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...
Thursday, July 05, 2007
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
Read more...
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.
Read more...
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】
Read more...
‧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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