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Saturday, November 28, 2009

Life is Mysterious

They said life works, or rather God worked in ways we cannot comprehend. I will be back as soon as I get on my feet.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Laundry mayhem in my little house


Like a stream of unapologetic billingsgate I use to cursed someone during my most unforgiving age, nothing come close to act as a housewife for 24 hours. I actually dread it.

In fact, I made a analysis. Many agree housework can never be complete, but that is far from the calculation you will get from me.

Your Mum and Dad said to change your clothing everyday? Don't! You are a naughty child if you change them once per day. You see, we have 5 members in the house, shirt+shorts+socks+underwear+towelX5X7= the washing never got a rest. I excluded 5 pairs of pillow and bolster cases which we have to change every week from my mind to delude myself that's all to wash and dry. Our 7 drying bamboos have hard time keeping up with our laundry.

Oh man! I proclaim this the greatest feat of a stay-home-housewife. We need an intelligent solution desperately. No. I need the solution. 

And don't get me start on other house chores.

You can ask, off course. We think that it's fun to sent away our domestic helper home and take up all the housework ourselves.

I hate TCS8 TV series Penguin Daddy. It is so fake.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Young PAP lion

A intelligent looking boy stood nearby when I was taking this photo. He looks at me wearily. Later he pulls William away in a protective manner.

The school teacher after that told him I am Will's father.

He was not entirely convinced, from the look on his face.

What a reliable friend! Thanks boy. I felt safe knowing Will has a classmate like this. Where has such friend gone nowsaday?

Oh, the lion is my boy. He is a hard nut to crack.

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Ice Mountain in our home


Who knows my kids consume more water after we installed this fresh water dispenser. Boy, 11 litres in 48 hours, that is, 11.35 divided by 5 divided by 2. Everyone took in 1.1 litre per day. Minus the time which we were not home(more than 8 hours), that is a lot.

It started with a pure motivation to save time and trouble take to boil fresh water. No, not just boiling. We boil, wait for it to cool down, transfer the cooled water to a pot, and then we do it again.

I would say. We did this five times a day, seven days a week. And we are still constantly short of boiled water.

And we still haven't take the electricity for boiling up the water into account yet.

I don't have to drink direct from the tap anymore. I can have very hot or cold drink just by lifting 2 fingers.

We worry no more about running out of hot water for baby's milk. You understand if you have to wake up past mid-night to make a bottle of infant milk, and realize the hot pot is dry. I can almost hear my neighbor praise their God, not that they don't pray.

My children are especially enthusiastic after this new water gadget. Hereby know as the yin-yang fountain. Not only does it makes you younger, it is almost magical to get water at your desire temperature by tapping on the 2 tiny tap. I secretly wish their excitement will last.

Maybe is time to say bye-bye to our old ceramic water pot and hot flask.

I think I will make another cup of hot chocolate.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

How To: Blow off Shell of a Hard Boiled Egg

How many of you, like me, painfully peel it off piece by piece? Here is a nifty and cool trick to peel the shell of a hard boiled egg in 5 sec, by blowing it off. Now this is a trick that I love. Remind me to impress my kids next time.

Here is the Wiki How - Blow off a Hard Boiled Egg's Shell in 5 sec

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Sweet termintator of mankind

If human is destiny to be destroy by the hand of robots, at least give us one as cute as this.

ROPID

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Experience homeless heart without leaving your home

Home Duvet Cover KingBlanket and pillow case for the homeless at home. Made of cotton, you don't have to leave home to feel like beggar. At least at heart.

Home Duvet Cover King


Dutch By Design

RIP, Shiloh Pepin, Mermaid and lovely little girl

Shiloh PepinShe defied doctor's expectations about her Sirenomelia condition. She died yesterday at age of ten. Find your complete spirit in another world, Shiloh Pepin. rest well.

via Zimbio, Mermaid Girl

Russia, Photos of junkies and prostitutes

JunkyEnglish Russia has a series of real life photos of people who walks the edge in Russia. Sniffer, whore, doper, how many dark side of your city street you haven't seen yet?

Photos...

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Temptations of Popular Culture in Singapore

I was tempted to click on that torrent with 12663 seeds when I learn that I could enjoy this just released movie on my PC in an hour. But alas! downloading something with commercial value is an infringement of right of the original owner. I refrain.

Ever since some toilet cleaner in Takashimaya told me about Sougou(搜狗), I spent countless and countless of hour searching for my favorite MP3... only to listen to them a few times, and delete. You know. Even sharing MP3 you bought with friend via Bluetooth is also not permitted.

I don't go Blip.fm anymore. After Singapore Gahmen banned Internet Radio. Sorry, is regulated. I am careful not to turn on HaoTing(好听) too loud, or it could becomes a form of sharing. Sharing is not appropriate, even if it is your belief.

I am also very careful with that what they called Pod Cast. It is also, political or not, a form of Internet radio. The gahmen regulates it, we stay clear of it. It is the golden rule of Singaporean.

Some football-craze friends told me to forget about pay-TV. I can catch EPL via PPStream. I thanks my ancestor for giving me a sport-less gene, I am inmune to all sport related event. All I have to do is resist tons of latest exciting Hong Kong drama available on PPStream, I should be fine.

Going Internet regularly is not sinful. It is where you go there for.

Recently another tattoo parlor open up nearby. Very nearby. I would have gotten one if not for my time in the arm forces. You see, unlike America, a simple artistic drawing on any part of your body will get you hendakaki. Which means you past time until your ORD. I always think that elite soldiers should have some kind of gallant mark on their body. Too bad.

Tattoo shop is sprouting like mushroom everywhere now. I guess they are here to stay.

You know about those hanky-panky massage shops, those kind that they use betel nut beauty from China to hand brochure to you whenever you pass by? They are almost gone now. In preservation of Singapore's long standing conservative image, sex toy shop is allow instead. At least I still can tell my children that they are toys. Adult toys. No big deal.

After I wrote this piece, I will watch Ben10 Alien Force season 4 original DVD with my 2 boys. That is all I can afford now. At least before I strike Toto acquired from that popular spot, and before the casino is build.

I will be saving my soul for it.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

我住在新加坡,来自中国

那天和家人一起出外用餐,我叫了中国的干炒河粉,令攸叫了中国的鸡饭。连薄饼也是中国制造的。

我与妻为之嘡舌。

曾几何时,我们生长的地方不知不觉,充塞了一群方言连我祖父母也听不懂华人。

记得小时侯外公对我说过他离乡背景的故事。他不愿被徵召入伍,偷了家里一些钱,跟了一艘下南洋的船,来到了星洲。也就是现在的新加坡。起初生活很苦,后来儿女成群时。。。还是很苦。我好像从来没有见他享受过生活。他有一句口头禅,我至今仍记得。每当他遇到什么不平事都会以标准的福建话喃喃自语:“大贼,大贼!”。听他讲述他早年在新加坡的生活实是我童年的一部份喜好。

华人有一种美德,只要下一代有希望,多大的苦都挨得过去。

有一天我经过靠近家的天桥,见到了许久没见的在商店买卖食品的小姐,因为她工作勤奋,时间又长,所以我很自然的就问:“好久没见,是不是回中国探亲了?”没想到她劈头就骂:“谁跟你说我是中国来的!”

原来不是工作时间长,又辛苦的都是中国人在干。这个乌龙够大了。不过我说她是中国人,原也是没错。

只有一点我到现在还是没办法克服。有回我看到一栋正在兴工的建筑,上面挂着一个大牌,写着:“中国建筑(新)私人有限公司”。我没想到清华大学,却有点毛骨耸然。得罪,得罪。

不过,我喜欢他们把旧有的‘金文泰’,另译成‘金满地’。日本有银座,新加坡有黄金满地。不错,不错。

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Be Online and Feed one Billion Children

Today is World Food Day. Support this, click and feed up to 1 billion children. Click now.

Thursday, October 08, 2009

Dave Carroll, United Breaks Guitars

Indie song writer cum singer brought down shares of United Airline by 10 percent after they refuses to compensate his 1800 dollar guitar which they broke during his one-week tour to Nebraska. After his Youtube MTV made 4 million over hits, the airline paid up. News months ago, and the song is pretty sweet. Internet rejoices!

Dave Carroll's Home

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

The Wages of Sin is Dead


This is 'Flow Chart of Sexual Decision making', according to medieval penitential manuals. I got it from a post by Boingboing guest Blogger . If you go through the chart, you find it pretty hard not to 'sin' by a sexual act. Even if you can hardcode the procedure into your subconsciousness, you lose all appetite for sex after it. This is IMHO, precisely what the chart is meant for.

Via BoingBoing.

Saturday, October 03, 2009

阑风长雨,中秋月依稀

不知为何,今年中秋令我想起了清朝纳兰性德菩萨蛮里的一句:“阑风伏雨催寒食,樱桃一夜花狼藉。”

我可算是个相当‘无情’的华人,从第一次中秋节吃月饼到现在,没有一次是想着嫦娥的。我反而会不禁的想起朱元璋。其实现在许多华人对中秋的典故也不什了了,更甭说为什么它会和朱元璋扯上关系。我还希望有人能记得这类历史事迹,未免过于迂腐了。呵呵!

现在的华文教育者,都不提老朱了。为什么哦?是不是老朱的起身成事,有煽动的意味?

在英文学界里有这么一句话,一百万人又怎么会错呢?不过,资深的宗教或政治家都很明白,他们都能对你说,群众是可以长期被迷惑的。希特勒是最好的例子。

今年的中秋,我又多了两个第一。第一次没有看到月亮。中秋的月儿,对我来说每年都一样,那皓白无瑕的光,有如待嫁的新娘子,时而羞涩的躲在云后,时而带着澄红的脸庞,静默的看着自己的倒影,也不介意世俗人们的打量。我听说中秋在海边赏月,更是别有一番风味。沙沙的海潮声,拖曳着月光,在一起一伏的海面上翩翩起舞。我可以想象。

可不知道外国的月亮,是不是也那么美?

深秋明月份外亮,更待何时述情长
羞花闭月,沉鱼红霞,直叫心向往
话别后,述离长,更教人惆怅

问世间情为何物?

阑风长雨,海角天崖

(在写这篇时,竟听到有人在窗外放鞭炮。呵呵的有点不伦不类。)

Thursday, October 01, 2009

A student molested another student is hardly news worthy


I am late about this, which is done on purpose. But I think an outstanding human like this deserves a second chance.

You see, I never come across anyone who committed crime twice against modesty, yet still being able to continue study in University. During my time, if you are caught smoking in school uniform, it is the end of you academic life.

Maybe being a mental therapist has got nothing to do with having a sound mind.

Maybe there is something about him I failed to see.

The headline of a related news also deluded me. "A China Top Psychology student in NUS molested a China local woman on a shutter bus".

Wo, I thought Singapore newspaper accidentally printed a piece of news which belongs to China.

What a pity. He could have be great. Now there is one less pro head-shrinker in the world.

Remind me to bring along this photo next time I need to see a psychiatrist.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

秋季。数数载落叶翩翩

我记得我所见过每一个人的面孔。或许有点夸张,应该说,你若曾经当我是朋友,依然当我是朋友,我不会忘记你的脸。绝对不会。你可以安心的跟我打招呼。

我记得浪头三十尺时,全船人无一不翻,仍然起身为我们准备一大锅瘦肉粥的海军厨师。他只是一个二等兵。

在我为傢具公司打工时,你夫妇俩曾经向该公司的经理写了一封表扬我的信。我记得你们,谢谢。

年 少时有本小红册,里面写满了随笔的诗词幻想,甚爱不释手。一次母亲在焚烧垃圾时,把那本小红册也一块儿丢入火坑里,无良的火贪婪的咀嚼着那些破铜烂铁,也 将年少的热情,壮志一并化为灰烬。我赶到时,不顾一切的伸手到火堆里搜索。救出一半的梦,一半的纸灰,手也被烧伤。从此后,更加爱惜这本小册子。

不过,后来还是把它给弄丢了。人也长大了。

前一阵子在巴士车站见到你。你急忙转过身去,把老天安排了好久的叙旧机会也撇开了。我当天心绪不宁,直到你上了巴士,走了,我还是没有望你一眼。我心里其实是很清楚的。耳机播着三毛的《说时依旧》,似乎是太含蓄了。

我故意假装不认识你,因为这不是一部爱情片,我们无须向彼此交代。

一阵风在树梢沙沙的刮过,刹时整条路都盖满了黄叶,还有几片落在我脚下。

Sunday, September 27, 2009

If I Have One Hundred Meg,


A parody MTV made by Trevor Thum, using Singapore once popular Hokkien song - If Only I Have a Million Dollar, lyric re-imagine as how local netizen like to have their Internet faster and faster. I like it very much.

Thanks, Loretta. Pimp My Boardband. Uniquely Singaporean. Via Youtube.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Is it consider positive if you share your clearly suffering, but happy life?


Check out this stressful sitting mat my wife got from a un-name shopping mall. I cannot tell you where it is made or risk being call racist, spreading negative thought. 2 pouches stuff with bean at the side, and a hole at the bottom for unspoken intent. Very thoughtful design.

Btw, you can safely talk about your misery as long as it doesn't sound depressing.

How to stay relevant in any organization, during any time.

Our economic is recovering. This is the truth. Even if it is not, you can still survive. That's how Mum and Dad did it, and that's how you do it. I have a few humble points that can help you see through even the worst time. Tell me if I am right.

Draw Lines - If you already drew some lines in your work, start to extend them. Like you can start being the first in your office and make everyone a coffee. Volunteer yourself to wash the toilet, give the cleaner a break.

Take Sides - Nothing can goes wrong if you are in good term with your boss. You don't have to like him, but make sure he loves you. Unless, he is clay buddha crossing the river, which makes it clear that you should take another side.

Don't Do Anything Extra - What you should do if you are ask to dig shit? Put on a mask, glove and start to learn. Off course. Please let others see your smiling, positive attitude so they can praise your greatness.

TalkCock - Learn to speak well. I think you notice how some woman always get thing done pretty much her way. That's what the mouth is for. Use it wisely.

Pretend - There is nothing you can do to change the situation. You can tell yourself you are happy.

Buy Toto - This is a must in Singapore, and is the only hope if you carry a certain historical surname.

Remember, blame no one but yourself. Take it like a man.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

50 cents of pre-lantern festival fun

I never understand the different between a six dollar seventy cent lantern and a fifty cent one. I never got to own such a flowery, short time span toy.

In my childhood, our childhood, we usually end up having Indian dance ritual around several blazing lanterns. The mixture smell of rubber, plastic and paper fills the air of our living corridor. Gray smoke dances like devils under the big glistening moon, every kid's face is flickering with orange color's joy. Our MoonCake festival has always been inexpensive.

I swear, I never eat a moon cake whole too.

Happy Mooncake festival! Although it is 15 days to come. I hope your moon is still the same size, and your children can enjoy better lantern for many years to come.

Monday, September 14, 2009

欢迎你来到我居住的地方

如果你见到百货市场外有一位中年妇女在向购完物后的人们讨优惠券,那你可以同情她一下,把身上所有的钱都给她。她好可怜,带着一条挺大的金链,和几只金戒子,却仍然觉得不够,还要向人伸手讨优惠券,来减低购物的费用。金子是不能填饱肚子的,真是可怜的人。

以脚踏车代步的朋友,你们来到我的地方是有福的。每个地铁站,都有新加坡快捷交通有限公司所特设脚踏车站。车站可以停上百多辆,不,稍稍靠拢一下,一千辆我看也不成问题。

退了休的朋友。等一下,应该是,到达退休年龄的朋友。你们应该有新加坡快捷交通有限公司的特惠卡吧?特惠卡有种魔法,就是在繁忙时间使用时,它会使您变年青。也就是说,没有优待咯,您必需偿付年青人的车费。真是一张非常有用的公共交通魔法优待卡。不过,您也不要投诉了,新加坡地铁除了提供一流的服务外,您在路上不也有享受了那些耗资巨大的彩色广告栏吗?

来到这里要找同乡的朋友,让我在新加坡认识很久的朋友为你介绍这里的百国相吧。欧美的多在荷兰村一带,这很多人都知道,不必说了。盛名本地的小印度,就算不提,你只要一经过,立刻就会晓得。新加坡也有唐人街,不过最近好像搬到芽笼去了,你若有机会到那一带走走,就明白了。喜欢泰国风情的人,不仿到美芝路黄金大厦一游,那里的‘奶’吧,根据朋友的说法,与真的不遑多让哦。除此之外,菲律宾团能在乌节找到,而越南帮则在如切。

你若有新发现,欢迎指教。

Friday, September 11, 2009

Maxi-Cash, when Singapore middle class goes to pawnshop

This ads is make me want to remove my Rolex and exchange it for a X-box 360. Seriously. But alas, I dun have such an pricey watch, nor any chain made of gold. I pawned them away 10 years ago.

Pawnshop nowadays high class liao. My mind still has pictures of woman who tries to cover her face with a scarf(scarf is cheap then), and a over sized sun-glass. Looking left-right to ensure nobody is following them. Even coming near to any pawnshop is sia-shui, mum told me.

Never mind what the older generation believes, to sell gold and jewelery during 'good' time is a proper trade. It proves that as a man, you can pick-it-up, lay-it-down. And provides your family the best is more important than yourself looking your best.

So, now you can visit the pawnshop with your family. Tell your kids that this is not a shameful thing to do. Tell them it's ok to trade that expensive jade bracelet for a PS3.

Sunday, September 06, 2009

Introduce Cantonese song - Wall-E Hong Kong, 七百年后, Eason Chan



 I Love the lyric. One of the best I came across. Check out 林若宁.

七百年后

作曲:柳重言 作词:林若宁
编曲:柳重言 监制:柳重言/DavyChan/CY/陈奕迅

你那太空舱 能够发出金色的光
我废置一方 抬头便会为你守望
一天天催迫生活在现代化
缤纷星空抛低我寄存繁荣垃圾岗
多得你原谅我肮脏

送你破黑胶 廉价发出歌声依稀
送你破灯泡 便宜地照亮你天地
一箱卡式带一直没落仍能回味
那套旧文艺戏
生生不息的凄美爱情逾越物质跨过世纪

文明能压碎 情怀不衰
无论枯乾山水
旧时年月投入垃圾里
你我一起同居
仍然能送你 儿时玩具
老地方抱著一起安睡
七百年 潮流里
瞬息过去 / 建筑统统破碎

弃置那棵花 容我带它的根归家
送你这棵花 来怀念已逝去初夏
漆黑的星体花叶树木无从留下
你会在流泪吗
花开的沙丘滋养我们贫穷地方优美似画

天天进化热潮已记不起
用霓虹去建设欢喜
虽则你我被每粒星唾弃
我们贫乏却去到今昔

文明能压碎 情怀不衰
无论枯乾山水
旧时年月投入垃圾里
你我一起同居
仍然能送你 儿时玩具
老地方抱著一起安睡
七百年 随年岁
记忆老去
仍然有你的忠心~爱侣

Thursday, September 03, 2009

Ghost of Michael Jackson on Ice Cliff

Crying face on ice cliffA remarkable coincidence of nature craft into a sad face pouring icy tears into our cold world. Is that not an apparition of Michael Jackson greeting us?

Pictured: Haunting face crying a river of tears as glacier melts into the sea.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

生命密码

我最近发现了自己的一个小缺点。

我不能开倒车,也不能向后步行。我不能一手握住架驶盘,然后头往后转,一面看着后面的路,一面往后的架车。我更不能在看不到后面的路的时候,倒退着走。既使我最相信的人,在我背后看风,我还是不能倒退着走。我记得有一个死亡游戏,就是在两个人背后的十~二十步之间,插上一把刀,刃朝上,柄埋在土里。然后两个人一起往后退,在不能偷看的情况下,走到刀插在地上处,一起往后躺下。半途放弃、太远躺下的都算输,比尔罗斯轮盘,还要来得刺激。这个游戏,我非输不可。因为我半步也走不了。

不能开倒车的毛病,我起先以为每个正常人都是这样的。我以为那不是一种毛病,而是一种人的特点。

我研究了一段时间,发现了人有许多特点。有看得到,有些看不到。有些每个人都有,有些只有一部份人有。有些会遗传,有些只在一代出现。有些会令人感到烦恼,有些反而会让人觉得是一种天赋。更有些是我到现在还不大敢相信的,民族所拥有的。

我尝试举几个我所知到的例子。

你知道人几时开始走路、说话、长牙齿,还有长头发都是跟父母一样的吗?赞不赞成口技、手技能由爸爸和妈妈那边遗传下来呢?比如说妈妈在怀孕时就是一个很会画面的,孩子出生后就对画面特别有心得。妈妈能弹琴,孩子也学得快。爸爸卷舌,儿子也能。我对这一类生命密码最感觉到奇妙了。

我的左脚近踝处在十多岁时长了一块不硬不软的骨,伸直脚时,明显的凸出,用手指按上去会颇为有趣。我起初蛮在意的,以为那是缺席,曾经用了不少方式想把它消除。后来因为它不痛不痒,就由它去了。不久后,在无意间发现妈妈也在同样的地方,长了同样的一块骨。弟弟也有。现在我的大儿子左脚近踝处也隐隐有块状凸处,令我颇为称奇。

刚刚结婚时,我们想养一条狗,熟悉养狗的朋友对我们谈到选择人类最好的朋友时,应该留意观察它们的父母,如果不甚满意,就不要选它们生下的小狗。小狗会跟它们的爸爸或妈妈,几乎是一样的。曾经为此翻阅了不少资料,想要推翻朋友这一套‘狗’的优生学。图劳不在话下。

龙生龙,凤生风,老鼠生的孩子会打洞。

我想你也知道,父母卷发,孩子就会卷发。其他的我们以后再讲。

Friday, August 28, 2009

A Collection of Chinese Antithetical Couplet which Describe Human Rest Room

This is for those who enjoy higher Chinese poem, idiom etc like me.

上:天下英雄豪杰到此俯首称臣。
下:世间贞烈女子进来宽衣解裙
横批:天地正气


上:脚踏黄河两岸手拿机密文件
下:前面机枪扫射后面炮火连天
横批:爽


上:大开方便之门
下:解决后股之忧
横批:众屎之地


上:有小便,宜
下:得大解,脱
横批:鞠躬尽瘁


上:畅通上下
下:雅集东西
横批:新陈代谢


上:来前百步紧
下:出后一身松
横批:愉悦身心


上:静坐觅诗句
下:放松听清泉
横批:清静世界


上:最适低吟浅唱
下:不宜滥炸狂轰
横批:讲究卫生


上:小坐片刻,便会放松意念
下:清闲一会,即成造化神仙
横批:此即桃源

Source

What is Chinese Antithetical Couplet? - link

Stunning spray painting created by Scott Mercer

Scott Mercer is a street artist who specializes in spray painting. Watching his seemingly chaotic spray action transform into a stunning art piece is intriguing. You just refuse to stop guessing what he will creates and take your eyes off his work.

Another one - link

Thursday, August 27, 2009

A Chart of Nuclear Explosions since 1945

Nuclear Explosion since 1945A self explanatory chart of nuclear explosion around the World since 1945. Color annotated nation, circumference annotated the magnitude of the explosion.

Nuclear Explosion since 1945 Click on the link for a larger version.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Map Caption of Religious distribution in the World

World Religious distributionAlthough I am a bit skeptic about this map, but here you are, this is the most detail one I came across. If you have a better one, please point me to it in the comment.

Modern Distribution of World Religions

Flickr detail diagram of D-day over Normandy

D-Day NormandyThis is a diagram of D-day over Normandy. It includes code name of every deployment; how many ships, troops, and planes were deployed; and how many bunkers were guarding the beach of Normandy. This sure helps when you are watching Band of Brothers.

Flickr picture of D-day over Normandy. Click for clearly look.

The best person to get married to is money

Taro Aso(麻生太郎), Prime Minister of Japan suggested to his country men and women not to get married if they are poor. Although he didn't said what constitute poor, but his advise is sound. There are also tons of reason that you might consider not to get married, like

 - You want to destroy humanity in a 100 years
 - You dislike your gahmen and foresee that they will not change in the near future
 - Your career is unstable
 - Your parent is poor(means they have to work at old age and cannot help to take care your children)
 - You are not very well education. Gene is very important, we got to breed elite

Other than the above reason, you might also consider staying single if, your workplace is too far from home; your work is stressful; you want to save your money for yourself. Etc, etc.

I think you can find more excuses reason not to get married than I can tell you

Maps of 7 deadly sins in US

Here is a map which shows one of the 7 deadly sins - Envy in US, and click for the maps of all 7 deadly sins. Reported by Wired. Interestingly, Only 2 of the deadly sins become crime. The rest, we just let them grow.

Maps of 7 deadly sins - Scienceblogs

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Monday, August 24, 2009

John Williams performs A Cappella Star Wars

An amazing Star Wars music A Cappella style, perform by a talented young man. I just found out.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

你究竟有几个夜?

孔子的男人四十而立算算也有两千多年了,它除了成为华人用来衡量男人个性成熟的准则外,也让我们了解到,人,需要比其它的动植物还要长的时间来塑造自己。试 想想看,我们是几岁开始有自觉性?所谓自觉性,就是我思故我在,所有的喜怒哀乐、悲欢离合都能在回忆中把它拾起,从新肯定自己的感受。换句话说,就是不再浑浑 噩噩,真实的感觉到自己的存在。以最早来算,人,大概能想起五岁的事,十六岁之前,不能肯定的说出自己的性格。十六岁到四十岁,二十多年来追求完成,不长 不短,也不知到完全的定意。

你知道吗?一棵树只需大约两年,就进入了成年期,然后在成年期里,又活上几百年。有没有想过,树能活上百年,为什么要急着长大?人生苦短,为什么我们却要慢慢的长大?大自然、老天爷对我们未免太偏心了吧!

要用短暂又有限的生命,来追求无限而又不知道是什么东东的完美。人,是不是好像在钻牛角尖?

我四十了,终于也明白到什么叫完美。当你准备随时都能无牵无挂无遗憾的离开这世界时,一切就完美了。

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Unbreakable password

As you tread across the web for years, your Internet identity accumulated and password became a nuisance. Many will implement simple password, e.g "password" or "drowssap", to avoid the tediousness of managing password. I once face the same problem. I know, off course, you can always click that 'Forgot Password' button and check your email, but it is still an unnecessary step.

I implemented this recently. Now I can remember 20 passwords without writing them down somewhere. I can say, you can drug me, but you may not get those words from my mouth, although I am yet to prove this.

The trick is not remembering those words in your password. Remember it's pattern. Let me elaborate.

Visualize your keyboard as a white board. Write a 'v' with your left hand, write a Chinese word '一' with your right. I believe you know human brain kept images better than words. There you have it. Just put the v一 on your keyboard. You can create pattern, mesh them up, create a 32bit password without breaking a sweat.

Now. How can get someone to tell you his password if it is only a picture in his mind? Even if he reveals the pattern, you would not know where to apply the pattern.

Click the above picture for a simple example. Good luck!

Note: Before I write this, wife call to ask for my PC password. I cannot remember.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Strategy differences between Son and I

Ray and I recently start to have strategy differences. I am reluctant to go into this. Friends who understand me knew I have a weak spot. I hate politic. It makes me cruel, inhumane, and cannot see myself in the mirror. I am so good in it, I become another being, not human.

Last night Ray was given board game "Battleship" by his uncle for his Birthday. He, off course, immediately challenges me to a battle. I laugh at this feeble attempt. We clear the dinning table for the fight.

I lost 2 games out of 2 games. The boy outgrown me faster than I anticipated.

We call it a night because he needs to attend school the next day. No, I quit because it was just too humiliating. I expected a close duel, but this is too much for a mid-aged man like me. An egoistic old man. I feel exhausted. My long night..

Happy Birthday! Ray. You are the best I've got.

Monday, August 17, 2009

By power of Quran, scientist declare Islam is true Religion

Empathy WaterA scientist in Egypt made a "remarkable" discovery. He claims that by exposing water to the chant of The Anthan, it's molecule will transforms into beautiful shape. Every time, without failed. Quote from Ghost of a flea,

"The egyptian scientist B.sc.Ms.Ph.D explained the water molecules took beautiful shapes everytime they are exposed to air vibrations from reading the holy Quran or saying the word islam or the muslim call to prayer the athan."

Scientists in Japan microscopically confirmed Islam is the correct religion.

Other 'news' - Empathy Water

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Thousands of Nepalis celebrate birth of Ganesh incarnate

reincarnation of GaneshThey said a picture paints a thousand words. I needless say more. About 100 each day, there are already 5000 plus people flocked to worship or donate money to the baby. Maybe out of pity, maybe they are right, that God manifests in such way. Read more..

Nepalis flock to see 'baby god'

Thursday, August 06, 2009

Video clip of mammals hunting other sea mammals

This is a light Youtube video about a group of more superior mammal, killing another group of peaceful sea mammals. Rip off their skin, and ship them back to land to process into food for everyone else.

Modest Mouse - King Rat - Director Heath Ledger - The Masses. Via Youtube most viewed.

Wednesday, August 05, 2009

Seattle bank teller foils robbery, bank sacked him

Bank TellerA bank teller in Seattle didn't just foil a robbery, he stop the thief from running away. The consequences, Bank sack him from being a hero. According to the bank policy, Staff is suppose to let the robber leave as quickly as they can, and not holding them. Jim Nicholson, the bank teller says,

"I thought if I let him go he would rob more banks and cause more problems."

Seattle Bank Teller Loses Job After Thwarting Heist.

Well, let the robber go! Why do you think the bank have an insurance for?

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

UN and Google on telling us Earth is dying

It is a Google map mash-up with national greenhouse gas inventory and Kyoto Protocol data to display toxic emissions in industrialized nations. It's aim, to deter nation's policy on green house effect, and hopefully, also change public opinion on Global Warming. In short, to convince us that Earth is dying in our own hand, in this century, if not in the next 50 years.


Atlas of Our Changing Environment. Via RWW

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Controversial over 'leaked' Inkblots on Wikipedia

InkblotsSome standard images psychiatrist used to evaluate patient are on Wikipedia. NYT has a piece - Has Wikipedia Created a Rorschach Cheat Sheet? Guardian has a piece. This also anger many psychiatrist in the US. From Mind Hack,

"While the release of the ink blots onto the internet seems to have caused controversy among US psychologists, most European psychologists are likely to be rolling their eyes, as the test never caught on and is largely extinct."

But now we can all download and 'play' with it, you can also use this to 'evaluate' your friend. Go download them before someone from Wiki Admin decide that you have no right to those images.

Mind Hacks -Rorschach and awe

Wikipedia - Inkblots

Walking while swinging arms is not part of human evolution

Walking like clownI am not sure, but evolution theory said we inherited traits of ape, that's why we swing our arms forward when we are walking. Steven Collins, a biomechanical engineer at Delft University of Technology discovered, that this is a more efficient way of walking. Not only we cannot balance, but we will use up 25% more energy to walk without swinging our arms. Off course this make sense, or else we would have urge to pick up a cup with our leg from time to time.

Mystery solved – by Ministry of Silly Walks

Good news for those slim down wanna-be. Try walking while keeping your hand still. Tell me the result if nobody laugh at you.

Watch Snow White and the Witch in Teochew

Here is a cartoon video of the Snow White tempted by the evil queen to eat the apple, in Chinese dialect Teochew. Not only it reminds me of the event in Garden of Eden, but why is Snow White so naive and foolish, a mere un-proven promise of happiness from eating the fruit also can believe. Via

S-pore.com

Finding the root of all Chinese

家谱Jiapu.com(Chinese) is a member of Ancestry.com(English). It attempts to record every Chinese surname on one site. Quite impressive now from the look of it. You can even build your own family tree there.

家谱

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Photo of sun in the hand

I received a set of picture from a friend. Usually I treat it as spam. Not this one, this set of photo has a theme I like it very much. I save all of them and share one here. I don't know who took these pictures, if you find stumble upon, please tell me.

Sun in the hand- Thanks! Robert.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Disturbing picture that shook my day

This is a picture I got from National Geography. How can you not deeply care about the state of humanity after seeing this? I was badly shaken that day. But that was another story.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Toy Translates dog language into huma...

Toy maker in Japan claims developed toy can translate dog bark in human understandable emoticon. There are frustration, joy, sadness etc. I wonder is there a "I hate you" emoticon.

“Bowlingual”: Portable dog language translator (video) via CrunchGear

Intorducing Vintage Comic: A Contract with God

A Contract with GodFrom Wikipedia. It is often erroneously called the first graphic novel, or the first work to describe itself as such. It is nonetheless an early landmark of the form, and critically lauded in its own right. The kind of comic I like.

A Contract with God, Will Eisner.

Friday, July 17, 2009

A guide to Salmon fishing in Japan

Angler’s Guide to Salmon Fishing in Japan Japan is one of the place on Earth I would like to spend some time staying, weatherly speaking. Here is some tips from The Nihon Sun on catching salmon in Japan. From selecting location to local rules. Kudos! Salmon is just too wonderful for human to not know about it.

An Angler’s Guide to Salmon Fishing in Japan

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Richard Heek's amazing set of bubble photos on Flickr

Perfect bubble burst momentHe says on his Flickr,

"I think this is approaching perfection, in terms of what I set out to capture. Maybe nail varnish would complete this. ;-) There's something so satisfying about picturing something in your head and then finally seeing it on the camera!"

I think this is perfect! It is the most fantastic photo of bubble burst moment I ever seen captured.

Bubble Pop: Reflection Perfection

Friday, July 10, 2009

We are really so different that peace is impossible between us?

Watch upcoming D-9. District 9 is a different kind of Alien movie. Where it was no longer about how human fought against invading Alien, and miraculously gained final victory. It is instead, about Alien seeking refuge among us, and how it ended.

District 9
- Enter as Human or Alien

Stop Motion Donkey Kong clip done with large Post-it

Here is a awesome Stop Motion Yotube video of retro game Donkey Kong, for those of you who never got to play it. Guy, you don't know what beauty you missed.

The Awesomer - Pixels & Bricks: Post-It Donkey Kong in Raleigh

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

World first synthetic Human sperm. Next, world first synthetic baby from it.

Synthetic human spermProfessor Karim Nayernia and his team at New castle may have a break through. To grow human sperm from embryonic stem cells alone. The Synthetic sperm swims with head and tail, with some of the biological characteristics of real sperm. However, a change in the law would require, because the use of such in-vitro derived (IVD) sperm for reproduction was banned in Britain by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act last year.

From Times Online,

"Professor Nayernia said the IVD sperm have key traits of real sperm, including a haploid nucleus that has 23 chromosomes, instead of the 46 found in non-reproductive cells. “These cells are haploid, they have tails and a head, and they swim,” he said. “The only cells in the body that are like that are sperm.”"

This solved a millennium question of whether the chicken or the egg exist first. But science would only be possible if there is already a law exist in the nature.

'Synthetic sperm’ from stem cells raises hope for male infertility

Monday, July 06, 2009

How to Live with your Grandpa/Grandma

How to Live with your Grandpa/GrandmaOver at Dumb Little Man, Ali Hale has some wonderful tips on how you can help your Grandparent with their retirement period, and at the same time prepare yourself to get old. I especially felt the second point is a golden rule. Avoid Political/Religious Discussions...

How to Have a Great Relationship With Your Grandparents on DLM

Friday, July 03, 2009

The Ninety-Nine, Super Hereos created based on Islamic Culture and Religion

Ok. I am a bit late on this. THE-99 was features in almost all the MSM before I got to know. According to Wikipedia, Although Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa, founder and CEO of Teshkeel Media Group, created it based on Islamic concept, but it aims to promote universal virtue. Each heroes character in it has no Religion affiliations. The concept of The 99 is based on the 99 attributes of Allah.

THE-99, you can download a free copy here.

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Cake made to look really like meat-ball spaghetti

Meat-ball spaghetti cakeHere is a picture of a cake that was made to resemble spaghetti. It was so real, you wouldn't believe it. I wonder how it taste?

Ciao Chow Linda, Spaghetti and Meatball cake.

Recycle project: How to made Suichuka

Water FlowerToday Wiki-HowTo on making plastic bag and straw into water flower. Suichuka will open up when immersed in water. A little recycle project which is ideal for school children and refuses to grow-up adult like me.

Wiki-HowTo, How to Make a Water Flower from a Plastic Bag and Straw

In year 2011, an average person can afford to pay 200K for space travel

Spaceport AmericaThe world first spaceport will be build in New Mexico, quote from Coolest Gadget,

"So it should be two years before the average person will be able to fly into space as a tourist. By “average person”, I mean anyone who has $200,000 to spare. Yeah, I didn’t think this whole tourist space travel thing would be cheap, either."

How to make 200USD in cash before I leave this world? That is the question.

Gizmag, Spaceport America breaks ground, flights departing soon.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

The Wonders of China Architect.

China building skillI am not defaming China culture. But man! How can you not amaze at such a spectacular view created by clearly half-past-six civil engineering?

Via Gizmodo, Entire New 13-Story Building Tips Over in Shanghai

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Koibian crying robot, if only happiness can be programme

Kobian mimic cryingIf one day, a machine can feel as human do, and Darwin evolution is proven to be true, then is there a point for human to carry on living? Every culture and philosophy would be meaningless because they don't carry any eternal value. Human need only to live upon their own animal instinct and material desire. Truly the end of mankind, that is.

Kobian - Robot that mimic laugh and cry.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Descendants of Mongolian

Mongolian Blue MarkA friend of mine asked me a old question (I am really interested in) on FaceBook, which sparks me to dig the web again. These are some of mine findings.

A Mongolian spot/mark(蒙古斑), which appears on many baby buttock during birth, few carry it till grown up, most will not have it when or around five. The interesting part I read is in Wikipedia. It says,

"Mongolian spots are most prevalent among Mongols, Turks, and other Asian groups, such as the Chinese, Japanese, and Koreans. Nearly all East Asian infants are born with one or more Mongolian spots. It is also common if only one of the parents is East Asian. Among East African infants it is found at rates between 90-95% and 85-90% of Native American infants."

Dr Greene said on his site,

"Mongolian spots are nothing more than dense collections of melanocytes, the skin cells which contain melanin, the normal pigment of the skin. When the melanocytes are close to the surface, they look deep brown."

If your family carries at least one Asian Heritage, most likely you have it, or seen it. If this means you carry the blood of Mongolian, I think 85% of the world came from a same blood.

This Genetic blue mark, also has some spiritual/religious legend. On Media Thinker's 2003 post,

"The Mongols say they are the mark left by the spirit who slaps the baby to life. Chinese believe that if you are reluctant to be reincarnated, the King of Hell prods and kicks you until you agree to go. The more spots, the more reluctant you were to be reborn."

Intriguing?

If you would like to find out more, I recommend a visit to Alive in Kyoto's post - Mongolian Blue Spot. More than a dozen comment there. Commenter barb raise an interesting question there:

"Does anyone know if there is biblical side to the mongolian spot?"

Tell me here if you find out more..

More read - Asia Finest Forum: Mongolian Blue Spot

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Organ harvesting of Falun Gong in Lego bricks

Flickr Lego photo of Organ HarvestingHere is a link to a Flickr set of Lego picture about organ harvesting of Falun Gong member in China, which purported by The Epoch Times. You can use them to educate you children in a.. hrmm refined way. Please tell them that it is rumored.

Flickr Lego photo of Organ Harvesting via GodBricks

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Cheeky purses made to resemble under pants

Pants PursesThey are available in 4 super cutesy designs: Hearts, Rainbows, Cherries or Strawberries. Carry one of these purses is a sure way to get your more than just attention. Is it Japanese?

Pants Purses via Foolish Gadgets

A short video of how tribe can be form

Seth Godin says on his blog,

“..before the first minute mark. That's when guy #3 joins the group. Before him, it was just a crazy dancing guy and then maybe one other crazy guy. But it's guy #3 who made it a movement.”

What inspires you?

Guy #3

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

There is no new wisdom, only refined one.

The Unknown Life of JesusForumer ellyvia at Oprah.com community says,

“Jesus travelled to India, started preaching there, and finally arrived in Tibet. He spent a few years there living with Buddhist monks and studied Buddhism. At the age of 29, He came back to His hometown. This explains why the people in His hometown didn't recognized Him when He arrived.” Link.

Finally someone discuss what I have read 10 years ago. It would be a heresy to even mention this, hmm, some time back. Ah, it is still heresy. But let bygones be bygones, we focus in the future.

Book I read, don’t know when - Nicolas Notovitch’s The Unknown Life of Jesus: The Original Text of Nicolas Notovich's 1887 Discovery (Paperback)

HowTo: DIY Kissing Beads

DIY kissing beads puzzleToday at Wiki HowTo, a simple DIY puzzle with strings, T-strap and beads, which I like very much. We see less and less DIY toys nowsaday.

How to Make a Puzzle from a Metal T Strap

Philosophical post, Vinegar Taster, thoughts and rants

Vinegar TasterCome across a post which makes me rethink about Philosophy and Humanity. Jack Lilly of Druid Journal comment about Vinegar Taster (三酸图),

"often wondered what Jesus would be doing in this painting. Would he scowl in anger, as he did at the money-changers in his father’s temple? Would he react with indifference, as when he callously said “You’ll always have the poor, you won’t always have me”? Or would he smile, as when … hmmm… did he ever smile? … "

Did he ever smile..? Can you imagine a man who knew he is about to accomplish the greatest task in humanity history, don’t smile? I am quite intrigue with such kind of thinking, and revisiting historical event.

Read more about Vinegar Taster on Wiki here. Read some thoughts here. Visit The Four Vinegar Tasters: Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Christianity.

Tuesday, June 09, 2009

The Fast, Comic on 7 days of food deprivation

7-day-fast comicOk, the real 7-day-fast is living on plain water, that’s right, not even milk or fruit juice for 24X7. But these streams of cartoon can bring back many fun, and not so fun memories. I like this one.

The Fast – By Lucy Knisley

Friday, June 05, 2009

How to fuse plastic bags into laptop case

Thread Banger has a green project that teaches you to recycle plastic bags into a handy mini computer carrier. There is also a write up guide on WikiHowto, and the video was fun to watch too.

ThreadBanger How to fuse plastic bags into laptop case.

RIP, Shek Kin, Hong Kong famous martial art artist

Shek KinVeteran martial arts actor Shek Kin (石坚) (AKA Shih Kien), best known for his role as “Mr. Han” in Bruce Lee’s Enter The Dragon died this morning at the age of 96. I use to watch his martial art show on grayscale TV.

Via Pop Culture Shock.