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Talking about gadgets... some are there just for their aesthetic effect (or simply 'cool'), some are just a waste of money, and a few are actually as useful as they are cool. I am not sure how one should classify this one though, one does wonder if this is real or just a joke. The advertisement video doesn't help either - but definitely funny enough to worth a few minutes of your time!

Labels: funny

Happy Chinese New Year!

Depending on which astrologer you listen to, this year is supposed to be an excellent year for people under my chinese horoscope (that includes me of course!). I'm not a firm believer in horoscope and stuff, but, hey, if they say it's gonna be a good year for me, why should I argue with them?

Anyway, a long time ago, I posted a link to a rather amusing project, basically a tribute to those whose geography is not their forte. But first, a quick history lesson. The Chinese city of Guangzhou used to be romanised to Canton. So if a tourist asks me today where is 'Canton'. I would have directed him to Guangzhou, whilst betting that he is using an outdated tourist guide book.

Or is he?

I randomly came across this the other day - there is a city in Ohio named Canton too! Even more interestingly, it *is* named after Guangzhou. So the fool's world map doesn't look so foolish afterall. Anyone fancy finding a village called 'Siberia' somewhere along the equator?

Labels: links

Ok, this time adjustment thing is getting quite messy I must admit. I was mainly involved in 'recharging' over the last couple of weekends, which left me with little time for other things. Overall January has been very busy and eventful, but this leaves me rather disorganised during my spare time. This is, of course, something that I plan to improve on in due course.

Meanwhile, getting up ultra early in the cold is not particularly appealing. In fact, even if one has had enough rest, the sheer thought of venturing out of one's bed is enough to put people back to sleep. The other day, I read in the newspaper showcasing a new walking alarm clock. This particular clock will start to crawl around the house once the alarm goes off. Not only does one wakes up completely by the time he manages to catch the crawling siren, he will also have benefited from some morning exercises.

I couldn't find this particular alarm clock on the net, so I'll have to link you to an alternative. This particular model rises towards the ceiling as it goes through snoozes.

My only question is... what if you live somewhere with a really high ceiling? Go and buy yourself a ladder too? Also, I find the crawling one funkier too, I better start searching for a link, shouldn't I?

Labels: journal, links

This January is a month of adjustments...

Lots of new things waiting for me to discover/do, so life has been pretty busy. Actually, the last couple of weeks has sent such a shock to my schedule that my body is still adjusting. First, I need to remember how to retrieve my brain power, but I think that's been largely taken care of by now. Then there's the issue of organisation, I think I'm still relying on random bits of paper, which is ok for now, but I really ought to pick up my habits again. Then lastly, I have managed to think of several topics for my blog, only to forget when I actually sit in front of my computer - hence nothing since the New Year until now.

Not to mention my grammar, I'll leave it as it it for now, but it should improve soon...

Labels: journal, work

So, I was approached by a talent recruitment agent. My initial reaction was - do I really look like someone who is dreaming to become a superstar? I wasn't pleased at all, and I tried my best effort to run away. However, the agent was probably very experienced and my attempt to get rid of her was unsuccessful.

So I managed to fake my number, occupation and office number. However, she insisted on me giving her my mobile number. Now, I would have thought that a real agent would have simply given me her business card, and asked me to contact her if interested. I really doubt they would ask for my details, except perhaps my name, on the spot. I certainly did not expect they would insist on giving particular information (privacy law is against this anyway).

Her reason? She feared that my 'office' number is a switchboard number, and she said she wanted to minimise disruption to my colleagues, so my mobile number would be more convenient. Besides, I could be contacted outside office hours too.

Wait a second, isn't the switchboard staff *paid* to relay phone calls to the relevant people?

When I went back home, I checked out their company website, which looks genuine enough. However, I have no way to verify that the contents are also genuine. On hindsight, I should have just insisted that I was not interested, rather than faking everything. Another thought: if the agent who approached me was real, then I have to say that she was not a very good recruiter...

Labels: journal

Have you ever dreamed of being approached by 'model agencies' or 'talent recruiters'? Obviously, if one has absolutely no interests in these kind of things, then it's irrelevant. However, for the model-wannabes, this is potentially a golden opportunity.

Well, is it?

I'm sure this happens elsewhere too, but certainly in Hong Kong, there are fake model agencies. Their purpose? The money of the gullible folks of course. The agencies will ask the poor folks to fork out money for photoshoot, beauty course, catwalk course, etc. However, any real model agency will tell you that potential models will not be expected to pay for these expenses themselves.

Earlier today, whilst I was out on the streets, I was approached by a representative from a talent search company - they were looking for all sorts of people to take part in advertisements and other short films.

So what happened? (To be continued)

Labels: journal

It has been a really mild (to put it er... mildly) winter in HK this year. However, the weather seems to have picked up the festive mood and managed to lower its temperature by a few degrees to a 'reasonably cool' climate. So, at least Christmas feels just a little more like Christmas.

Here's a customary Christmas photo...

Merry Christmas everyone, and remember to spare some thoughts (and preferably some actions too) on those who are less fortunate!

Labels: journal