 圓明園? I know/think both of these are really closed to the office! I should also ask if anyone wants to go Great Wall together... ! I really want to go these places to check it out!
Dinner time, we went to 鷺鷺餐廳. It's 上海菜. Render treated us one more time before he went back to US. Out of all the dishes, I love 獅子頭 and 豆干結 the most. Super full!
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Recap Day 3 @ Beijing
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Jet lag is a bit better.
Because of a NyQuil, I woke up early and felt hungry. I decided not to wait for anyone any more. I went to 2nd floor restaurant by myself... but I found Violet and Render. I got to eat do-hua.. YES! Even though they don't have the syrup, I was so happy when I got it :) I also had some soy milk.. it's very yummy. Other stuff are OK... I am still more of an american :p I had bacon and ham as my main dish!
I got to work at 9:10a. We were late for 10 min to our meeting: China Portal walk through. It's supposed to be a 3-hr meeting. But, we were only half way done at the 3hr mark! OMG, this is like UI / content / code Review. It's actually a good thing to do. Render sat down with the team and go page to page to review it. BUT, OMG, there are lots of pages / channels.
Food in Beijing
We went to a place like Yoshinoya for a quick lunch (yes, the meeting continued). My Beef Rice was ok, but the Taro Soy Milk was good! OK, my hope was in the Beijing Duck tonight.
At roughly 3:30pm, we are done with the meeting. My brain was toasted. I didn't want to do anything but sleep at that hour! I went online chat'd with Alex.. the only guy that's awake at the hr.... well, he went to bed not long after that.... So, I had to deal with the tireness and loneliness with .... UI work!!! At 5:10pm, Violet and I were ready to head out to shop for snack (for ourselves).
We went back to hotel to drop off the laptop. We went to Pharmercy to get DRUG first... o man, I was sooo happy when we got it... We then went to Watson, and then the Lotus Supermarket.... as soon as I got in, I saw 糖葫蘆！！！！！ I wanted it since last time I was in Beijing.
Anyway, dinner time, we went to Made in China (長江一號）a restaurant inside of the 君悅 hotel. I really like the decoration of the place. They have open kitchens inside the place: each station cook different part of the meal.
Wine bottles at the entrance,
Tea pots follow,
Fruits and cake...
then cooking wares (oops, no photo). The food was good... but very little :(....
I took a night pill and then went to bed.. cough cough.. I was really tired today!
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Jet lag is a bit better.
Because of a NyQuil, I woke up early and felt hungry. I decided not to wait for anyone any more. I went to 2nd floor restaurant by myself... but I found Violet and Render. I got to eat do-hua.. YES! Even though they don't have the syrup, I was so happy when I got it :) I also had some soy milk.. it's very yummy. Other stuff are OK... I am still more of an american :p I had bacon and ham as my main dish!
I got to work at 9:10a. We were late for 10 min to our meeting: China Portal walk through. It's supposed to be a 3-hr meeting. But, we were only half way done at the 3hr mark! OMG, this is like UI / content / code Review. It's actually a good thing to do. Render sat down with the team and go page to page to review it. BUT, OMG, there are lots of pages / channels.
Food in Beijing
We went to a place like Yoshinoya for a quick lunch (yes, the meeting continued). My Beef Rice was ok, but the Taro Soy Milk was good! OK, my hope was in the Beijing Duck tonight.
At roughly 3:30pm, we are done with the meeting. My brain was toasted. I didn't want to do anything but sleep at that hour! I went online chat'd with Alex.. the only guy that's awake at the hr.... well, he went to bed not long after that.... So, I had to deal with the tireness and loneliness with .... UI work!!! At 5:10pm, Violet and I were ready to head out to shop for snack (for ourselves).
We went back to hotel to drop off the laptop. We went to Pharmercy to get DRUG first... o man, I was sooo happy when we got it... We then went to Watson, and then the Lotus Supermarket.... as soon as I got in, I saw 糖葫蘆！！！！！ I wanted it since last time I was in Beijing.
Anyway, dinner time, we went to Made in China (長江一號）a restaurant inside of the 君悅 hotel. I really like the decoration of the place. They have open kitchens inside the place: each station cook different part of the meal.
Wine bottles at the entrance,
Tea pots follow,
Fruits and cake...
then cooking wares (oops, no photo). The food was good... but very little :(....
I took a night pill and then went to bed.. cough cough.. I was really tired today!
Read more...
Recap: Day 2 @ Beijing
OK... all of the recap post are too long.. I will try to make it shorter this time.
Monday April 21, 2008
Because of jet lag, I woke up at 6ish. I went to restaurants in the hotel to check out breakfast. I went to 2nd and 19th floor... 2nd > 19th. I was very hungry at the time; but I decided to wait for the rest of the people. So I went back to bed to "kill some time." I slept till 8:00am and "Breakfast, here I come!"
After breakfast, we walked toward the China Office. My first major shock was outside of the elevator. It's a 28 stories building... OMG, there were probably 30~40 people waiting there. It totally reminds me Manhattan. It turns out to be one of my most frustrating activities while here in Beijing (another one is getting a taxi). I really don't like to wait for elevator or the elevator rides! I really miss Mt. View, badly! Anyway, Render took me around on 26th and 27th floor to meet some key people. It was still very early, not many people are in the office... ha, just like in Mt. View.
The office looks very nice. Very New! Lots of sunlight. Interestingly, even though we were on 26th floor, we got nature air from the windows~ Rarely happen in U.S. where is air-conditioned everywhere we go. But, there are downsides too: I can hear the car honking at each other all day long! My seat, sigh, is next to the restroom... I jokingly say that I should have start selling tissue to whoever goes to restroom (it's very common in Taiwan/China 20 years ago).
Food in Beijing
Well, since I am in Asia (Taiwan / China), food is one of the major things to be "documented." Lunch time, I went to 尚村 with Render, Violet, and Taiwanese editors. No pictures, but the food were super yummy. I like the soup especially. Dinner time, we ate at the SPA place (東方大班) :-p. We ghetto-ly ate a tons including 4 cups of pear juice. I should have asked them the name of the place. So I can go again... and go the DVD store next to it.
It's my first time to do a foot massage. It's very ticklish, but it's comfortable. I got super tired throughout... might be me being sick too. Anyway.. throughout the massage, I was so ready to just head back to hotel and sleep!
O, that night, I also realized that I wasn't having an allergy attack. Instead, I was sick, for real. At the Spa, my nose was all stuffed up... man.. sucks! No wonder that I didn't enjoy it as I should have!
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Monday April 21, 2008
Because of jet lag, I woke up at 6ish. I went to restaurants in the hotel to check out breakfast. I went to 2nd and 19th floor... 2nd > 19th. I was very hungry at the time; but I decided to wait for the rest of the people. So I went back to bed to "kill some time." I slept till 8:00am and "Breakfast, here I come!"
After breakfast, we walked toward the China Office. My first major shock was outside of the elevator. It's a 28 stories building... OMG, there were probably 30~40 people waiting there. It totally reminds me Manhattan. It turns out to be one of my most frustrating activities while here in Beijing (another one is getting a taxi). I really don't like to wait for elevator or the elevator rides! I really miss Mt. View, badly! Anyway, Render took me around on 26th and 27th floor to meet some key people. It was still very early, not many people are in the office... ha, just like in Mt. View.
The office looks very nice. Very New! Lots of sunlight. Interestingly, even though we were on 26th floor, we got nature air from the windows~ Rarely happen in U.S. where is air-conditioned everywhere we go. But, there are downsides too: I can hear the car honking at each other all day long! My seat, sigh, is next to the restroom... I jokingly say that I should have start selling tissue to whoever goes to restroom (it's very common in Taiwan/China 20 years ago).
Food in Beijing
Well, since I am in Asia (Taiwan / China), food is one of the major things to be "documented." Lunch time, I went to 尚村 with Render, Violet, and Taiwanese editors. No pictures, but the food were super yummy. I like the soup especially. Dinner time, we ate at the SPA place (東方大班) :-p. We ghetto-ly ate a tons including 4 cups of pear juice. I should have asked them the name of the place. So I can go again... and go the DVD store next to it.
It's my first time to do a foot massage. It's very ticklish, but it's comfortable. I got super tired throughout... might be me being sick too. Anyway.. throughout the massage, I was so ready to just head back to hotel and sleep!
O, that night, I also realized that I wasn't having an allergy attack. Instead, I was sick, for real. At the Spa, my nose was all stuffed up... man.. sucks! No wonder that I didn't enjoy it as I should have!
Read more...
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Recap: Day 1 @ Beijing
I arrived Beijing Capital Airport Terminal 3... which just launched 2 weeks prior. Even the stews didn't know what to expect. They told us to take this little train after clear custom, and head to Concourse D for luggage.
The terminal is super clean and modern. I can smell the new building (just like the new car smell). Quickly, I found out... man... Chinese people don't like AC. Last year, very similar to last time I was here a year ago. Gosh, a bit hot. I was really grateful still because I heard the week before it was in 80s... can't imagine that without AC.
After I got off the plane, I went straight to custom. Then heading to the train for my luggage. The stew told us, concourse D is 2 stops away from where we were. So I was counting.... We approached a building, the train slowed down but it never stopped. Err... does that count as one stop? I quickly switch to the mode of New Yorker, I looked up to try to find a map... I found an interesting map... it has only 3 points:
T3-B ---- T3-C ---- T3-D
I tried to find T3-C while the train passing by the first building... Err, no sign of that! Hmm, does that count toward one stop?
As me wondering, the train moved out the building and went into another one... announcement over the air spoke in two languages... basically they meant - get out the train, this is the LAST STOP. No indicator of where we are... GREAT... I am lost in the airport despite of knowing both languages!
After I exit the train, I tried to find my way to another train or luggage, I found luggage and I headed toward it... luckily, it's the RIGHT Stop!
Despite of my "class," the luggage came slow. After I got it, again, I was lost and didn't know where to go... I was calm.. and burdened with my luggages.. I walked back and forth to try to find a way out :(
OK, it's not too bad.. I was out of it 5 min later. I found the way to the rest of the Beijing! As soon as the door opens (I was into the real Beijing), O MY LORD, TONS of people are trying to pick up somebody. You think "signs" would help to identify you to the person you are trying to pick up? Try to come from the INSIDE!!! There are probably 30~50 signs... picking up mr/ms whoever... (one was from Google, wondering what he is doing here haha)...
OK.. after I went through the great wall of people... I didn't see my name tag.. ok.. I am screwed. I have now to try to find a starbucks and hoping he is going to be there to pick me up. Unfortunately, I decided to turn right after I came out of the great wall of people.... I didn't see a Starbucks.. so I decided to go Left now...
NOT FUNNY.. because it's SO not easy.
The great wall of people formed a line from the gate to the back wall... it just snacked around. They blocked the EAST & WEST way :( I had to try to go through that... while fighting the road with a lady who tried to push a cart filled with flower soil / water.
OK.. I got to the other side.. and found the starbucks... err.. no one is there waiting for me either. I tried to pull out my contact sheet to try to find Render.... 10 min later... I am holding that piece of paper.. trying to use a phone that's for handicap (b/c a lady kicked me out of the one that I was using b/c she is in a hurry. what!)
As I was joggling things around, I saw a man walking toward starbucks, with an AOL sign (black and white)... MAN.. I LOVE AOL!!!
After half hours fighting with the traffic, I was finally at the hotel. NERDY ME, took out my laptop to try to get online!! Dang.. issue... I picked up my phone and call the front desk which they sent someone to come and fix it.
I also gave Render a call.. and set 7:30pm as dinner time...
I went straight to bed for a nap... OMG, Bed is soooo nice!
We went to a restaurant that's not too far away from hotel. It's Japanese / Korean food. I met a few editors from Taiwan (yes, I ended up hanging out with them in the past few days). The food was OK... b/c I started to feel sicker and sicker :(
I went straight to bed after shower. Night Night Beijing!
Read more...
The terminal is super clean and modern. I can smell the new building (just like the new car smell). Quickly, I found out... man... Chinese people don't like AC. Last year, very similar to last time I was here a year ago. Gosh, a bit hot. I was really grateful still because I heard the week before it was in 80s... can't imagine that without AC.
After I got off the plane, I went straight to custom. Then heading to the train for my luggage. The stew told us, concourse D is 2 stops away from where we were. So I was counting.... We approached a building, the train slowed down but it never stopped. Err... does that count as one stop? I quickly switch to the mode of New Yorker, I looked up to try to find a map... I found an interesting map... it has only 3 points:
T3-B ---- T3-C ---- T3-D
I tried to find T3-C while the train passing by the first building... Err, no sign of that! Hmm, does that count toward one stop?
As me wondering, the train moved out the building and went into another one... announcement over the air spoke in two languages... basically they meant - get out the train, this is the LAST STOP. No indicator of where we are... GREAT... I am lost in the airport despite of knowing both languages!
After I exit the train, I tried to find my way to another train or luggage, I found luggage and I headed toward it... luckily, it's the RIGHT Stop!
Despite of my "class," the luggage came slow. After I got it, again, I was lost and didn't know where to go... I was calm.. and burdened with my luggages.. I walked back and forth to try to find a way out :(
OK, it's not too bad.. I was out of it 5 min later. I found the way to the rest of the Beijing! As soon as the door opens (I was into the real Beijing), O MY LORD, TONS of people are trying to pick up somebody. You think "signs" would help to identify you to the person you are trying to pick up? Try to come from the INSIDE!!! There are probably 30~50 signs... picking up mr/ms whoever... (one was from Google, wondering what he is doing here haha)...
OK.. after I went through the great wall of people... I didn't see my name tag.. ok.. I am screwed. I have now to try to find a starbucks and hoping he is going to be there to pick me up. Unfortunately, I decided to turn right after I came out of the great wall of people.... I didn't see a Starbucks.. so I decided to go Left now...
NOT FUNNY.. because it's SO not easy.
The great wall of people formed a line from the gate to the back wall... it just snacked around. They blocked the EAST & WEST way :( I had to try to go through that... while fighting the road with a lady who tried to push a cart filled with flower soil / water.
OK.. I got to the other side.. and found the starbucks... err.. no one is there waiting for me either. I tried to pull out my contact sheet to try to find Render.... 10 min later... I am holding that piece of paper.. trying to use a phone that's for handicap (b/c a lady kicked me out of the one that I was using b/c she is in a hurry. what!)
As I was joggling things around, I saw a man walking toward starbucks, with an AOL sign (black and white)... MAN.. I LOVE AOL!!!
After half hours fighting with the traffic, I was finally at the hotel. NERDY ME, took out my laptop to try to get online!! Dang.. issue... I picked up my phone and call the front desk which they sent someone to come and fix it.
I also gave Render a call.. and set 7:30pm as dinner time...
I went straight to bed for a nap... OMG, Bed is soooo nice!
We went to a restaurant that's not too far away from hotel. It's Japanese / Korean food. I met a few editors from Taiwan (yes, I ended up hanging out with them in the past few days). The food was OK... b/c I started to feel sicker and sicker :(
I went straight to bed after shower. Night Night Beijing!
Read more...
Here I come, China!
OK... after two weeks of talking back and forth, mostly about my work schedule, I was finally heading to China.
Recap for the past few days prior my departure of US: I got my visa on Tuesday (the day I came back from Miami); work a ton on Wed to get my design ready, went to the Prayer Meeting (o yea, I need prayers); and planned a major UI Review on Thursday, celebrated Tim's Birthday @ SF; work some on Friday and went to Chiropractor, then went to Fellowship. I got home almost 11pm and still hadn't packed. This is a new record - 12 hrs before the flight (10 hr before heading to airport)!
Clement and Winnie gave me and Tom a ride. Both of us are heading to China... me to Beijing, he to 上海. I am actually looking forward to my ride a little bit. Why? I am FLYING IN CLASS - business class :).
Since I got to the airport barely on time. I quickly went through the Security and went straight to the Lounge! It's quite an experience! Inside of the lounge, you see tons of people resting on sofa. They are either reading, chatting, or on computers. As a nerdy peasant, I was surprised to see so many OUTLET. Each person had one by their sofa! Sigh, these rich people will never know how precious those outlets are outside the lounge.
I went a little deeper and I found food... Quickly, the hungry peasant grabbed cookie and yogurt. Being a nice sister, I also grabbed some for my fellow peasant... Tom. Before I head out to the lounge, I went touring inside the lounge, I saw DESKS!!! OMG, it's like a Library. Of course, each desk had its own plugs.... There was a business center next to the desk areas. People can print stuff or make copies for free.
Wait... my boarding time is only 10 min away! Dang, time flies by when you enjoy the most!
I quickly came out of the lounge, I gave Tom a call so I can gave him pocketful of cookie, muffin, and yogurt. He was still at security because he forgot to get a boarding pass when we came in. OMG, announcer are calling for my flight... I am supposed to be among the First Class, 1K people to get on board without waiting in line!!! But, I was waiting patiently for Tom~ :(
OK.. after I handed off pocketful of stuff... BUSINESS CLASS HERE I COME!
It's not as dramatic... stews didn't already know my name. She has to looked on her piece of cheat sheet. And, I had to wait for my first drink! But, before we took off, I got a champagne. Stew came over to take order after we took off. She also brought nuts and drinks ;)
It only took us 1.5hr to complete the whole eating process... from nuts and drink, to appetizer, to main course, to dessert... they came SEPARATELY!!! I had a champagne, white dinning wine, and a sip of red dessert wine... omg, i was ready to sleep!
OK... the rest of the flight was filled with DS (I used up all the power... and cannot be recharaged here in China); watching Taiwanese soap opera; got up a zillion time and stretch at my seat (b/c I have too much leg room); watched enchanted 1.5 times, and watched August Rush .5 x2 time, and a weird movie. OK... time didn't fly by that fast but I managed to stay engaged.
I landed in China 2:45pm local time (april 20).... ready for my challenge... get picked up by a person who I have never met, who doesn't have my cell phone, and I don't have his cell phone. Here I come, China.
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Recap for the past few days prior my departure of US: I got my visa on Tuesday (the day I came back from Miami); work a ton on Wed to get my design ready, went to the Prayer Meeting (o yea, I need prayers); and planned a major UI Review on Thursday, celebrated Tim's Birthday @ SF; work some on Friday and went to Chiropractor, then went to Fellowship. I got home almost 11pm and still hadn't packed. This is a new record - 12 hrs before the flight (10 hr before heading to airport)!
Clement and Winnie gave me and Tom a ride. Both of us are heading to China... me to Beijing, he to 上海. I am actually looking forward to my ride a little bit. Why? I am FLYING IN CLASS - business class :).
Since I got to the airport barely on time. I quickly went through the Security and went straight to the Lounge! It's quite an experience! Inside of the lounge, you see tons of people resting on sofa. They are either reading, chatting, or on computers. As a nerdy peasant, I was surprised to see so many OUTLET. Each person had one by their sofa! Sigh, these rich people will never know how precious those outlets are outside the lounge.
I went a little deeper and I found food... Quickly, the hungry peasant grabbed cookie and yogurt. Being a nice sister, I also grabbed some for my fellow peasant... Tom. Before I head out to the lounge, I went touring inside the lounge, I saw DESKS!!! OMG, it's like a Library. Of course, each desk had its own plugs.... There was a business center next to the desk areas. People can print stuff or make copies for free.
Wait... my boarding time is only 10 min away! Dang, time flies by when you enjoy the most!
I quickly came out of the lounge, I gave Tom a call so I can gave him pocketful of cookie, muffin, and yogurt. He was still at security because he forgot to get a boarding pass when we came in. OMG, announcer are calling for my flight... I am supposed to be among the First Class, 1K people to get on board without waiting in line!!! But, I was waiting patiently for Tom~ :(
OK.. after I handed off pocketful of stuff... BUSINESS CLASS HERE I COME!
It's not as dramatic... stews didn't already know my name. She has to looked on her piece of cheat sheet. And, I had to wait for my first drink! But, before we took off, I got a champagne. Stew came over to take order after we took off. She also brought nuts and drinks ;)
It only took us 1.5hr to complete the whole eating process... from nuts and drink, to appetizer, to main course, to dessert... they came SEPARATELY!!! I had a champagne, white dinning wine, and a sip of red dessert wine... omg, i was ready to sleep!
OK... the rest of the flight was filled with DS (I used up all the power... and cannot be recharaged here in China); watching Taiwanese soap opera; got up a zillion time and stretch at my seat (b/c I have too much leg room); watched enchanted 1.5 times, and watched August Rush .5 x2 time, and a weird movie. OK... time didn't fly by that fast but I managed to stay engaged.
I landed in China 2:45pm local time (april 20).... ready for my challenge... get picked up by a person who I have never met, who doesn't have my cell phone, and I don't have his cell phone. Here I come, China.
Read more...
Recap: PostConference @ Miami
Hahahah... busy with travel schedule
Will blog soon about my (half) day just kicking back by the pool side
Read more...
Will blog soon about my (half) day just kicking back by the pool side
Read more...
Recap: PostConference @ Miami
Hahahah... busy with travel schedule
Will blog soon about my (half) day just kicking back by the pool side
Read more...
Will blog soon about my (half) day just kicking back by the pool side
Read more...
Monday, April 14, 2008
Recap: Day 1 @ Summit: Seeing is .... attempting
One of the my memorable IA Summit presentation was Long Wow by Brandon Schauer from Adaptive Path. The content of his talk is definitely not revolutionary. In fact, I will be able to say the same thing ... not as nicely, not as logically, and not as well presented.... but, the talk was awesome... I am really inspired by his talk: build consumer loyalty by design with quality; and design with users' goals in mind.
He gave a few presentation, but the most inspiring one was Nike+'s ipod and running shoes integration. More than that, users' runner blog, and ways for them to socially share their running experience... that to me is SUPER! Nike successfully INCREASES its breadth of users just by gracefully integrated with the HOTtest product of the past few years!
Seeing is attempting...
After Brandon's talk... I really wanted Nike+.. the speedometer (ipod and running shoes combo). Also, his book, subject to change!
Read more...
He gave a few presentation, but the most inspiring one was Nike+'s ipod and running shoes integration. More than that, users' runner blog, and ways for them to socially share their running experience... that to me is SUPER! Nike successfully INCREASES its breadth of users just by gracefully integrated with the HOTtest product of the past few years!
Seeing is attempting...
After Brandon's talk... I really wanted Nike+.. the speedometer (ipod and running shoes combo). Also, his book, subject to change!
Read more...
Saturday, April 12, 2008
PreConference @ summit
OK... Day -1 at IA summit. I went to two workshops: Communication Design and Guerilla Persona. I went around to trade the trading cards. I met lots of people. Because of the trading card, I got to talk to more people than I have ever done. Also, we were forced / helped to know more people in class, more connections were formed because the "common ground."
Communication Design was a good class. It is totally something I am lacking - clear design of wireframe. We went through flowchart, wireframe, and then design critique. At the very beginning, I found the class might be too trivial because it's in between what I know and a little what I might not be clear. However, the class went a bit deeper (not much).
Some of the major steps of designing a flowchart are to have a purpose, target audiences, perspective, and the content (situation analysis, establish purpose, list of elements, priority elements, and identify key relationships). These concepts were not foreign to me however, I felt it's lacking from my process of designing a flowchart.
In term of presentation of documents: we talked about we should have: talk points (theme and context); questions (validation, clarifications, and resolutions); implications (functional and organizational).
Despite how much I don't like about documentation, one thing he had in his wireframe was history of changes... it's something I refused to do because it made readers of the document don't see the whole picture. However, the way he put it was more for the sake of myself. I can keep track of conversation and decision. I buy it! Another way to have a smoother meeting is by anticipate all participants' agenda.
Compare to the morning session, the afternoon session was just over-promising in the description and it is considered as wasted of money for me to attend. I sat in class, and was working my email and coordinating sync. Boring. She focused too much on the usability of the webpage. I don't feel she actually tackle the PERSONA - which I really want to learn, how to design one and stick with it.. even involve other stakeholders to use it. It's waste of time.. but I guess I used it WISELY.
There is a session for the first timer to the IA Summit. Dennis said 5 1/2 things for us to remember: reflect, focus, go to 5 min madness, go depth,... hmm... talking to people (networking)... something like that.
The party was a bit sucky. I had fun trading cards and chatting with a few people I met in the day time.
Another thing I have done was for Dave Robins from Kent University. I went through his study and learn about MYSELF... what do I like vs what I don't like. Very interesting especially the conversation that I had with Rebekah on the side.
Tomorrow is the beginning of the real summit... time for bed so I can be less tired!
Read more...
Communication Design was a good class. It is totally something I am lacking - clear design of wireframe. We went through flowchart, wireframe, and then design critique. At the very beginning, I found the class might be too trivial because it's in between what I know and a little what I might not be clear. However, the class went a bit deeper (not much).
Some of the major steps of designing a flowchart are to have a purpose, target audiences, perspective, and the content (situation analysis, establish purpose, list of elements, priority elements, and identify key relationships). These concepts were not foreign to me however, I felt it's lacking from my process of designing a flowchart.
In term of presentation of documents: we talked about we should have: talk points (theme and context); questions (validation, clarifications, and resolutions); implications (functional and organizational).
Despite how much I don't like about documentation, one thing he had in his wireframe was history of changes... it's something I refused to do because it made readers of the document don't see the whole picture. However, the way he put it was more for the sake of myself. I can keep track of conversation and decision. I buy it! Another way to have a smoother meeting is by anticipate all participants' agenda.
Compare to the morning session, the afternoon session was just over-promising in the description and it is considered as wasted of money for me to attend. I sat in class, and was working my email and coordinating sync. Boring. She focused too much on the usability of the webpage. I don't feel she actually tackle the PERSONA - which I really want to learn, how to design one and stick with it.. even involve other stakeholders to use it. It's waste of time.. but I guess I used it WISELY.
There is a session for the first timer to the IA Summit. Dennis said 5 1/2 things for us to remember: reflect, focus, go to 5 min madness, go depth,... hmm... talking to people (networking)... something like that.
The party was a bit sucky. I had fun trading cards and chatting with a few people I met in the day time.
Another thing I have done was for Dave Robins from Kent University. I went through his study and learn about MYSELF... what do I like vs what I don't like. Very interesting especially the conversation that I had with Rebekah on the side.
Tomorrow is the beginning of the real summit... time for bed so I can be less tired!
Read more...
Hotel Miami
I was in room 613. As soon as I walked into the room.... it smells funny. I like the room setting even though I found it weird when I first walked in. It has a 3 feet hall way lead to a closet and a bathroom. On the other side of the wall, it's the king size bed, side way. There are 4 big windows which led to... bad views. Hmm... strangely, there is a metal ticking sound from the air condition. I first found it OK because it was pretty early in the evening. I was more occupied to get online and figure out what to have for dinner.
I went to dinner at a bar with Steve, who ate already. We talked about .. work. He also told me about the workshop that he went to - design pattern. It's quite interesting. I am looking forward to learn more from him.
As we went up to the room, as we about to say bye, Steve asked me what's the room number I got. I said 613.... He told me that he stayed in that room last night. The metal ticking sound bothered him.... HMM.. I went down to the lobby again to change a room.
I went from the old room (packed my thing) and moved to the new room. As soon as I came approach the hallway... OMG, it's even worse. This time, it's the ice machine... It's like someone is blowing drying their hair next to your ear loud. I called immediately, the guy at the desk that it will be turned off in a few min. I looked at the clock, I figure, it's a few min short from 11:30.. I figure, that might be a good time to TURN it off... But, I waited till 12:05, it's still ON... I called again. This time, I went more aggressive... i offered to turn it off myself, if I am allowed. He said he would send someone to do it. 5 min later, I heard someone in the hallway, two second later, it's OFF.
OMG, I thought it's a 5 stars hotel... it took me so many try to get it right.. and the wireless is not free.. sucker... I actually have to write my blog in text editor to save company 12.99. MAN!
Read more...
I went to dinner at a bar with Steve, who ate already. We talked about .. work. He also told me about the workshop that he went to - design pattern. It's quite interesting. I am looking forward to learn more from him.
As we went up to the room, as we about to say bye, Steve asked me what's the room number I got. I said 613.... He told me that he stayed in that room last night. The metal ticking sound bothered him.... HMM.. I went down to the lobby again to change a room.
I went from the old room (packed my thing) and moved to the new room. As soon as I came approach the hallway... OMG, it's even worse. This time, it's the ice machine... It's like someone is blowing drying their hair next to your ear loud. I called immediately, the guy at the desk that it will be turned off in a few min. I looked at the clock, I figure, it's a few min short from 11:30.. I figure, that might be a good time to TURN it off... But, I waited till 12:05, it's still ON... I called again. This time, I went more aggressive... i offered to turn it off myself, if I am allowed. He said he would send someone to do it. 5 min later, I heard someone in the hallway, two second later, it's OFF.
OMG, I thought it's a 5 stars hotel... it took me so many try to get it right.. and the wireless is not free.. sucker... I actually have to write my blog in text editor to save company 12.99. MAN!
Read more...
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Hello Miami
I am now at Miami attending IA Summit which started today (workshops) and will last till Monday. I spent most of the today on the road: arrived at airport 9:00am PST, and flew in 8pm EST in the evening. Even though now is almost 1am, I am still up and awake. This is not so bad b/c I can write BLOG; I will know better how this affect me tomorrow!
Typically I don't like to be on the road however today is great!
I have been very stressed out (ok, busy'ed out) by work/life. I don't have much down time PERIOD: me wake up, go work, home, work, shower, sleep, then repeat. I woke up earlier than before in attempting to get more. And I stay at work later, and and bring work home to try to finish them. Despite of my "trying," I still missed my deadline. I have to do things on "last in first out" basis... Never in my life that I have to pack the last min before travel, this time I was still packing at 11pm.
Anyway.. done complaining....
So today I got to airport 9am... very tired! I didn't really want to pull out laptop to start working. Instead, I played a little DS, and went to have a Udon for breakfast. I also bought a bag of chips for on the road (proofed I should buy MORE). And as soon as I got on the flight, I was in ready position to sleep. I woke up in between, I ate my chips and watched some movie (too lazy to get ear buds out). Played some DS, went back to sleep. I woke up, and ate my chocolate chips (breakfast from yesterday), and played some DS and went back to sleep. Woke up drinking juice, and ready to land.
Yes, this is how I spent today... eat, sleep, wake up, eat... repeats.. and DS in between! I was totally relaxed. I felt all the "weight" that I lost (ok, it's only 2 pounds) due to no time for food, and the sleep that I have missed, and the downtime that I didn't have ... I got them all today ON the flight. Instead of feeling tire.. I was totally refreshed on my way off the flight!
PRAISE GOD for this travel day.
(O... wait until I get chance to trash talk about the hotel I stay in... I almost have back to back changing room... :-p)
Read more...
Typically I don't like to be on the road however today is great!
I have been very stressed out (ok, busy'ed out) by work/life. I don't have much down time PERIOD: me wake up, go work, home, work, shower, sleep, then repeat. I woke up earlier than before in attempting to get more. And I stay at work later, and and bring work home to try to finish them. Despite of my "trying," I still missed my deadline. I have to do things on "last in first out" basis... Never in my life that I have to pack the last min before travel, this time I was still packing at 11pm.
Anyway.. done complaining....
So today I got to airport 9am... very tired! I didn't really want to pull out laptop to start working. Instead, I played a little DS, and went to have a Udon for breakfast. I also bought a bag of chips for on the road (proofed I should buy MORE). And as soon as I got on the flight, I was in ready position to sleep. I woke up in between, I ate my chips and watched some movie (too lazy to get ear buds out). Played some DS, went back to sleep. I woke up, and ate my chocolate chips (breakfast from yesterday), and played some DS and went back to sleep. Woke up drinking juice, and ready to land.
Yes, this is how I spent today... eat, sleep, wake up, eat... repeats.. and DS in between! I was totally relaxed. I felt all the "weight" that I lost (ok, it's only 2 pounds) due to no time for food, and the sleep that I have missed, and the downtime that I didn't have ... I got them all today ON the flight. Instead of feeling tire.. I was totally refreshed on my way off the flight!
PRAISE GOD for this travel day.
(O... wait until I get chance to trash talk about the hotel I stay in... I almost have back to back changing room... :-p)
Read more...
Friday, March 14, 2008
Digital Picture frame
For every terrible mockup we see, there's a few that stand out -- and it looks like that Digital Polaroid frame concept we spotted a couple weeks ago caught some eyes over at Polaroid as well, because the company has apparently contacted designer Dave Friedman and is working on making it a real product. That's a pretty fitting tribute to a classic gone by -- but we won't be appeased unless you can shake this thing to make new photos appear.That's a post from http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/13/polaroid-to-shake-instant-digital-photo-frame-into-reality/
I really like this idea even though:
"David Friedman, the concept's originator, got in touch and let us know that "I wish [it] were the case, but unfortunately the first I heard of this was earlier today in a post on Stuff Magazine's website. ... So I think this still goes in the "rumor" category for now."
Hmm, what if....
we can have a picture frame.. polaroid style or not.. it's supported by an interface that people can add caption to it. And the picture frame itself will process all those writing and put it in the bottom (the white area).
Even better, I felt today digital picture frame is kinda "dumb" idea because you have to plug it in and turn it on for display. No one will keep that on always.. or plug in when guest show up. MY SUGGESTION is... to have it support by solar power :)... probably need some battery to keep powering the device. Technically, it's challenge. But, it made the perfect sense. When guest comes, we want to turn the light on and show the picture... even better, we can have some sort of "gallery treatment"
[see picture here]
Or we can always have a switch to "strength the power" if people actually are viewing!
DONE!
Read more...
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Picture Tagging
http://images.google.com/imagelabeler/
Google has their way to make people to do the hard work :)
I am a believer of hierarchy-less retrieving - aka tagging. (wow, the terminologies used to occupied my head are all gone). However, I do realize the fact that it's an enormous work to make it usable. But Google has its way quietly put this WORK onto the users.
It is not a new idea to have this type of competition tagging game. I have read it in the research paper. This way, not only there is some sort of consensus of the best tag for the given picture. Also, there is association of tags. AWESOME!
Yes, the hotness of tag has passed... people don't talk about it much any more. However, with google image labeler.. who knows... maybe when they gather enough data, they can push more products out with imagine association feature.
Read more...
Google has their way to make people to do the hard work :)
I am a believer of hierarchy-less retrieving - aka tagging. (wow, the terminologies used to occupied my head are all gone). However, I do realize the fact that it's an enormous work to make it usable. But Google has its way quietly put this WORK onto the users.
It is not a new idea to have this type of competition tagging game. I have read it in the research paper. This way, not only there is some sort of consensus of the best tag for the given picture. Also, there is association of tags. AWESOME!
Yes, the hotness of tag has passed... people don't talk about it much any more. However, with google image labeler.. who knows... maybe when they gather enough data, they can push more products out with imagine association feature.
Read more...
Friday, January 18, 2008
Snowboarding
這個週末要去滑雪
從來沒有 snowboarding 過~~
明天來去上課 :) 希望可以學會 哈哈!!
我其實不是很喜歡速度
但我覺得滑雪是一個只有在國外在可以體會的東西
我聽很多留學生都熱愛滑雪
只有我很 SULA 都不太敢去玩~
請為我的安全禱告 :)
年紀大 怕摔跤~~~ 會痛~ 哈哈
加油!!
Read more...
從來沒有 snowboarding 過~~
明天來去上課 :) 希望可以學會 哈哈!!
我其實不是很喜歡速度
但我覺得滑雪是一個只有在國外在可以體會的東西
我聽很多留學生都熱愛滑雪
只有我很 SULA 都不太敢去玩~
請為我的安全禱告 :)
年紀大 怕摔跤~~~ 會痛~ 哈哈
加油!!
Read more...
Monday, November 19, 2007
Future of reading
Amazon just released this reading device: Amazon Kindle
It's light weight (about the weight of one book).
It has internet connect.
And it can store up to 200+ books.
I bet there are ways for you to highlight and make marks.
Even better, if it can spit out the highlights and remarks.
Will this replace book as many other devices attempted in the past?
Are we ready for the new technoloy? like ipod & itune have changed?
Well, i felt the form factor is a bit ugly.
It looks like a digital weight to me.
It looks very hard to put your hand on the book.
Is it durable for me to put it in my bag that I smash on the wall, caught between the elevator doors, drop on the floor?
I am not ready to switch but never against trying new tech... o, wait, I don't read the paper version either. I bet it will read it back to me very soon! Now, that's better :)
Read more...
It's light weight (about the weight of one book).
It has internet connect.
And it can store up to 200+ books.
I bet there are ways for you to highlight and make marks.
Even better, if it can spit out the highlights and remarks.
Will this replace book as many other devices attempted in the past?
Are we ready for the new technoloy? like ipod & itune have changed?
Well, i felt the form factor is a bit ugly.
It looks like a digital weight to me.
It looks very hard to put your hand on the book.
Is it durable for me to put it in my bag that I smash on the wall, caught between the elevator doors, drop on the floor?
I am not ready to switch but never against trying new tech... o, wait, I don't read the paper version either. I bet it will read it back to me very soon! Now, that's better :)
Read more...
Trap of today's world
We are so addicted to technology today. To a point, stunt like this girl in the picture happen in our daily lives. I have been "trying" to text message while waiting for a light. One time failed because I was blessed with very few and much shorter lights; one time I sent successfully but because type a wrong key right before I sent, I deleted half of my message... O mine! Before my text message days, this seems absurd to me. I now caught doing it (thank God it's not by a cop). Lame lame lame.
It's like the message of Bruce Almighty that we are MEANT NOT to be master of anything - we become slaves of what we have created. Futhermore, we are slave to our lust.
Stop being selfish and care only about our agenda.
Read more...
Monday, September 24, 2007
beauty of math
Got this email from Ann (originally from Raymond Sai)
Beauty of Math!
1 x 8 + 1 = 9
12 x 8 + 2 = 98
123 x 8 + 3 = 987
1234 x 8 + 4 = 9876
12345 x 8 + 5 = 98765
123456 x 8 + 6 = 987654
1234567 x 8 + 7 = 9876543
12345678 x 8 + 8 = 98765432
123456789 x 8 + 9 = 987654321
1 x 9 + 2 = 11
12 x 9 + 3 = 111
123 x 9 + 4 = 1111
1234 x 9 + 5 = 11111
12345 x 9 + 6 = 111111
123456 x 9 + 7 = 1111111
1234567 x 9 + 8 = 11111111
12345678 x 9 + 9 = 111111111
123456789 x 9 +10= 1111111111
9 x 9 + 7 = 88
98 x 9 + 6 = 888
987 x 9 + 5 = 8888
9876 x 9 + 4 = 88888
98765 x 9 + 3 = 888888
987654 x 9 + 2 = 8888888
9876543 x 9 + 1 = 88888888
98765432 x 9 + 0 = 888888888
Brilliant, isn't it?
And look at this symmetry:
1 x 1 = 1
11 x 11 = 121
111 x 111 = 12321
1111 x 1111 = 1234321
11111 x 11111 = 123454321
111111 x 111111 = 12345654321
1111111 x 1111111 = 1234567654321
11111111 x 11111111 = 123456787654321
111111111 x 111111111=12345678987654321
Now, take a look at this...
101%
From a strictly mathematical viewpoint:
What Equals 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%?
Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%?
We have all been in situations where someone wants you to GIVE OVER 100%.
How about ACHIEVING 101%?
What equals 100% in life?
Here's a little mathematical formula that might help answer these
questions:
If:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Is represented as:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.
If:
H-A-R-D-W-O-R- K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%
And:
K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%
But:
A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%
THEN, look how far the love of God will take you:
L-O-V-E-O-F-G-O-D
12+15+22+5+15+6+7+15+4 = 101%
Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that:
While Hard Work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will
get you there, It's the Love of God that will put you over the top!
It's up to you if you share this with your friends & loved ones just
the way I did
Read more...
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Piano
I took my first piano lesson today with Ivy. OMG, I cannot believe how "stubborn" my fingers are. They jump up and down, move left and right on its own without asking me, the so-called master of mind. And then I saw this on the web:
I guess I will be as good in another 3~5 years i.e. if I were a piano prodigy. However, if not, I have a long-er way to go ;)
I like it. I like learning. I like piano. I like to make a pretty sound.
Read more...
I guess I will be as good in another 3~5 years i.e. if I were a piano prodigy. However, if not, I have a long-er way to go ;)
I like it. I like learning. I like piano. I like to make a pretty sound.
Read more...
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Live Free...
I watched Live Free Die Hard yesterday (July 4th). It's a good and entertaining movie but... in summarizing, I will said - it's a movie combined: Terminator 2 (who even appeared in Live Free & Die hard), AI, and a little bit of True Lies. So what's this mean? Again, showing our dependency of technology will one day bit us back. I have to admit, this is one of my fears. On top of that, I read this new today: http://www.switched.com/2007/07/05/cell-phone-battery-explodes-kills-worker/
Maybe this is more of a common fear we have imagined. Ok... let's give it a test: Imagine there is no internet (not too bad), no cell phone signal (OK), cell battery is dying (getting worse), trying to access the contact book inside the cell phone while battling the last tiny bit of the battery (but the phone still showing the beautiful logo of your provider, worse).... ATM, guarded gates.... OH, the money inside the bank, after all, it's purely my faith in the bank digits(so it doesn't go down). Since when I am a prisoner of the technology? How can I really live free in this world?
Hmmmm, btw, this is at least the 2nd movie I have seen mentioned and sprung off the East Coast block out. Ha. I don't miss being in NY to experience experiences; and yet, I miss it.
Read more...
Maybe this is more of a common fear we have imagined. Ok... let's give it a test: Imagine there is no internet (not too bad), no cell phone signal (OK), cell battery is dying (getting worse), trying to access the contact book inside the cell phone while battling the last tiny bit of the battery (but the phone still showing the beautiful logo of your provider, worse).... ATM, guarded gates.... OH, the money inside the bank, after all, it's purely my faith in the bank digits(so it doesn't go down). Since when I am a prisoner of the technology? How can I really live free in this world?
Hmmmm, btw, this is at least the 2nd movie I have seen mentioned and sprung off the East Coast block out. Ha. I don't miss being in NY to experience experiences; and yet, I miss it.
Read more...
Friday, June 29, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
光良 童話
I don't like the MV, but I like the song :)
忘了有多久
再沒聽到你對我說你最愛的故事
我想了很久
我開始慌了
是不是我又做錯了甚麼
你哭著對我說
童話裡都是騙人的
我不可能是你的王子
也許你不會懂
從你說愛我以後
我的天空星星都亮了
我願〔要〕〔會〕變成童話裡
你愛的那個天使
張開雙手
變成翅膀守護你
你要相信
相信我們會像童話故事裡
幸福和快樂是結局
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Monday, June 25, 2007
Sashimi died
Sashimi is my fish. He usually greets me the first thing I came into the office but not this morning. This dude swum sideway occasionally to show me that he was sick. But this morning, he just lied sideway without struggle of swimming upward to greet me. Yap, he is a dead fish now.
I decided to give it a proper funeral... down the toilet. Here is his last pictures in his bowl.
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I decided to give it a proper funeral... down the toilet. Here is his last pictures in his bowl.
Read more...
Yankees
I went to see Yankees facing the Giants on Saturday.
It's the best game I have ever watched since I moved to the Bay Area. It's so intense... too bad they lost to the Giants in 13th inning.
I had so much fun. It kept me going for the rest of the weekend.
It's the best game I have ever watched since I moved to the Bay Area. It's so intense... too bad they lost to the Giants in 13th inning.
I had so much fun. It kept me going for the rest of the weekend.
Read more...
Sunday, June 17, 2007
iPod Video
Yes. I got my iPod Video.
It's the guilt of past two years spending... It costs 28,700 Pts. It's an exchanged gift using AT&T Credit Card point system. Gosh, it was such a LONG wait.. and lots of money spent.
I didn't always want an iPod.
Even now, I know it's not something I need since I value silence, nature, or man made ambiance as sound / music to ear. I found the beauty of absence of any artificial background music. But I have to admit I felt pretty good to have one.
The best feature that i like about my iPod is the ability for the device to recognize Chinese characters. No more Jackie Ping Yin.
Read more...
It's the guilt of past two years spending... It costs 28,700 Pts. It's an exchanged gift using AT&T Credit Card point system. Gosh, it was such a LONG wait.. and lots of money spent.
I didn't always want an iPod.
Even now, I know it's not something I need since I value silence, nature, or man made ambiance as sound / music to ear. I found the beauty of absence of any artificial background music. But I have to admit I felt pretty good to have one.
The best feature that i like about my iPod is the ability for the device to recognize Chinese characters. No more Jackie Ping Yin.
Read more...
Monday, June 04, 2007
知道的很多懂得很少
知道的很多懂得很少! 其實知道的也不是很多~
懂得的就更少了!
感謝主~~
想換公司的座位蠻久的
但是總覺得沒有什麼好的原因
沒想到今天老闆自己來問我說可不可以換座位到同一排
以方便小組溝通~
我要求坐在窗邊~~可是這個要求是有小小的美中不足
就是坐在老闆正旁邊~~
一定超級緊張的
但我相信~~
一定有神的美意在!!
感謝神~
最近雖然工作超級忙碌
我也很積極的多多努力
但我覺得我的心沒有被工作 blinded
似乎~~ 去年的功課...我有學到!
我的滿足不是從工作上的 self-satisfaction 而來!
但更要學習的是
祂是我的滿足!
Read more...
懂得的就更少了!
感謝主~~
想換公司的座位蠻久的
但是總覺得沒有什麼好的原因
沒想到今天老闆自己來問我說可不可以換座位到同一排
以方便小組溝通~
我要求坐在窗邊~~可是這個要求是有小小的美中不足
就是坐在老闆正旁邊~~
一定超級緊張的
但我相信~~
一定有神的美意在!!
感謝神~
最近雖然工作超級忙碌
我也很積極的多多努力
但我覺得我的心沒有被工作 blinded
似乎~~ 去年的功課...我有學到!
我的滿足不是從工作上的 self-satisfaction 而來!
但更要學習的是
祂是我的滿足!
Read more...
Monday, May 21, 2007
Actor Matthew Fox to Speak at CC Class Day
Seniors React to Announcement With Confusion, Dissatisfaction
By: Josh Hirschland
Fox, who plays Dr. Jack Shephard on ABC's Lost and formerly played Charlie Salinger on Party of Five, follows in the footsteps of Senator John McCain, R-Ariz., Robert Kraft, CC '63 and owner of the New England Patriots, and playwright Tony Kushner, CC '78, who have spoken at the last three Class Days.
All Class Day speakers must be affiliated with Columbia College in some way, meaning that alumni, faculty, or family of students are all eligible to speak. David Chait, CC senior class president, said that Fox was selected for his achievements as an actor, his commitment to Columbia, and his ability to represent the diverse group of students who graduate from Columbia.
"He'll be able to give a speech that isn't just about me, me Matthew Fox, but also about the Columbia experience," Chait said in an interview before the announcement. "I've heard wonderful things about him, and it appears to be a perfect match."
Chait said that while the selection committee went into this year's selection process with an "open mind," it was collectively "happy" that this year's speaker is not likely to spark divisions within the class. Some students protested McCain's speech last year by passing out 100 umbrellas and 800 buttons that read, "McCain does not speak for me."
But the committee may have traded contention for confusion and dissatisfaction. One senior leaving the announcement said, "This sucks," while another one said, "They obviously couldn't find anybody. He had to be 29th on the list."
Immediately after Quigley made the announcement, many could be heard muttering about the identity of the alumnus, a confusion that only partially subsided after Quigley played a slideshow of Fox's photos over a rendition of The Final Countdown.
"I've never heard of this guy. The years before got a Pulitzer Prize-winner and a potential presidential candidate," Julia Kite, CC '07, said. "I suppose that after what happened last year, they wanted someone less controversial."
Not all were displeased with the announcement.
"It's awesome, really awesome. Better than McCain," Anna Politzer, CC '07, said.
Chait added that he is working to make the criticism "constructive" by relaying complaints about the choice-and specifically about the rule stating that only members of the "Columbia College family" can be invited to speak-to administrators.
During his time at Columbia, Fox, who holds a B.A. in economics, was a wide receiver on the Lions' varsity football team. During his senior year, he played in the game in which Columbia broke the University's record-setting 44-game losing streak. According to Chait, he was also a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.
The 15-person selection committee, comprised of members of the senior class council, evaluated a number of candidates before settling on Fox, according to Chait. "We went through a list of pretty much every living alumnus who has done anything in their life ... from politicians to writers to people who have been successful in business," he said.
Before he made the announcement, Quigley waxed nostalgic about the assembled seniors who are set to graduate in 72 days.
"It doesn't get much better than being a member of the Columbia College class of 2007," Quigley said. "There aren't many groups with your set of talents and abilities. ... For all of us, it's just been great to have you around here."
This year's speech will be held on Tuesday, May 15, the day before University-wide commencement.
© Copyright 2007 Columbia Daily Spectator
Read more...
By: Josh Hirschland
Posted: 3/7/07
Columbia College Dean Austin Quigley announced on Monday that actor Matthew Fox, CC '89, will speak at this May's Class Day, sparking outrage among many seniors who expressed disappointment in the choice.Fox, who plays Dr. Jack Shephard on ABC's Lost and formerly played Charlie Salinger on Party of Five, follows in the footsteps of Senator John McCain, R-Ariz., Robert Kraft, CC '63 and owner of the New England Patriots, and playwright Tony Kushner, CC '78, who have spoken at the last three Class Days.
All Class Day speakers must be affiliated with Columbia College in some way, meaning that alumni, faculty, or family of students are all eligible to speak. David Chait, CC senior class president, said that Fox was selected for his achievements as an actor, his commitment to Columbia, and his ability to represent the diverse group of students who graduate from Columbia.
"He'll be able to give a speech that isn't just about me, me Matthew Fox, but also about the Columbia experience," Chait said in an interview before the announcement. "I've heard wonderful things about him, and it appears to be a perfect match."
Chait said that while the selection committee went into this year's selection process with an "open mind," it was collectively "happy" that this year's speaker is not likely to spark divisions within the class. Some students protested McCain's speech last year by passing out 100 umbrellas and 800 buttons that read, "McCain does not speak for me."
But the committee may have traded contention for confusion and dissatisfaction. One senior leaving the announcement said, "This sucks," while another one said, "They obviously couldn't find anybody. He had to be 29th on the list."
Immediately after Quigley made the announcement, many could be heard muttering about the identity of the alumnus, a confusion that only partially subsided after Quigley played a slideshow of Fox's photos over a rendition of The Final Countdown.
"I've never heard of this guy. The years before got a Pulitzer Prize-winner and a potential presidential candidate," Julia Kite, CC '07, said. "I suppose that after what happened last year, they wanted someone less controversial."
Not all were displeased with the announcement.
"It's awesome, really awesome. Better than McCain," Anna Politzer, CC '07, said.
Chait added that he is working to make the criticism "constructive" by relaying complaints about the choice-and specifically about the rule stating that only members of the "Columbia College family" can be invited to speak-to administrators.
During his time at Columbia, Fox, who holds a B.A. in economics, was a wide receiver on the Lions' varsity football team. During his senior year, he played in the game in which Columbia broke the University's record-setting 44-game losing streak. According to Chait, he was also a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.
The 15-person selection committee, comprised of members of the senior class council, evaluated a number of candidates before settling on Fox, according to Chait. "We went through a list of pretty much every living alumnus who has done anything in their life ... from politicians to writers to people who have been successful in business," he said.
Before he made the announcement, Quigley waxed nostalgic about the assembled seniors who are set to graduate in 72 days.
"It doesn't get much better than being a member of the Columbia College class of 2007," Quigley said. "There aren't many groups with your set of talents and abilities. ... For all of us, it's just been great to have you around here."
This year's speech will be held on Tuesday, May 15, the day before University-wide commencement.
© Copyright 2007 Columbia Daily Spectator
Read more...
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Ex-Yank Williams still setting example
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070520&content_id=1976931&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy
NEW YORK -- For about two hours Sunday, the Theater at Madison Square Garden sounded a lot like Yankee Stadium.
That's because with Bernie Williams on hand to speak at Iona College's graduation commencement, hundreds of fans turned up the volume to show their love for the veteran outfielder.
When the moderator first introduced him, the serenity of the proceeding was broken with a "Let's go Bernie," from a male student sitting in the first few rows. Then, as Williams approached the lectern, he waited for 30 seconds as about half the graduating students and hundreds of family members and guests stood up in support.
They were cheering, whistling, clapping and chanting the ever familiar -- BER-NIE ... BER-NIE ... BER-NIE.
It was almost as if the Bleacher Creatures were there.
On their way to get their diplomas, several students stepped out of their way to go over to Williams' seat to shake his hand, showing appreciation for 16 exciting seasons in the Bronx.
There were at least two hugs and a peck on the cheek from female students, and one more seeking an autograph.
It was all in good fun, and Williams, as well as the esteemed Iona faculty sitting with him, seemed to appreciate the frivolity mixed in with the pomp and circumstance.
"Don't be afraid to take risks. Make the most of your journey. Make it fun and exciting," said Williams, who talked for almost 10 minutes about the start of his baseball career as a nervous 17-year-old in the Yankees organization as well as his endeavors as an accomplished musician.
"My experience over 17 years playing with the Yankees, these are a few of the things that I've learned. You've got to have a plan of action," said Williams, who received an honorary doctorate of humane letters. "You have to stay focused on the things you can control, and don't get discouraged or distracted by the things you cannot control."
One thing he couldn't control much was a return to the Yankees -- the only organization he has ever played for -- for a 17th season.
The 38-year-old Williams contemplated all winter whether to come back and play in 2007, with teammates hinting he would only do so for the Yankees. But New York offered Williams only a Minor League deal with the opportunity to earn a roster spot in Spring Training -- which he declined.
Brought back in 2006 as a reserve, Williams played much more than expected after long-term injuries to outfielders Hideki Matsui and Gary Sheffield, hitting .281 with 12 home runs and 61 RBIs in 131 games.
But Williams is currently out of baseball, and after 287 home runs, 1,257 RBIs, a .297 average, five All-Star Games, four Gold Gloves, four World Series championships, a batting title and a great deal of postseason acclaim, the cheers he heard Sunday may have been a fond farewell.
So he offered these final words to Iona's graduating class of 2007:
"I know there's certain things regarding your job or whatever you may end up doing [that you don't like], but I'm here to tell you, don't let your job define who you are. Your relationships will define who you are," Williams said. "No matter what you choose to do in life ... you are going to be in a position to make an impact on somebody's life."
Peter Zellen is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
Read more...
NEW YORK -- For about two hours Sunday, the Theater at Madison Square Garden sounded a lot like Yankee Stadium.
That's because with Bernie Williams on hand to speak at Iona College's graduation commencement, hundreds of fans turned up the volume to show their love for the veteran outfielder.
When the moderator first introduced him, the serenity of the proceeding was broken with a "Let's go Bernie," from a male student sitting in the first few rows. Then, as Williams approached the lectern, he waited for 30 seconds as about half the graduating students and hundreds of family members and guests stood up in support.
They were cheering, whistling, clapping and chanting the ever familiar -- BER-NIE ... BER-NIE ... BER-NIE.
It was almost as if the Bleacher Creatures were there.
On their way to get their diplomas, several students stepped out of their way to go over to Williams' seat to shake his hand, showing appreciation for 16 exciting seasons in the Bronx.
There were at least two hugs and a peck on the cheek from female students, and one more seeking an autograph.
It was all in good fun, and Williams, as well as the esteemed Iona faculty sitting with him, seemed to appreciate the frivolity mixed in with the pomp and circumstance.
"Don't be afraid to take risks. Make the most of your journey. Make it fun and exciting," said Williams, who talked for almost 10 minutes about the start of his baseball career as a nervous 17-year-old in the Yankees organization as well as his endeavors as an accomplished musician.
"My experience over 17 years playing with the Yankees, these are a few of the things that I've learned. You've got to have a plan of action," said Williams, who received an honorary doctorate of humane letters. "You have to stay focused on the things you can control, and don't get discouraged or distracted by the things you cannot control."
One thing he couldn't control much was a return to the Yankees -- the only organization he has ever played for -- for a 17th season.
The 38-year-old Williams contemplated all winter whether to come back and play in 2007, with teammates hinting he would only do so for the Yankees. But New York offered Williams only a Minor League deal with the opportunity to earn a roster spot in Spring Training -- which he declined.
Brought back in 2006 as a reserve, Williams played much more than expected after long-term injuries to outfielders Hideki Matsui and Gary Sheffield, hitting .281 with 12 home runs and 61 RBIs in 131 games.
But Williams is currently out of baseball, and after 287 home runs, 1,257 RBIs, a .297 average, five All-Star Games, four Gold Gloves, four World Series championships, a batting title and a great deal of postseason acclaim, the cheers he heard Sunday may have been a fond farewell.
So he offered these final words to Iona's graduating class of 2007:
"I know there's certain things regarding your job or whatever you may end up doing [that you don't like], but I'm here to tell you, don't let your job define who you are. Your relationships will define who you are," Williams said. "No matter what you choose to do in life ... you are going to be in a position to make an impact on somebody's life."
Peter Zellen is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
Read more...
Mariano Rivera - the bigger save!
Bigger saves ahead
By Jeff Passan, Yahoo! Sports
May 17, 2007
CHICAGO – In baseball's offseason, Mariano Rivera delivers trucks full of bicycles and toy cars and dolls to children in the upper reaches of Panama's Cordillera Central mountain range. Some recognize him, only because Rivera is among the most well-known people in his country. More recognize his generosity before his celebrity.
"We know that toys are only temporary because they're just material," Rivera said. "Bringing them a sense of hope – that is eternal."
Here in the United States, where he wears a New York Yankees jersey, Rivera has never been about hope. He has been the Yankees' Gibraltar, their talisman of assurance, their infallible piece amid the game's – and team's – changes. It is the dual existence he leads, pillar of certainty in one place and beacon of what can be in another, and, Rivera admits, it is what will eventually pull him away from baseball once and for all.
With poverty levels exceeding 40 percent throughout Panama and as high as 90 percent in some indigenous areas, the idea of returning home for good – to work with first lady Vivian Torrijos building churches and schools, as he has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to do, and trying to lessen the canyon-sized divide between the country's rich and poor – does tug at Rivera.
"Baseball is what I do," Rivera said, "but it's not who I am. After baseball, there's life. And what am I going to do? What God wants me to do."
While Rivera refuses to put a timetable on his retirement, he will turn 38 in November, he is in the final year of his contract and has struggled as much in this season's first six weeks as any time in his 13-year career. The 10 earned runs he has yielded are almost as many as he does in an average season. The pitch he throws almost exclusively – a 95-mph cut fastball that has sawed off more pieces of maple than a lumberjack – has lacked the bite of seasons past.
And, hey, it's not an April in New York if tabloid editors haven't tossed around the idea of burying Rivera on a back page with a NO MO headline.
"The highest compliment you can pay him is that when a couple saves get away from him, people say, 'What's wrong with him?' " Yankees manager Joe Torre said. "It's irritating, but it shows the standard he has set."
Truth is, Rivera said "there's plenty" left in his right arm, and six scoreless outings among his last seven – a tie-breaking home run that led to a loss the ugly blemish – do nothing to dispel that. Torre, and the Yankees by proxy, listen to Rivera's words as if they were canons.
Rivera's passion toward the game, he said, will influence the longevity of his career as much as any factor, and its presence remains.
"It's amazing the feeling I still get putting on this uniform," Rivera said. "It makes me proud."
Just as Rivera has done it proud. The last player to wear Jackie Robinson's No. 42, Rivera has earned himself a place in the record books with 34 postseason saves, in Yankees lore with 416 more in the regular season, plus four World Series rings, and in the Baseball Hall of Fame with the combination of it all.
"I'll keep handing him the ball," Torre said, "until he walks out the door."
Almost eight years ago, Rivera believed he would long have stepped through it by now. In the winter following the Yankees' third championship in four years, Rivera told The New York Times he planned on playing four more seasons, then retiring to minister to his Pentecostal church.
Reminded of his pledge, Rivera laughed and shook his head, as if to say, "Ah, youthful indiscretions." His sentiment, though noble, clashed with his drive.
So it's easy to wonder whether the specter of Rivera retiring really is just that: a mirage, an illusion, something that will vanish if he rips off a streak of 20 consecutive scoreless innings, of which he's still more than capable.
Twelve months of his dedication could mean infinitely more to Panama than the 100 days that comprise his offseason.
"I'm in the position where I have to give all I can," Rivera said. "I can't be stingy. Selfishness leads to an unforgiving end. There are a lot of people that need, and if you've been blessed and do nothing, you're not getting the job done.
"I love to help. This is something I'm supposed to be doing. I want to do this. I want to be able to put a smile on some kid's face."
No one in the Yankees organization wants to acknowledge that day will come. For so long they've been insulated from the helter-skelter world of a shaky ninth inning. Oh, they remember Sandy Alomar's home run in 1997, Rivera's first year as closer, that knocked the Yankees from the playoffs, and Luis Gonzalez's hit that ended the 2001 World Series, and Dave Roberts' stolen base that ruined their sheen of invincibility.
Though Rivera sports a few chinks, nobody does what he does. Not Trevor Hoffman, the San Diego Padres' maestro and baseball's all-time saves leader, who freely admits Rivera is peerless in the most literal sense. Not Jonathan Papelbon, the Boston Red Sox closer who matches Rivera's fastball velocity and comes with an equally filthy splitter. Not Dennis Eckersley, whose excellence rivaled Rivera's but whose longevity lagged, nor Gosse Gossage, whose longevity exceeded Rivera's but whose prime years couldn't match up.
There is only one Mariano Rivera, and soon enough, when his work here is done, he will return home for a far greater mission.
"While I want to be a good closer here," Rivera said, "I want to be the best closer in the kingdom of God."
Jeff Passan is a national baseball writer for Yahoo! Sports. Send Jeff a question or comment for potential use in a future column or webcast.
Updated on Thursday, May 17, 2007 4:54 pm EDT
By Jeff Passan, Yahoo! Sports
May 17, 2007
CHICAGO – In baseball's offseason, Mariano Rivera delivers trucks full of bicycles and toy cars and dolls to children in the upper reaches of Panama's Cordillera Central mountain range. Some recognize him, only because Rivera is among the most well-known people in his country. More recognize his generosity before his celebrity.
"We know that toys are only temporary because they're just material," Rivera said. "Bringing them a sense of hope – that is eternal."
Here in the United States, where he wears a New York Yankees jersey, Rivera has never been about hope. He has been the Yankees' Gibraltar, their talisman of assurance, their infallible piece amid the game's – and team's – changes. It is the dual existence he leads, pillar of certainty in one place and beacon of what can be in another, and, Rivera admits, it is what will eventually pull him away from baseball once and for all.
With poverty levels exceeding 40 percent throughout Panama and as high as 90 percent in some indigenous areas, the idea of returning home for good – to work with first lady Vivian Torrijos building churches and schools, as he has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to do, and trying to lessen the canyon-sized divide between the country's rich and poor – does tug at Rivera.
"Baseball is what I do," Rivera said, "but it's not who I am. After baseball, there's life. And what am I going to do? What God wants me to do."
While Rivera refuses to put a timetable on his retirement, he will turn 38 in November, he is in the final year of his contract and has struggled as much in this season's first six weeks as any time in his 13-year career. The 10 earned runs he has yielded are almost as many as he does in an average season. The pitch he throws almost exclusively – a 95-mph cut fastball that has sawed off more pieces of maple than a lumberjack – has lacked the bite of seasons past.
And, hey, it's not an April in New York if tabloid editors haven't tossed around the idea of burying Rivera on a back page with a NO MO headline.
"The highest compliment you can pay him is that when a couple saves get away from him, people say, 'What's wrong with him?' " Yankees manager Joe Torre said. "It's irritating, but it shows the standard he has set."
Truth is, Rivera said "there's plenty" left in his right arm, and six scoreless outings among his last seven – a tie-breaking home run that led to a loss the ugly blemish – do nothing to dispel that. Torre, and the Yankees by proxy, listen to Rivera's words as if they were canons.
Rivera's passion toward the game, he said, will influence the longevity of his career as much as any factor, and its presence remains.
"It's amazing the feeling I still get putting on this uniform," Rivera said. "It makes me proud."
Just as Rivera has done it proud. The last player to wear Jackie Robinson's No. 42, Rivera has earned himself a place in the record books with 34 postseason saves, in Yankees lore with 416 more in the regular season, plus four World Series rings, and in the Baseball Hall of Fame with the combination of it all.
"I'll keep handing him the ball," Torre said, "until he walks out the door."
Almost eight years ago, Rivera believed he would long have stepped through it by now. In the winter following the Yankees' third championship in four years, Rivera told The New York Times he planned on playing four more seasons, then retiring to minister to his Pentecostal church.
Reminded of his pledge, Rivera laughed and shook his head, as if to say, "Ah, youthful indiscretions." His sentiment, though noble, clashed with his drive.
So it's easy to wonder whether the specter of Rivera retiring really is just that: a mirage, an illusion, something that will vanish if he rips off a streak of 20 consecutive scoreless innings, of which he's still more than capable.
Twelve months of his dedication could mean infinitely more to Panama than the 100 days that comprise his offseason.
"I'm in the position where I have to give all I can," Rivera said. "I can't be stingy. Selfishness leads to an unforgiving end. There are a lot of people that need, and if you've been blessed and do nothing, you're not getting the job done.
"I love to help. This is something I'm supposed to be doing. I want to do this. I want to be able to put a smile on some kid's face."
No one in the Yankees organization wants to acknowledge that day will come. For so long they've been insulated from the helter-skelter world of a shaky ninth inning. Oh, they remember Sandy Alomar's home run in 1997, Rivera's first year as closer, that knocked the Yankees from the playoffs, and Luis Gonzalez's hit that ended the 2001 World Series, and Dave Roberts' stolen base that ruined their sheen of invincibility.
Though Rivera sports a few chinks, nobody does what he does. Not Trevor Hoffman, the San Diego Padres' maestro and baseball's all-time saves leader, who freely admits Rivera is peerless in the most literal sense. Not Jonathan Papelbon, the Boston Red Sox closer who matches Rivera's fastball velocity and comes with an equally filthy splitter. Not Dennis Eckersley, whose excellence rivaled Rivera's but whose longevity lagged, nor Gosse Gossage, whose longevity exceeded Rivera's but whose prime years couldn't match up.
There is only one Mariano Rivera, and soon enough, when his work here is done, he will return home for a far greater mission.
"While I want to be a good closer here," Rivera said, "I want to be the best closer in the kingdom of God."
Jeff Passan is a national baseball writer for Yahoo! Sports. Send Jeff a question or comment for potential use in a future column or webcast.
Updated on Thursday, May 17, 2007 4:54 pm EDT
Read more...
Friday, April 27, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Time
Time is the most precious gift in this world.
Everyone has only 24 hours each day with a few extra hours for those who sleep less.
Give and take, people want more:
More time from others
but stingy to give up
Time is the most precious gift in this world.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Today is my high school classmate's birthday. But I dont' have any of her contact since graduation.... man, those days without email addresses. Happy Birthday Cathy Dai!
Read more...
Everyone has only 24 hours each day with a few extra hours for those who sleep less.
Give and take, people want more:
More time from others
but stingy to give up
Time is the most precious gift in this world.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Today is my high school classmate's birthday. But I dont' have any of her contact since graduation.... man, those days without email addresses. Happy Birthday Cathy Dai!
Read more...
Friday, April 20, 2007
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Monday, February 26, 2007
Tag...
As I watched my closed friends are starting to use YouTube, Flickr, and web 2.0 sites, I realized there are still many people not grasping Tag...
Tag = label?
If so, why cannot I label my asset with my name plus my organization?
Yes you can... but, you better do it with one short descriptor, or connect them into one word.
Else, the asset is labeled as following: by, [first name], [last name], of, [organization part 1], [organization name part 2], [organization name part 3]... etc.
Even though I am a big on "once you started to use it, you will understand" about tagging, but I guess there are lots of place that hand-held can be done.
Read more...
Tag = label?
If so, why cannot I label my asset with my name plus my organization?
Yes you can... but, you better do it with one short descriptor, or connect them into one word.
Else, the asset is labeled as following: by, [first name], [last name], of, [organization part 1], [organization name part 2], [organization name part 3]... etc.
Even though I am a big on "once you started to use it, you will understand" about tagging, but I guess there are lots of place that hand-held can be done.
Read more...
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
[Web] 7年級的職場溝通學
7年級的職場溝通學
‧Cheers 2006/08/17
你很用力工作，卻常被認為做事漫不經心？你的創意很精釆，卻老是被主管推翻？你覺得自己講該講的話、做該做的事，卻常碰得滿頭包？如果你是7年級的上班族，應該特別常面臨以上的狀況。
【作者／麥立心】
你很用力工作，卻常被認為做事漫不經心？你的創意很精釆，卻老是被主管推翻？你覺得自己講該講的話、做該做的事，卻常碰得滿頭包？如果你是7年級的上班族，應該特別常面臨以上的狀況。
在網路世界優游慣了的7年級，在國外被稱為N世代。因為從小在數位的環境下長大，習慣了東一句西一句式的思考和表達方式，使得他們不善於傳統的、有邏輯的、有階級的人際溝通。
因此，外表看起來活潑多話的7年級在進入職場後，其實特別容易顯得與其他世代格格不入，而且容易被誤解。
《Cheers》雜誌本期特別採訪了4位來自各行各業、表現出色的7年級，他們不但保有了7年級原本的特質，同時與主管、同事相處良好，看看他們的職場溝通學是什麼吧！
反對意見私下說
信義房屋永安店專案經理邱郁君才工作2年多，就被店長指派為副店長，說起話來就像大部份7年級一樣直率的她，其實在與主管溝通時，心中自有一把尺。
有時候，店長會規定業績沒做到就不能休假，直率的邱郁君藏不住話，但也不會在開會時表示反對，「不會在大家面前講，因為總是要給主管面子啊！」
所以邱郁君在私底下找機會，像是開玩笑地跟店長說：「可不可以不要這樣？很累啊！」她也發現，私下表達不同意見的時候，由於主管不必顧及面子，通常比較容易被說服成功。
不過主管如果堅持，邱郁君還是會順從主管的想法。「真的有想法衝突的時候，畢竟老闆還是老大，」邱郁君說。
楊森大藥廠業務代表蔡竺芸雖然三天兩頭都在醫院跑業務，但三不五時就會主動和主管聯繫，向主管報告自己的進度，遇到困難也會馬上和主管討論，請教主管有沒有比較好的處理方式。
蔡竺芸覺得自己倒不是刻意經常找主管溝通，「因為我真的很在意自己的表現，所以會很急著告訴主管我遇到的狀況。」
不過，平時就讓主管知道你對工作表現很在意，以及你工作的進度、執行的方式，的確是很好的方式。不但能夠讓自己更快從主管身上學到東西，就算成果不夠好，主管也不會太苛責，更不會對你的工作投入程度有所誤會。
先聽別人怎麼說
業務部門和行銷部門經常需要合作，但又常有不同的想法。稱自己個性很雞婆的蔡竺芸，就常常跑到行銷部門「溝通」。
「其實大家都是為了公司好，但以前我不太懂溝通的修辭，所以講話聲量不免愈來愈大，」蔡竺芸不好意思地說著自己以前的不是。
不過現在的她，開始知道溝通時措辭的重要性，以前她總是不自覺地先講自己的想法，現在卻會先問別人的想法；以前會直接說「你提的方式可能不好」，現在則是「你講的方式很好，但或許用另一方種方式更好」；以前只會說「我覺得」，現在講自己的主張時則會有所佐證。
別只問問題，還要提解決方案
覺得工作執行方式不夠好時，飛利浦小家電產品事業部行銷助理林孟璇以前也只會直線條地只向主管提出問題或質疑。
「我以前會比較叛逆，當別人叫我做某一件事，我就會馬上回說『可是我覺得怎麼樣比較好』，」林孟璇自己分析：「有人說叫6年級做事，他們就會做；叫7年級做事，他們就會反問『為什麼你要叫我做這個？』，好像真的是如此。」
但現在，林孟璇發現，主管不喜歡只把問題丟給他們的人，於是林孟璇學會在發現問題時，自己要先思考，提出方案A、方案B、方案C，如果可以的話，最好也能請教相關同事的意見，然後再向主管提出，讓主管選擇最適合的解決方案。
林孟璇發現，因為自己有積極參與，工作會變得有意義，心情愉快，工作也就能很快完成。
適時說出專業，多做「書」面功夫
房屋買賣，是價值上百萬、上千萬的往來，買賣得不好，買方或賣方就會損失數萬到數十萬元。
可是，邱郁君就是有辦法讓年紀比她大許多的屋主，放心把一生最重要的資產交給她。
「有很多客戶的子女都比我大，甚至孫子都比我大，對他們來說，我不過是個妹妹，」邱郁君爽朗地笑著形容。
而當客戶拋出疑問──「你這麼年輕，真的會賣房子？」，邱郁君總是會氣定神閒地說：「不會啦，我已經做2年多了，這個社區我很熟。」然後，邱郁君就會開始細數自己最近賣過哪些房子、成交的價錢、周遭的行情價，以前發生過什麼事？哪一棟大樓有什麼樣的狀況。讓客戶很快知道她雖然年輕，但絕對是專業的。
不過，邱郁君很清楚，自己在講這些話的時候，絕不能油嘴滑舌。她知道，年輕業務員的本錢就是不誇張、不油條。
「我絕對不會和客戶說『沒問題！一定賣得掉』，」邱郁君說：「但我會說『我不能保證，但我一定會盡力幫你把房子賣掉』，同時和客戶一一說明我會做哪些事來讓他們的房子更好賣。」
除了會適時說出自己的專業，邱郁君更懂得用書面報告呈現自己的用心，她會將帶人來看屋的紀錄、房屋的優缺點、未來的銷售建議打成一整本銷售報告書，每每都讓客戶對她的認真和專業大為驚訝。
做小事，也要有進步
「我很早就知道這是一個高度競爭的環境，如果能夠把新人期縮短，就是你可以贏過別人的地方，」寶僑家品企劃部品牌副理林蔚姍自從進入寶僑家品的第1天，就一直如此提醒自己。
「我相信，人是每天都可以有進步的，」林蔚姍認為，就算是工作中的瑣事，也能從中有所進步。
舉例來說，為了推出歐蕾的促銷組合包，必須填寫文件，並轉交各部門。若第1次是花半小時填寫完文件，林蔚姍就會要求自己在下一次花20分鐘就做完，或者是要求自己填寫得更好，讓其他各部門一拿到文件就可以開始做事，而不是還要再打電話確認文件上面的意思。
「這樣講好像老人，」林蔚姍說：「可是我真的覺得每個小細節都是學習的機會，一定可以從中學到一些心得。」
邱郁君小檔案
現任：信義房屋永安店專案經理年齡：25歲（70年次）學歷：元智大學企管系優秀事蹟：獲信義房屋內部頒發百萬經紀人大獎、成家教育基金、先鋒獎。工作哲學：人的潛力是無窮的！
林孟璇小檔案
現任：飛利浦小家電產品事業部行銷助理年齡：24歲（71年次）學歷：中正大學歷史系優秀事蹟：去年父親節檔期，負責指導工讀生銷售電鬍刀，創造業績達成率128％。工作哲學：很多7年級生會幻想得很遠，但我是看當下，看自己能做什麼，然後把它做好。
蔡竺芸小檔案M
現任：楊森大藥廠業務代表年齡：25歲（70年次）學歷：成功大學化學系、台灣大學化學所優秀事蹟：2006上半年業績達成率110％。工作哲學：多和資深的人學習，這樣自己可以表現得更好。
林蔚姍小檔案
現任：寶僑家品企劃部品牌副理年齡：25歲（70年次）學歷：台灣大學工商管理系企業管理組工作哲學：每個小細節都是學習的機會，即使做瑣碎的事情，也要有進步。
【2006年8月Cheers雜誌】
Read more...
‧Cheers 2006/08/17
你很用力工作，卻常被認為做事漫不經心？你的創意很精釆，卻老是被主管推翻？你覺得自己講該講的話、做該做的事，卻常碰得滿頭包？如果你是7年級的上班族，應該特別常面臨以上的狀況。
【作者／麥立心】
你很用力工作，卻常被認為做事漫不經心？你的創意很精釆，卻老是被主管推翻？你覺得自己講該講的話、做該做的事，卻常碰得滿頭包？如果你是7年級的上班族，應該特別常面臨以上的狀況。
在網路世界優游慣了的7年級，在國外被稱為N世代。因為從小在數位的環境下長大，習慣了東一句西一句式的思考和表達方式，使得他們不善於傳統的、有邏輯的、有階級的人際溝通。
因此，外表看起來活潑多話的7年級在進入職場後，其實特別容易顯得與其他世代格格不入，而且容易被誤解。
《Cheers》雜誌本期特別採訪了4位來自各行各業、表現出色的7年級，他們不但保有了7年級原本的特質，同時與主管、同事相處良好，看看他們的職場溝通學是什麼吧！
反對意見私下說
信義房屋永安店專案經理邱郁君才工作2年多，就被店長指派為副店長，說起話來就像大部份7年級一樣直率的她，其實在與主管溝通時，心中自有一把尺。
有時候，店長會規定業績沒做到就不能休假，直率的邱郁君藏不住話，但也不會在開會時表示反對，「不會在大家面前講，因為總是要給主管面子啊！」
所以邱郁君在私底下找機會，像是開玩笑地跟店長說：「可不可以不要這樣？很累啊！」她也發現，私下表達不同意見的時候，由於主管不必顧及面子，通常比較容易被說服成功。
不過主管如果堅持，邱郁君還是會順從主管的想法。「真的有想法衝突的時候，畢竟老闆還是老大，」邱郁君說。
楊森大藥廠業務代表蔡竺芸雖然三天兩頭都在醫院跑業務，但三不五時就會主動和主管聯繫，向主管報告自己的進度，遇到困難也會馬上和主管討論，請教主管有沒有比較好的處理方式。
蔡竺芸覺得自己倒不是刻意經常找主管溝通，「因為我真的很在意自己的表現，所以會很急著告訴主管我遇到的狀況。」
不過，平時就讓主管知道你對工作表現很在意，以及你工作的進度、執行的方式，的確是很好的方式。不但能夠讓自己更快從主管身上學到東西，就算成果不夠好，主管也不會太苛責，更不會對你的工作投入程度有所誤會。
先聽別人怎麼說
業務部門和行銷部門經常需要合作，但又常有不同的想法。稱自己個性很雞婆的蔡竺芸，就常常跑到行銷部門「溝通」。
「其實大家都是為了公司好，但以前我不太懂溝通的修辭，所以講話聲量不免愈來愈大，」蔡竺芸不好意思地說著自己以前的不是。
不過現在的她，開始知道溝通時措辭的重要性，以前她總是不自覺地先講自己的想法，現在卻會先問別人的想法；以前會直接說「你提的方式可能不好」，現在則是「你講的方式很好，但或許用另一方種方式更好」；以前只會說「我覺得」，現在講自己的主張時則會有所佐證。
別只問問題，還要提解決方案
覺得工作執行方式不夠好時，飛利浦小家電產品事業部行銷助理林孟璇以前也只會直線條地只向主管提出問題或質疑。
「我以前會比較叛逆，當別人叫我做某一件事，我就會馬上回說『可是我覺得怎麼樣比較好』，」林孟璇自己分析：「有人說叫6年級做事，他們就會做；叫7年級做事，他們就會反問『為什麼你要叫我做這個？』，好像真的是如此。」
但現在，林孟璇發現，主管不喜歡只把問題丟給他們的人，於是林孟璇學會在發現問題時，自己要先思考，提出方案A、方案B、方案C，如果可以的話，最好也能請教相關同事的意見，然後再向主管提出，讓主管選擇最適合的解決方案。
林孟璇發現，因為自己有積極參與，工作會變得有意義，心情愉快，工作也就能很快完成。
適時說出專業，多做「書」面功夫
房屋買賣，是價值上百萬、上千萬的往來，買賣得不好，買方或賣方就會損失數萬到數十萬元。
可是，邱郁君就是有辦法讓年紀比她大許多的屋主，放心把一生最重要的資產交給她。
「有很多客戶的子女都比我大，甚至孫子都比我大，對他們來說，我不過是個妹妹，」邱郁君爽朗地笑著形容。
而當客戶拋出疑問──「你這麼年輕，真的會賣房子？」，邱郁君總是會氣定神閒地說：「不會啦，我已經做2年多了，這個社區我很熟。」然後，邱郁君就會開始細數自己最近賣過哪些房子、成交的價錢、周遭的行情價，以前發生過什麼事？哪一棟大樓有什麼樣的狀況。讓客戶很快知道她雖然年輕，但絕對是專業的。
不過，邱郁君很清楚，自己在講這些話的時候，絕不能油嘴滑舌。她知道，年輕業務員的本錢就是不誇張、不油條。
「我絕對不會和客戶說『沒問題！一定賣得掉』，」邱郁君說：「但我會說『我不能保證，但我一定會盡力幫你把房子賣掉』，同時和客戶一一說明我會做哪些事來讓他們的房子更好賣。」
除了會適時說出自己的專業，邱郁君更懂得用書面報告呈現自己的用心，她會將帶人來看屋的紀錄、房屋的優缺點、未來的銷售建議打成一整本銷售報告書，每每都讓客戶對她的認真和專業大為驚訝。
做小事，也要有進步
「我很早就知道這是一個高度競爭的環境，如果能夠把新人期縮短，就是你可以贏過別人的地方，」寶僑家品企劃部品牌副理林蔚姍自從進入寶僑家品的第1天，就一直如此提醒自己。
「我相信，人是每天都可以有進步的，」林蔚姍認為，就算是工作中的瑣事，也能從中有所進步。
舉例來說，為了推出歐蕾的促銷組合包，必須填寫文件，並轉交各部門。若第1次是花半小時填寫完文件，林蔚姍就會要求自己在下一次花20分鐘就做完，或者是要求自己填寫得更好，讓其他各部門一拿到文件就可以開始做事，而不是還要再打電話確認文件上面的意思。
「這樣講好像老人，」林蔚姍說：「可是我真的覺得每個小細節都是學習的機會，一定可以從中學到一些心得。」
邱郁君小檔案
現任：信義房屋永安店專案經理年齡：25歲（70年次）學歷：元智大學企管系優秀事蹟：獲信義房屋內部頒發百萬經紀人大獎、成家教育基金、先鋒獎。工作哲學：人的潛力是無窮的！
林孟璇小檔案
現任：飛利浦小家電產品事業部行銷助理年齡：24歲（71年次）學歷：中正大學歷史系優秀事蹟：去年父親節檔期，負責指導工讀生銷售電鬍刀，創造業績達成率128％。工作哲學：很多7年級生會幻想得很遠，但我是看當下，看自己能做什麼，然後把它做好。
蔡竺芸小檔案M
現任：楊森大藥廠業務代表年齡：25歲（70年次）學歷：成功大學化學系、台灣大學化學所優秀事蹟：2006上半年業績達成率110％。工作哲學：多和資深的人學習，這樣自己可以表現得更好。
林蔚姍小檔案
現任：寶僑家品企劃部品牌副理年齡：25歲（70年次）學歷：台灣大學工商管理系企業管理組工作哲學：每個小細節都是學習的機會，即使做瑣碎的事情，也要有進步。
【2006年8月Cheers雜誌】
Read more...
[Web] 他們，去矽谷取了什麼經
他們，去矽谷取了什麼經？
‧Cheers 2006/08/23
矽谷已自.com泡沫中浴火重生，再度翻紅，台灣可以從中得到哪些新學習？如果你仍以為在矽谷只能學科技，可就錯的離譜了。
【作者／李欣岳】
矽谷已自.com泡沫中浴火重生，再度翻紅，台灣可以從中得到哪些新學習？如果你仍以為在矽谷只能學科技，可就錯的離譜了
美國西岸的矽谷，這個全球科技產業的中心，正以全新的面貌，從.com泡沫後再站起來。
台灣在這一波胎動中，可以吸取什麼樣的養分？不同於過去留美學人帶回來科技技術，創造科學園區奇蹟，這一次台灣主動到矽谷取經，包括工業設計、科技行銷與動畫商業模式。
為什麼矽谷又當紅？去年11月，美國新經濟雜誌《Business2.0》，就曾以「科技大重整」（Tech'sBigComeback）為標題，預言矽谷正進入下一波大成長。根據《Business2.0》報導指出，矽谷在創投規模、購併總額、科技就業人數等3大重要指標上，都創下2001年.com泡沫以來的新高。
2005年，創投投資在新創公司（Startups）的金額達15億美元，比2004年成長50％，更是2003年的2倍；在每件投資案的平均金額為4,400萬美元，是2004年的3倍，也大幅超越2000年高峰期的3,200萬美元。
在科技購併上，去年前3季的購併總金額就高達772億美元，超越2004年整年的607億美元。此外，科技就業人數，在去年上半年成長16.1萬人，是過去5年來首度正成長。
矽谷除了在IC設計、硬體技術、軟體程式等過往熟悉的領域，有所成就。同時也是全球工業設計、創投、網路應用、科技行銷的重鎮，甚至在動畫領域上，由蘋果執行長賈伯斯（SteveJobs）個人投資的皮克斯（Pixar），全球著名。
浸潤式體驗
這幾年，台灣工業設計的實力，逐漸獲得全球矚目，在各項設計大獎中，頻頻傳出佳績。從2003年開始，台灣創意設計中心便有計劃的安排台灣年輕的工業設計師，前往美國、德國、荷蘭進行實務培訓，最短1個月，最長1年。其中，在矽谷的培訓，是最重要的一站，包括進入Pentagram、IDEO等矽谷重量級設計公司的實務操作。
「透過『浸潤式體驗』，刺激設計師全新的設計想法，」負責主辦的台創產業輔導組組長艾淑婷指出。美國是全球最大的經濟體，設計師的產品要打入美國市場，關鍵便是產品必須貼近美國消費者的需要，透過待在矽谷長達半年以上的經驗，可以更深刻的觀察消費者的使用行為。
透過實際參與矽谷設計大廠的設計過程，也可更進一步提升工業設計在產品開發過程中的重要性。艾淑婷進一步指出：「台灣工業設計師的工作行程，往往跟著各國的展覽跑，每個設計專案時間大約3個月。」相較之下，矽谷的設計專案，往往長達1年以上，從技術研發階段，工業設計師便參與其中，產品在最初階段，便加入市場與消費者考量。藉由實際參與的經驗，回來後可把這套模式應用在未來，讓台灣能開發出原創性更高、更貼近消費者的產品。
「台灣工業設計的實力，已達到世界級水準，」台灣飛利浦設計中心設計總監陳禧冠指出。由於台灣朝品牌發展的廠商愈多，提供出舞台，而擁有國外教育與工作經驗的工業設計師陸續加入，使得近幾年台灣工業設計的能量，完全展現出來。
台灣思科系統公司技術事業群副總經理鈕因任指出：「台灣科技產業要再升級，不再只能靠硬體製造，而是要靠與人相關的『軟經驗』。」
《Cheers》雜誌分別採訪了前往美國IDEO公司學工業設計的卓嶽創意總監陳德勝、到矽谷學企業行銷的智原科技行銷經理柯心瀅，以及從好萊塢回來台灣的動畫人才，看他們如何拉近台灣與矽谷之間的經驗鴻溝，赴異國取經。
取經1工業設計引進IDEO「設計即研究模式」
由台灣創意設計中心安排台灣工業設計師的培訓計劃中，卓嶽創意總監陳德勝的身分十分特殊。在所有同行的成員中，只有他是「創意總監」，迥異於其他擔任資深設計師或是設計小主管的學員。
「同行中我最老，有玩的他們都不會找我，」陳德勝開玩笑指出。正由於擔任設計的最高主管，也讓他更能以經營策略的層面，參加這趟取經之旅。
在2001年回台灣之前，陳德勝已有在矽谷從事工業設計2年的經驗。這一趟為期半年的矽谷取經，除了拜會當地熟識的老朋友之外，也不斷讓他印證過往3年來自己經營設計公司的經驗。
學習IDEO重視研究的模式
「最大的收穫，則是重新體會到IDEO那套DesignisResearch（設計即研究）的運作模式，」陳德勝指出。
回台灣應用在卓嶽設計的經營上，最大的改變，則是將設計流程顛覆。過去，卓嶽就像絕大多數台灣的設計公司一般，接受品牌客戶的委託，針對現有的技術，找出可能在市場的突破之道，進行產品設計。在這趟矽谷經歷後，陳德勝則開始重視市場消費行為的研究調查。
從消費行為調查回推產品設計的模式，運作最成功的，便是矽谷知名設計公司IDEO。不管是牙刷、拖把、刮鬍刀、手機、滑鼠等各種不同的產品，在產品設計之前，IDEO會在全球各地蒐集消費者的使用行為，從中找出消費者尚未被滿足的需求。
消費需求提出來之後，等於先畫好框框，再進行產品技術開發、選擇、造型設計等步驟，讓產品開發過程中的每一分投入，都能精準對焦到消費者的需求上，進而提高產品成功的機率。
「這是從產品設計跨入品牌經營的模式，」陳德勝觀察。每一個品牌背後，都有一個想要傳達的精神與理念，透過消費行為調查之後，找出精準的產品訴求，用同一個理念，可以進而發展出一整套產品線或品牌。「台灣太多炒市場短線的設計產品，造成產品死，品牌跟著死的局面，」他指出，回台灣後，他首先建立市場研究團隊與研究方式，將看到的市場需求，做成報告，主動向客戶提案，改變過去被動接受委託開發的方式，「設計就是了解、發現、導入3個過程。」
卓嶽今年就以這套模式，成功幫美系的家電廠商，開發出新款的背投影電視。在開發之前，經過完整的市場調查，卓嶽發現，體積是影響消費者購買背投影電視的關鍵因素。
因此，整個開發的重點集中在「縮小體積」，將各式零組件整合設計在一個小方盒中，使電視厚度從原本超過60公分，縮小到30公分以內，不僅大幅減少在客廳中所佔的空間，整合零組件的小方盒，還可以零件方式，賣給其他品牌的家電廠商。「阿德（陳德勝的暱稱）從美國回來後，格局和膽子都變大了，」與陳德勝熟識的台創產業輔導組組長艾淑婷指出。最大的差異，則是每次談到產品設計，陳德勝會有一套完整的論述架構，從社會發展、經濟因素、消費心理等各種環節，來解釋自己的設計理念，甚至會主動對客戶提出產品開發的修正建議。陳德勝在矽谷取經半年中，發生了一段小插曲。剛去沒多久，因為打籃球打斷腳筋，在矽谷期間幾乎都是行動不便，也讓他更能定下心來沉思。陳德勝參考當地設計師的溝通模式，體會到「以圖溝通設計理念」的重要精神。
溝通以圖為準
回台灣後，陳德勝嚴格要求旗下設計師，從技術、材質、機構、造型、操作介面每一個設計過程，都要畫圖。他指出，最主要考量便是提高溝通精準度，一切看圖討論，可以縮短不著邊際的討論過程，進而提高設計產品的效率。從製圖的結果中，也可因此作為設計師的衡量能力的標準，「一張圖，能力高低立判，沒有模糊空間。」
一趟矽谷取經之旅，陳德勝把看似天馬行空的設計過程，一步步落實為效率、精準的理念溝通。「學習是自己的事情，工作是你的責任，產出是你活下去的條件，」陳德勝指出在工業設計領域中，他帶領設計團隊的原則。
陳德勝小檔案
現職：卓嶽創意總監年齡：1966年出生學歷：萬能工專工業設計科、實踐大學工業設計碩士經歷：PaloAltoDesignGroup擔任設計師2年
【2006年8月Cheers雜誌】
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‧Cheers 2006/08/23
矽谷已自.com泡沫中浴火重生，再度翻紅，台灣可以從中得到哪些新學習？如果你仍以為在矽谷只能學科技，可就錯的離譜了。
【作者／李欣岳】
矽谷已自.com泡沫中浴火重生，再度翻紅，台灣可以從中得到哪些新學習？如果你仍以為在矽谷只能學科技，可就錯的離譜了
美國西岸的矽谷，這個全球科技產業的中心，正以全新的面貌，從.com泡沫後再站起來。
台灣在這一波胎動中，可以吸取什麼樣的養分？不同於過去留美學人帶回來科技技術，創造科學園區奇蹟，這一次台灣主動到矽谷取經，包括工業設計、科技行銷與動畫商業模式。
為什麼矽谷又當紅？去年11月，美國新經濟雜誌《Business2.0》，就曾以「科技大重整」（Tech'sBigComeback）為標題，預言矽谷正進入下一波大成長。根據《Business2.0》報導指出，矽谷在創投規模、購併總額、科技就業人數等3大重要指標上，都創下2001年.com泡沫以來的新高。
2005年，創投投資在新創公司（Startups）的金額達15億美元，比2004年成長50％，更是2003年的2倍；在每件投資案的平均金額為4,400萬美元，是2004年的3倍，也大幅超越2000年高峰期的3,200萬美元。
在科技購併上，去年前3季的購併總金額就高達772億美元，超越2004年整年的607億美元。此外，科技就業人數，在去年上半年成長16.1萬人，是過去5年來首度正成長。
矽谷除了在IC設計、硬體技術、軟體程式等過往熟悉的領域，有所成就。同時也是全球工業設計、創投、網路應用、科技行銷的重鎮，甚至在動畫領域上，由蘋果執行長賈伯斯（SteveJobs）個人投資的皮克斯（Pixar），全球著名。
浸潤式體驗
這幾年，台灣工業設計的實力，逐漸獲得全球矚目，在各項設計大獎中，頻頻傳出佳績。從2003年開始，台灣創意設計中心便有計劃的安排台灣年輕的工業設計師，前往美國、德國、荷蘭進行實務培訓，最短1個月，最長1年。其中，在矽谷的培訓，是最重要的一站，包括進入Pentagram、IDEO等矽谷重量級設計公司的實務操作。
「透過『浸潤式體驗』，刺激設計師全新的設計想法，」負責主辦的台創產業輔導組組長艾淑婷指出。美國是全球最大的經濟體，設計師的產品要打入美國市場，關鍵便是產品必須貼近美國消費者的需要，透過待在矽谷長達半年以上的經驗，可以更深刻的觀察消費者的使用行為。
透過實際參與矽谷設計大廠的設計過程，也可更進一步提升工業設計在產品開發過程中的重要性。艾淑婷進一步指出：「台灣工業設計師的工作行程，往往跟著各國的展覽跑，每個設計專案時間大約3個月。」相較之下，矽谷的設計專案，往往長達1年以上，從技術研發階段，工業設計師便參與其中，產品在最初階段，便加入市場與消費者考量。藉由實際參與的經驗，回來後可把這套模式應用在未來，讓台灣能開發出原創性更高、更貼近消費者的產品。
「台灣工業設計的實力，已達到世界級水準，」台灣飛利浦設計中心設計總監陳禧冠指出。由於台灣朝品牌發展的廠商愈多，提供出舞台，而擁有國外教育與工作經驗的工業設計師陸續加入，使得近幾年台灣工業設計的能量，完全展現出來。
台灣思科系統公司技術事業群副總經理鈕因任指出：「台灣科技產業要再升級，不再只能靠硬體製造，而是要靠與人相關的『軟經驗』。」
《Cheers》雜誌分別採訪了前往美國IDEO公司學工業設計的卓嶽創意總監陳德勝、到矽谷學企業行銷的智原科技行銷經理柯心瀅，以及從好萊塢回來台灣的動畫人才，看他們如何拉近台灣與矽谷之間的經驗鴻溝，赴異國取經。
取經1工業設計引進IDEO「設計即研究模式」
由台灣創意設計中心安排台灣工業設計師的培訓計劃中，卓嶽創意總監陳德勝的身分十分特殊。在所有同行的成員中，只有他是「創意總監」，迥異於其他擔任資深設計師或是設計小主管的學員。
「同行中我最老，有玩的他們都不會找我，」陳德勝開玩笑指出。正由於擔任設計的最高主管，也讓他更能以經營策略的層面，參加這趟取經之旅。
在2001年回台灣之前，陳德勝已有在矽谷從事工業設計2年的經驗。這一趟為期半年的矽谷取經，除了拜會當地熟識的老朋友之外，也不斷讓他印證過往3年來自己經營設計公司的經驗。
學習IDEO重視研究的模式
「最大的收穫，則是重新體會到IDEO那套DesignisResearch（設計即研究）的運作模式，」陳德勝指出。
回台灣應用在卓嶽設計的經營上，最大的改變，則是將設計流程顛覆。過去，卓嶽就像絕大多數台灣的設計公司一般，接受品牌客戶的委託，針對現有的技術，找出可能在市場的突破之道，進行產品設計。在這趟矽谷經歷後，陳德勝則開始重視市場消費行為的研究調查。
從消費行為調查回推產品設計的模式，運作最成功的，便是矽谷知名設計公司IDEO。不管是牙刷、拖把、刮鬍刀、手機、滑鼠等各種不同的產品，在產品設計之前，IDEO會在全球各地蒐集消費者的使用行為，從中找出消費者尚未被滿足的需求。
消費需求提出來之後，等於先畫好框框，再進行產品技術開發、選擇、造型設計等步驟，讓產品開發過程中的每一分投入，都能精準對焦到消費者的需求上，進而提高產品成功的機率。
「這是從產品設計跨入品牌經營的模式，」陳德勝觀察。每一個品牌背後，都有一個想要傳達的精神與理念，透過消費行為調查之後，找出精準的產品訴求，用同一個理念，可以進而發展出一整套產品線或品牌。「台灣太多炒市場短線的設計產品，造成產品死，品牌跟著死的局面，」他指出，回台灣後，他首先建立市場研究團隊與研究方式，將看到的市場需求，做成報告，主動向客戶提案，改變過去被動接受委託開發的方式，「設計就是了解、發現、導入3個過程。」
卓嶽今年就以這套模式，成功幫美系的家電廠商，開發出新款的背投影電視。在開發之前，經過完整的市場調查，卓嶽發現，體積是影響消費者購買背投影電視的關鍵因素。
因此，整個開發的重點集中在「縮小體積」，將各式零組件整合設計在一個小方盒中，使電視厚度從原本超過60公分，縮小到30公分以內，不僅大幅減少在客廳中所佔的空間，整合零組件的小方盒，還可以零件方式，賣給其他品牌的家電廠商。「阿德（陳德勝的暱稱）從美國回來後，格局和膽子都變大了，」與陳德勝熟識的台創產業輔導組組長艾淑婷指出。最大的差異，則是每次談到產品設計，陳德勝會有一套完整的論述架構，從社會發展、經濟因素、消費心理等各種環節，來解釋自己的設計理念，甚至會主動對客戶提出產品開發的修正建議。陳德勝在矽谷取經半年中，發生了一段小插曲。剛去沒多久，因為打籃球打斷腳筋，在矽谷期間幾乎都是行動不便，也讓他更能定下心來沉思。陳德勝參考當地設計師的溝通模式，體會到「以圖溝通設計理念」的重要精神。
溝通以圖為準
回台灣後，陳德勝嚴格要求旗下設計師，從技術、材質、機構、造型、操作介面每一個設計過程，都要畫圖。他指出，最主要考量便是提高溝通精準度，一切看圖討論，可以縮短不著邊際的討論過程，進而提高設計產品的效率。從製圖的結果中，也可因此作為設計師的衡量能力的標準，「一張圖，能力高低立判，沒有模糊空間。」
一趟矽谷取經之旅，陳德勝把看似天馬行空的設計過程，一步步落實為效率、精準的理念溝通。「學習是自己的事情，工作是你的責任，產出是你活下去的條件，」陳德勝指出在工業設計領域中，他帶領設計團隊的原則。
陳德勝小檔案
現職：卓嶽創意總監年齡：1966年出生學歷：萬能工專工業設計科、實踐大學工業設計碩士經歷：PaloAltoDesignGroup擔任設計師2年
【2006年8月Cheers雜誌】
Read more...
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
[Web] Will camera phones replace cameras?
Will camera phones replace cameras?
Some quantitative indications on the camera phone market and camera phone use come from InfoTrends/CAP Ventures's report Mobile Imaging: Technology, Trends, Consumer Behaviour, and Business Strategies (via Reuters)
In 2004, camera phone shipments are estimated at 178 M on a total of 628 M handsets shipped (corresponding to 28%). The report projects a formidable growth: by 2009 89% of all phones (968 M) will be camera phones (860 M). And makes the substitution argument that camera phones will take the place of low- and mid-range cameras
for many consumers the camera phone will become their everyday camera
the total number of images captured on camera phones will reach 227 billion by 2009, exceeding the number of photos taken on digital still cameras and film cameras combined!
The argument seems to be grounded on one main dimension, technological innovation
* primary drivers behind this explosion are improvements in imaging functions
* higher-speed wireless bandwidth
* easier to use handsets, services and peripherals
some economics
* rapid declines in prices for this functionality
some psychology
* intention to purchase camera phones expressed by 50% of respondent
A potential precursor of the predicted trend is found in Japan where camera phones are the primary cameras for 12,5% of Japanese respondents. However, research on use (based on interviews with 6,360 consumers in North America, Western Europe, Japan, China) seems to show something different. People in Japan are taking much less pictures with their camera phones and are printing them much less often.
The report finds that people in North America and China take an average of 20 camera phone pictures per month, against 5 in Japan. Also in Japan the percentage of camera photos that are printed is, at 1-2%, much lower than in the other countries where consumers are printing between 8 and 10%.
Read more...
Some quantitative indications on the camera phone market and camera phone use come from InfoTrends/CAP Ventures's report Mobile Imaging: Technology, Trends, Consumer Behaviour, and Business Strategies (via Reuters)
In 2004, camera phone shipments are estimated at 178 M on a total of 628 M handsets shipped (corresponding to 28%). The report projects a formidable growth: by 2009 89% of all phones (968 M) will be camera phones (860 M). And makes the substitution argument that camera phones will take the place of low- and mid-range cameras
for many consumers the camera phone will become their everyday camera
the total number of images captured on camera phones will reach 227 billion by 2009, exceeding the number of photos taken on digital still cameras and film cameras combined!
The argument seems to be grounded on one main dimension, technological innovation
* primary drivers behind this explosion are improvements in imaging functions
* higher-speed wireless bandwidth
* easier to use handsets, services and peripherals
some economics
* rapid declines in prices for this functionality
some psychology
* intention to purchase camera phones expressed by 50% of respondent
A potential precursor of the predicted trend is found in Japan where camera phones are the primary cameras for 12,5% of Japanese respondents. However, research on use (based on interviews with 6,360 consumers in North America, Western Europe, Japan, China) seems to show something different. People in Japan are taking much less pictures with their camera phones and are printing them much less often.
The report finds that people in North America and China take an average of 20 camera phone pictures per month, against 5 in Japan. Also in Japan the percentage of camera photos that are printed is, at 1-2%, much lower than in the other countries where consumers are printing between 8 and 10%.
Read more...
Monday, February 27, 2006
Friday, November 11, 2005
[reacting] comparison of online map
Comparison done for 3 of the major online maps:
MapQuest, Yahoo, and Google Map
The most accurated direction is provided by MapQuest. Yahoo's multipoint might be a feature that I would like to try (and hope there are more technology focusing on this venture); however, it's not with reliable accuracy. Personally, I like Google Map's Setallite view. Like the author said in the blog, it gave me an opportunity to familiarize the environment before I start my trip.
The blog where I got the information from: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05313/603350.stm
Read more...
Monday, November 07, 2005
[WEB] Review of Flock
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/1700AP_Tech_Test_Social_Browser.html
Thursday, November 3, 2005 · Last updated 6:05 p.m. PT
REVIEW: Flock browser promotes creation
By ANICK JESDANUN
AP INTERNET WRITER
This is a screen shot of the Flock browser showing features used to create web journal entries. Flock is a souped-up version of the Mozilla Foundation's Firefox browser, with features added to help users create Web journal entries and share favorite Web sites. (AP Photos/HO)
NEW YORK -- Web browsing used to be mostly about just that: Surfing site after site for information and goods. But lately, more people are using the Internet as much to produce and share things as to consume them. A new browser called Flock seeks to address the new reality of enhanced online creativity and community.
It's a souped-up version of the Mozilla Foundation's Firefox browser, with features added to help users create Web journal entries and share favorite Web sites.
Although Flock is still in an early preview mode, meaning it is crash-prone among other problems, it offers a good sense of what to expect.
I find Flock does succeed in taking Web browsing to a whole new level.
With Flock, traditional bookmarks, also known as favorites, are out the window. Instead, you "star" a page, and by doing so, you can automatically send the link to an online account you create at shared-bookmarking service Del.icio.us.
That means, in theory, you can easily access your favorite sites from any computer, not just the one where all your bookmarks are stored. (In practice, because it's still in preview, the synchronization is far from perfect).
Plus, you can discover new sites and help others do so. Del.icio.us lets you see which other members have the same sites listed in their collections. From there, you can see what other sites they frequent.
The thinking is that if two people have the same bookmarks they are likely to have similar interests and would want to discover similar sites.
Flock also gives you a way to easily tag the online bookmarks to help with sorting and discovery. Instead of placing a link for a site on "Lost" in an arbitrary folder, you can tag it "television," "Lost," and even "ABC."
You can use Flock's "favorites" manager to see only links carrying a certain tag, or you can search through other people's Del.icio.us collections by tag.
Flock also has a number of features meant to help people post to their Web journals, or blogs. A built-in word processor lets you submit entries directly to some of the leading blog services, including Six Apart Ltd.'s TypePad and Google Inc.'s Blogger.
If you come across something you like on the Internet, you can highlight the text, right-click your mouse and select "Blog This." The word processor launches, with the text and a link to the site already filled in. All you need to do is add some comment, a title and click "publish."
One feature lets you easily drag photos from the Yahoo Inc.-owned photo-sharing site Flickr for use in your blog.
About the only thing missing is a tool for publishing entire Web pages, not just blogs. There are no plans for one; such a tool was explicitly removed from the Mozilla browser suite by the people who created the Firefox offshoot.
Besides producing and sharing, Flock has a number of features to assist in discovering. Start typing a word into the search box and Flock will find bookmarks and recently visited pages containing that string in the address or title.
The free browser is available for Windows, Mac and Linux computers, and its underlying code is open for anyone to examine and improve upon.
Developers say many more features are to come, including ways to seamlessly upload photos to your Flickr account and better integrate with social-networking services. Other bookmarking, photo and blogging services will also be supported eventually.
A more stable test version of Flock should be available next month, with a final release early next year.
I wouldn't recommend you replace your existing browser with Flock yet. But if you do more than passively visit Web site, I'd suggest keeping a close watch.
Read more...
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/1700AP_Tech_Test_Social_Browser.html
Thursday, November 3, 2005 · Last updated 6:05 p.m. PT
REVIEW: Flock browser promotes creation
By ANICK JESDANUN
AP INTERNET WRITER
This is a screen shot of the Flock browser showing features used to create web journal entries. Flock is a souped-up version of the Mozilla Foundation's Firefox browser, with features added to help users create Web journal entries and share favorite Web sites. (AP Photos/HO)
NEW YORK -- Web browsing used to be mostly about just that: Surfing site after site for information and goods. But lately, more people are using the Internet as much to produce and share things as to consume them. A new browser called Flock seeks to address the new reality of enhanced online creativity and community.
It's a souped-up version of the Mozilla Foundation's Firefox browser, with features added to help users create Web journal entries and share favorite Web sites.
Although Flock is still in an early preview mode, meaning it is crash-prone among other problems, it offers a good sense of what to expect.
I find Flock does succeed in taking Web browsing to a whole new level.
With Flock, traditional bookmarks, also known as favorites, are out the window. Instead, you "star" a page, and by doing so, you can automatically send the link to an online account you create at shared-bookmarking service Del.icio.us.
That means, in theory, you can easily access your favorite sites from any computer, not just the one where all your bookmarks are stored. (In practice, because it's still in preview, the synchronization is far from perfect).
Plus, you can discover new sites and help others do so. Del.icio.us lets you see which other members have the same sites listed in their collections. From there, you can see what other sites they frequent.
The thinking is that if two people have the same bookmarks they are likely to have similar interests and would want to discover similar sites.
Flock also gives you a way to easily tag the online bookmarks to help with sorting and discovery. Instead of placing a link for a site on "Lost" in an arbitrary folder, you can tag it "television," "Lost," and even "ABC."
You can use Flock's "favorites" manager to see only links carrying a certain tag, or you can search through other people's Del.icio.us collections by tag.
Flock also has a number of features meant to help people post to their Web journals, or blogs. A built-in word processor lets you submit entries directly to some of the leading blog services, including Six Apart Ltd.'s TypePad and Google Inc.'s Blogger.
If you come across something you like on the Internet, you can highlight the text, right-click your mouse and select "Blog This." The word processor launches, with the text and a link to the site already filled in. All you need to do is add some comment, a title and click "publish."
One feature lets you easily drag photos from the Yahoo Inc.-owned photo-sharing site Flickr for use in your blog.
About the only thing missing is a tool for publishing entire Web pages, not just blogs. There are no plans for one; such a tool was explicitly removed from the Mozilla browser suite by the people who created the Firefox offshoot.
Besides producing and sharing, Flock has a number of features to assist in discovering. Start typing a word into the search box and Flock will find bookmarks and recently visited pages containing that string in the address or title.
The free browser is available for Windows, Mac and Linux computers, and its underlying code is open for anyone to examine and improve upon.
Developers say many more features are to come, including ways to seamlessly upload photos to your Flickr account and better integrate with social-networking services. Other bookmarking, photo and blogging services will also be supported eventually.
A more stable test version of Flock should be available next month, with a final release early next year.
I wouldn't recommend you replace your existing browser with Flock yet. But if you do more than passively visit Web site, I'd suggest keeping a close watch.
Read more...
[Product-testing] .Mac
I have tried .Mac today. I signed up with a free trial and downloaded iSync to my machines since I don't have Tiger on my system.
I entered the Mac world with a mail, addressbook, bookmarks, homepage, groups, and iCards. I went into the "making" of homepage, it is quite interesting. It asked me to choose templates for my page. At first, I didn't notice the "function" tabs on the side. I was forced to make a selection of photos (because I was in the photo album feature).
I personally like the feature without knowing why I like it besides, it's an additional online desktop for me. However, I do not like their "online" file system. It provides me with a false sense of local machine. But, due to the internet speed and online environment, I was not able to have the desktop machine immediately feedback. It kinda frustrated me a little bit at the beginning (until I learned to watch the loading status bar).
Overall, I like the idea of online desktop and file on the go, however, I have trouble to distinguish where I was (online vs. offline).
I like the homepage making feature, however, I felt it's still not yet working toward my "cognitvie" pattern.
Keep playing until it expires ;)
Read more...
I entered the Mac world with a mail, addressbook, bookmarks, homepage, groups, and iCards. I went into the "making" of homepage, it is quite interesting. It asked me to choose templates for my page. At first, I didn't notice the "function" tabs on the side. I was forced to make a selection of photos (because I was in the photo album feature).
I personally like the feature without knowing why I like it besides, it's an additional online desktop for me. However, I do not like their "online" file system. It provides me with a false sense of local machine. But, due to the internet speed and online environment, I was not able to have the desktop machine immediately feedback. It kinda frustrated me a little bit at the beginning (until I learned to watch the loading status bar).
Overall, I like the idea of online desktop and file on the go, however, I have trouble to distinguish where I was (online vs. offline).
I like the homepage making feature, however, I felt it's still not yet working toward my "cognitvie" pattern.
Keep playing until it expires ;)
Read more...
Sunday, October 16, 2005
[Web] AOL swings from dying relic to coveted partner
By Jefferson Graham, USA TODAY (http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2005-10-16-aol-coveted_x.htm)
LOS ANGELES — At a recent industry conference in San Francisco, America Online CEO Jonathan Miller called his company the "largest swing voter" in a four-way battle to dominate the Internet: "It's a significant swing vote that could go many different ways, and people are aware of that."
CEO Jonathan Miller made the point recently that AOL is the "largest swing voter" in the battle for Internet dominance.
By Katie Patterson, USA TODAY
Are they ever. AOL now is in play, with chief rivals Microsoft, Google and Yahoo all talking to parent Time Warner about a stake — for a price tag that reportedly starts at $10 billion. Google has discussed both a solo bid and one in partnership with cable giant Comcast.
It's an amazing transformation for a company that was the poster child for Internet bubble excess after its disastrous merger with Time Warner and charges of accounting problems.
The old view of AOL: a dying relic from another era in which it made its money on dial-up subscribers. The money now is in a booming search-based online advertising market dominated by search giants Google, Yahoo and Microsoft's MSN.
The new view: AOL's huge Internet audience positions it as the last great play to profit from online advertising.
Nearly 6 million subscribers have left AOL since 2002, though it still reported about 20 million at the end of the second quarter. But at the same time, in June, AOL dramatically shifted its strategy. It decided to no longer keep its best content for paying subscribers but instead put it on the open Internet. AOL was willing to lose more subscribers and make up the difference with larger audiences for advertisers.
In effect, AOL became like Yahoo.
"AOL was a company waiting to die," says Rob Enderle, an independent analyst at The Enderle Group. With the new direction, "Suddenly, they had a strategy that wasn't just about putting them out of business. They washed the car and it got a lot more attractive."
Yahoo attracts the largest online audience, with 94.8 million U.S. visitors in September, according to tracker Nielsen/NetRatings. MSN is second with 81.7 million, then Google at 78.7 million and AOL's 60.6 million.
Analysts say the suitors salivate not just at getting access to AOL.com's audience, but more important, to AOL's much-vaunted AIM instant-messaging service.
AIM dominates instant messaging by a 2-to-1 margin over Yahoo and Microsoft: 51.5 million used the service in September. Last week, Yahoo and Microsoft said they would try to take on AIM by letting users of their two services talk to one another, a first.
"The hardest thing in the world is to capture the loyalty of people on the Web, and AIM has done that," says author John Battelle, who runs the widely read Searchblog website. "AIM is a window to the youth market and a platform for so much more than just instant messaging."
AIM currently offers users the ability to make voice calls to each other, from computer to computer with headsets, and will offer calls to telephones soon.
AOL's other popular Internet properties include MapQuest for online maps and directions, Moviefone for movie listings, and AOL Music, which gained much critical attention this summer when it webcast the Live 8 concerts online.
In relaunching AOL on the Web as more than just a page to check e-mail, AOL began investing in original programming. It has offered free concerts and music videos at AOL Music and launched two Web reality shows: The Biz and Project Freshman. The Biz is an online series, about average people competing to run a record company. Freshman follows first-year college students.
"AOL clearly has gotten religion in the past year," says Chris Sherman, the editor of website SearchDay. "They got such a bum rap at the time of the merger for talking about synergies that didn't happen. Well, now the synergies are real. Entertainment and the Internet is merging. And AOL's taking advantage of it."
TV and the Internet will eventually become one, Sherman says, and the company with the largest user base will have a huge advantage. "It will be one device, where we search, do instant messaging and watch TV."
That's why there's such a frenzy going on for AOL right now, says Enderle.
"AOL wasn't attractive until they had a suitor," he says. "Microsoft is interested, and now Google has to protect its relationship and get in and bid — 10% of Google's revenues come from its advertising partnership with AOL. So now Yahoo is concerned. It doesn't want to see its No. 1 rival get AOL and joins in the bidding frenzy."
It was Battelle who interviewed Miller onstage at the Web 2.0 conference in San Francisco recently, and he felt Miller's main point was that AOL was "extremely undervalued."
With all the attention from first Microsoft, then Google/Comcast and now Yahoo for AOL, "He seems to have really gotten the point across," Battelle says.
Read more...
LOS ANGELES — At a recent industry conference in San Francisco, America Online CEO Jonathan Miller called his company the "largest swing voter" in a four-way battle to dominate the Internet: "It's a significant swing vote that could go many different ways, and people are aware of that."
CEO Jonathan Miller made the point recently that AOL is the "largest swing voter" in the battle for Internet dominance.
By Katie Patterson, USA TODAY
Are they ever. AOL now is in play, with chief rivals Microsoft, Google and Yahoo all talking to parent Time Warner about a stake — for a price tag that reportedly starts at $10 billion. Google has discussed both a solo bid and one in partnership with cable giant Comcast.
It's an amazing transformation for a company that was the poster child for Internet bubble excess after its disastrous merger with Time Warner and charges of accounting problems.
The old view of AOL: a dying relic from another era in which it made its money on dial-up subscribers. The money now is in a booming search-based online advertising market dominated by search giants Google, Yahoo and Microsoft's MSN.
The new view: AOL's huge Internet audience positions it as the last great play to profit from online advertising.
Nearly 6 million subscribers have left AOL since 2002, though it still reported about 20 million at the end of the second quarter. But at the same time, in June, AOL dramatically shifted its strategy. It decided to no longer keep its best content for paying subscribers but instead put it on the open Internet. AOL was willing to lose more subscribers and make up the difference with larger audiences for advertisers.
In effect, AOL became like Yahoo.
"AOL was a company waiting to die," says Rob Enderle, an independent analyst at The Enderle Group. With the new direction, "Suddenly, they had a strategy that wasn't just about putting them out of business. They washed the car and it got a lot more attractive."
Yahoo attracts the largest online audience, with 94.8 million U.S. visitors in September, according to tracker Nielsen/NetRatings. MSN is second with 81.7 million, then Google at 78.7 million and AOL's 60.6 million.
Analysts say the suitors salivate not just at getting access to AOL.com's audience, but more important, to AOL's much-vaunted AIM instant-messaging service.
AIM dominates instant messaging by a 2-to-1 margin over Yahoo and Microsoft: 51.5 million used the service in September. Last week, Yahoo and Microsoft said they would try to take on AIM by letting users of their two services talk to one another, a first.
"The hardest thing in the world is to capture the loyalty of people on the Web, and AIM has done that," says author John Battelle, who runs the widely read Searchblog website. "AIM is a window to the youth market and a platform for so much more than just instant messaging."
AIM currently offers users the ability to make voice calls to each other, from computer to computer with headsets, and will offer calls to telephones soon.
AOL's other popular Internet properties include MapQuest for online maps and directions, Moviefone for movie listings, and AOL Music, which gained much critical attention this summer when it webcast the Live 8 concerts online.
In relaunching AOL on the Web as more than just a page to check e-mail, AOL began investing in original programming. It has offered free concerts and music videos at AOL Music and launched two Web reality shows: The Biz and Project Freshman. The Biz is an online series, about average people competing to run a record company. Freshman follows first-year college students.
"AOL clearly has gotten religion in the past year," says Chris Sherman, the editor of website SearchDay. "They got such a bum rap at the time of the merger for talking about synergies that didn't happen. Well, now the synergies are real. Entertainment and the Internet is merging. And AOL's taking advantage of it."
TV and the Internet will eventually become one, Sherman says, and the company with the largest user base will have a huge advantage. "It will be one device, where we search, do instant messaging and watch TV."
That's why there's such a frenzy going on for AOL right now, says Enderle.
"AOL wasn't attractive until they had a suitor," he says. "Microsoft is interested, and now Google has to protect its relationship and get in and bid — 10% of Google's revenues come from its advertising partnership with AOL. So now Yahoo is concerned. It doesn't want to see its No. 1 rival get AOL and joins in the bidding frenzy."
It was Battelle who interviewed Miller onstage at the Web 2.0 conference in San Francisco recently, and he felt Miller's main point was that AOL was "extremely undervalued."
With all the attention from first Microsoft, then Google/Comcast and now Yahoo for AOL, "He seems to have really gotten the point across," Battelle says.
Read more...
Thursday, September 08, 2005
[Web] IPod's Latest Siblings
The Nano Is Small, Slender
And Surprisingly Powerful;
Color Photos, Flash Memory
September 8, 2005; Page B1
Grab a standard American business card. Now, get a pair of scissors and trim the long side of the card by 20%. That's all the space you need to hold over 1,000 songs, plus audio books, podcasts and photos if you buy Apple Computer's newest iPod model, the gorgeous and sleek iPod nano.
This latest iPod was publicly revealed yesterday at a razzle-dazzle marketing event orchestrated by Apple CEO Steve Jobs. But I have been testing a nano for the past few days, and I am smitten. It's not only beautiful and incredibly thin, but I found it exceeds Apple's performance claims.
Apple's iPod nano
In fact, the nano has the best combination of beauty and functionality of any music player I've tested -- including the iconic original white iPod. And it sounds great. I plan to buy one for myself this weekend, when it is due to reach stores in the U.S., Europe and Asia.
Available in classic iPod white, or a lustrous black (my favorite), the nano is not only small, it's stunningly skinny -- about the thickness of five credit cards stacked on top of one another. That means it can be carried easily in even the snuggest of clothing and the smallest of purses, and worn comfortably during exercise. You could even carry it in a wallet, if you were sure you wouldn't sit on it.
Yet the nano, which starts at $199 in the middle of the iPod range, contains key features previously available only on the largest, costliest iPods. These include a sharp color screen, the ability to display the album covers for the songs it's playing, and the ability to store a user's photos and display them in slide shows accompanied by music.
Also, despite its small size, the nano holds plenty of songs and can play them for a long time. The base $199 model has two gigabytes of storage, which Apple says can hold 500 songs. A second model, at $249, has four gigabytes of storage and can hold 1,000 songs, Apple claims. The company says this slip of a player somehow packs in a large enough battery to play continuously for 14 hours.
IPODS FOR ALL PEOPLE
See a chart comparing the three iPod models.
In my tests, I found that the nano's battery lasted a bit longer than Apple claims -- 14 hours and 18 minutes. And I was easily able to pack around 1,200 songs, plus a couple dozen photos, into the $249 model, because most older pop and rock tunes tend to be shorter than the notional song Apple uses to calculate capacity.
In a second test, I loaded the entire 16-hour unabridged audio version of "The Da Vinci Code" onto my test four-gigabyte nano and still had room left over for 1,128 songs, plus my 24 photos, a couple of podcast episodes and about 50 contacts copied from my computer's address book. That's more than enough material for most people, even if it doesn't compare with the 15,000 songs or up to 25,000 photos that Apple says its $399 full-size iPod can hold.
Apple is also shipping some optional accessories for the nano, including colored rubber covers, called "tubes," an armband and a desktop dock. But the coolest accessory is a $39 lanyard with earbuds built-in at the neck. I found it to be perfect not only for exercising, but for walking around with the nano.
Overall, in my tests, the iPod nano performed as advertised, or better. I found no significant flaws or downsides. The only quirks are that the headphone jack is on the bottom, because there isn't room for it on the top; and to make room for the jack, the standard iPod connector port that hooks up to many accessories has been placed off-center. But neither of these oddities matters much. In fact, the bottom-mounted headphone jack makes the optional lanyard earbuds possible, and keeps the screen oriented properly when you're wearing them.
Despite its small size, the nano sounded as good as any other iPod, and is packed with plenty of audio power. Plugged into my car speakers, it was able to belt out the new Fountains of Wayne rocker, "Maureen," loudly enough to be heard perfectly, even though I was going 70 mph in a convertible with the top down.
The nano replaces the wildly popular iPod mini, which had been Apple's smallest full-feature iPod. When the mini came out in February 2004, it seemed incredibly small and sleek compared with the original iPod, which itself seemed amazingly small compared with its competitors.
But the nano is 62% smaller than the iPod mini, is half as thick and weighs less than half as much. Yet it holds as many songs as the base model mini. The four-gigabyte nano costs $50 more than the mini of the same capacity, but it is even more stylish and easier to carry, and it includes a color screen where the mini's was monochrome. It also displays the album title for every song you play, which the mini omitted.
This combination of small size, good battery life and healthy capacity is made possible by the fact that the nano stores its music and photos on slim, small chips called flash memory modules, instead of the hard disks used by most earlier iPods. Flash memory not only takes up less room than a hard disk does, but it uses less power and isn't as susceptible to skipping due to motion, or damage from drops.
In fact, during my tests, I dropped the nano several times, deliberately, from a height of about 3 feet, and it didn't miss a beat. I also wore it around my neck on the lanyard during a couple of hours of pounding treadmill exercise, and it never skipped or froze.
There are dozens of small, flash-based music players, but I haven't seen any that combine the nano's size and features. These features include the relatively large, 1.5 inch high-resolution color screen; Apple's famous iPod navigation wheel; and the standard iPod connector port, which links to numerous iPod accessories. Most flash players have tiny screens that are hard to read, lousy navigation and few or no accessories.
Apple's low-end iPod, the shuffle, which is even smaller than the nano and remains in the lineup starting at $99, is also a flash player. But it is barely a true iPod, because it lacks a screen, the scroll wheel and the connector.
In my tests, the nano synchronized perfectly with both a Mac and a Windows PC running Apple's iTunes software, and I was able to easily buy songs from iTunes and play them on the nano.
The company introduced another flash-based player yesterday, but it's not an iPod. It's a phone called the ROKR, made by Motorola, that contains iPod-like software, made by Apple, for playing music. The phone, which Apple didn't design, is chubby and lacks the iPod navigation wheel. And it holds just 100 songs. It's essentially a huge iPod shuffle with a screen. (I'll review the ROKR in a later column.)
Surely music-playing phones are a big part of the future of digital music, and Apple will be involved with more of them over time. But the company clearly considers the new iPod nano a much bigger deal for now. In fact, it hopes that the nano's slender size and ample capacity will blunt the belief that people don't want to carry a separate phone and music player.
All I can say is: It sure is small and it sure is cool.
http://online.wsj.com/public/article/0,,SB112610790291134082-nggjEH175Vg5bSUeS_3ibezBDy0_20060908,00.html?mod=blogs
Read more...
And Surprisingly Powerful;
Color Photos, Flash Memory
September 8, 2005; Page B1
Grab a standard American business card. Now, get a pair of scissors and trim the long side of the card by 20%. That's all the space you need to hold over 1,000 songs, plus audio books, podcasts and photos if you buy Apple Computer's newest iPod model, the gorgeous and sleek iPod nano.
This latest iPod was publicly revealed yesterday at a razzle-dazzle marketing event orchestrated by Apple CEO Steve Jobs. But I have been testing a nano for the past few days, and I am smitten. It's not only beautiful and incredibly thin, but I found it exceeds Apple's performance claims.
Apple's iPod nano
In fact, the nano has the best combination of beauty and functionality of any music player I've tested -- including the iconic original white iPod. And it sounds great. I plan to buy one for myself this weekend, when it is due to reach stores in the U.S., Europe and Asia.
Available in classic iPod white, or a lustrous black (my favorite), the nano is not only small, it's stunningly skinny -- about the thickness of five credit cards stacked on top of one another. That means it can be carried easily in even the snuggest of clothing and the smallest of purses, and worn comfortably during exercise. You could even carry it in a wallet, if you were sure you wouldn't sit on it.
Yet the nano, which starts at $199 in the middle of the iPod range, contains key features previously available only on the largest, costliest iPods. These include a sharp color screen, the ability to display the album covers for the songs it's playing, and the ability to store a user's photos and display them in slide shows accompanied by music.
Also, despite its small size, the nano holds plenty of songs and can play them for a long time. The base $199 model has two gigabytes of storage, which Apple says can hold 500 songs. A second model, at $249, has four gigabytes of storage and can hold 1,000 songs, Apple claims. The company says this slip of a player somehow packs in a large enough battery to play continuously for 14 hours.
IPODS FOR ALL PEOPLE
See a chart comparing the three iPod models.
In my tests, I found that the nano's battery lasted a bit longer than Apple claims -- 14 hours and 18 minutes. And I was easily able to pack around 1,200 songs, plus a couple dozen photos, into the $249 model, because most older pop and rock tunes tend to be shorter than the notional song Apple uses to calculate capacity.
In a second test, I loaded the entire 16-hour unabridged audio version of "The Da Vinci Code" onto my test four-gigabyte nano and still had room left over for 1,128 songs, plus my 24 photos, a couple of podcast episodes and about 50 contacts copied from my computer's address book. That's more than enough material for most people, even if it doesn't compare with the 15,000 songs or up to 25,000 photos that Apple says its $399 full-size iPod can hold.
Apple is also shipping some optional accessories for the nano, including colored rubber covers, called "tubes," an armband and a desktop dock. But the coolest accessory is a $39 lanyard with earbuds built-in at the neck. I found it to be perfect not only for exercising, but for walking around with the nano.
Overall, in my tests, the iPod nano performed as advertised, or better. I found no significant flaws or downsides. The only quirks are that the headphone jack is on the bottom, because there isn't room for it on the top; and to make room for the jack, the standard iPod connector port that hooks up to many accessories has been placed off-center. But neither of these oddities matters much. In fact, the bottom-mounted headphone jack makes the optional lanyard earbuds possible, and keeps the screen oriented properly when you're wearing them.
Despite its small size, the nano sounded as good as any other iPod, and is packed with plenty of audio power. Plugged into my car speakers, it was able to belt out the new Fountains of Wayne rocker, "Maureen," loudly enough to be heard perfectly, even though I was going 70 mph in a convertible with the top down.
The nano replaces the wildly popular iPod mini, which had been Apple's smallest full-feature iPod. When the mini came out in February 2004, it seemed incredibly small and sleek compared with the original iPod, which itself seemed amazingly small compared with its competitors.
But the nano is 62% smaller than the iPod mini, is half as thick and weighs less than half as much. Yet it holds as many songs as the base model mini. The four-gigabyte nano costs $50 more than the mini of the same capacity, but it is even more stylish and easier to carry, and it includes a color screen where the mini's was monochrome. It also displays the album title for every song you play, which the mini omitted.
This combination of small size, good battery life and healthy capacity is made possible by the fact that the nano stores its music and photos on slim, small chips called flash memory modules, instead of the hard disks used by most earlier iPods. Flash memory not only takes up less room than a hard disk does, but it uses less power and isn't as susceptible to skipping due to motion, or damage from drops.
In fact, during my tests, I dropped the nano several times, deliberately, from a height of about 3 feet, and it didn't miss a beat. I also wore it around my neck on the lanyard during a couple of hours of pounding treadmill exercise, and it never skipped or froze.
There are dozens of small, flash-based music players, but I haven't seen any that combine the nano's size and features. These features include the relatively large, 1.5 inch high-resolution color screen; Apple's famous iPod navigation wheel; and the standard iPod connector port, which links to numerous iPod accessories. Most flash players have tiny screens that are hard to read, lousy navigation and few or no accessories.
Apple's low-end iPod, the shuffle, which is even smaller than the nano and remains in the lineup starting at $99, is also a flash player. But it is barely a true iPod, because it lacks a screen, the scroll wheel and the connector.
In my tests, the nano synchronized perfectly with both a Mac and a Windows PC running Apple's iTunes software, and I was able to easily buy songs from iTunes and play them on the nano.
The company introduced another flash-based player yesterday, but it's not an iPod. It's a phone called the ROKR, made by Motorola, that contains iPod-like software, made by Apple, for playing music. The phone, which Apple didn't design, is chubby and lacks the iPod navigation wheel. And it holds just 100 songs. It's essentially a huge iPod shuffle with a screen. (I'll review the ROKR in a later column.)
Surely music-playing phones are a big part of the future of digital music, and Apple will be involved with more of them over time. But the company clearly considers the new iPod nano a much bigger deal for now. In fact, it hopes that the nano's slender size and ample capacity will blunt the belief that people don't want to carry a separate phone and music player.
All I can say is: It sure is small and it sure is cool.
http://online.wsj.com/public/article/0,,SB112610790291134082-nggjEH175Vg5bSUeS_3ibezBDy0_20060908,00.html?mod=blogs
Read more...
Friday, August 26, 2005
[Web] In The News: Yahoo, AOL, And Google
In The News: Yahoo, AOL, And Google
David Utter Staff Writer 2005-08-25
While Google News and its mechanistic approach to headlines has been very popular, it seems even more people prefer services from Yahoo and AOL.
Yahoo News had the best numbers in the most recent NetRatings figures with over 23 million unique visitors in July, according to figures cited in a Search Engine Watch article.
But in a bit of a surprise, AOL News, a downright silent entity when compared to the voluminous media coverage of Google, had over 16 million visitors. Google News? 6.7 million and third place.
How did this happen? Maybe with a little help from some extra content for particular stories. AOL News has a Newsroom section, where editors place certain articles and give them a little multimedia boost to enhance their placement. And being a unit of Time Warner certainly helps AOL find videos and photos a bit easier, too.
AOL, with its push to becoming a portal and focusing its attentions on broadband users, makes icons indicating additional multimedia content available next to stories whenever it can. News sites like CBS News, MSNBC, and CNN have been ramping up video content for stories they cover.
With users demanding news coverage on their terms and not a network's, providers like AOL have been moving to fulfill those requests. AOL seems to have the numbers to show its approach is working.
http://www.webpronews.com/insidesearch/insidesearch/wpn-56-20050825InTheNewsYahooAOLAndGoogle.html
Read more...
David Utter Staff Writer 2005-08-25
While Google News and its mechanistic approach to headlines has been very popular, it seems even more people prefer services from Yahoo and AOL.
Yahoo News had the best numbers in the most recent NetRatings figures with over 23 million unique visitors in July, according to figures cited in a Search Engine Watch article.
But in a bit of a surprise, AOL News, a downright silent entity when compared to the voluminous media coverage of Google, had over 16 million visitors. Google News? 6.7 million and third place.
How did this happen? Maybe with a little help from some extra content for particular stories. AOL News has a Newsroom section, where editors place certain articles and give them a little multimedia boost to enhance their placement. And being a unit of Time Warner certainly helps AOL find videos and photos a bit easier, too.
AOL, with its push to becoming a portal and focusing its attentions on broadband users, makes icons indicating additional multimedia content available next to stories whenever it can. News sites like CBS News, MSNBC, and CNN have been ramping up video content for stories they cover.
With users demanding news coverage on their terms and not a network's, providers like AOL have been moving to fulfill those requests. AOL seems to have the numbers to show its approach is working.
http://www.webpronews.com/insidesearch/insidesearch/wpn-56-20050825InTheNewsYahooAOLAndGoogle.html
Read more...