Blog
Tuesday, 19 February 2008
So subtle...
Posted @ 23:45
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
Friday, 14 December 2007
Festive fish...
Posted @ 19:20
For those who has yet to start, let's get the festive season going!
I was watching the news today when they ran an item on Christmas tree. The Japanese, innovative as ever, came up with a set of Christmas lights that are powered by... wait for it... an electric eel. A quick search online produces several articles on this. However, many of these just show a zoomed in view of the eel, and I thought it would be nice to find one where they show the tree as well. As it turns out, the easiest is to click on the video link in the MSNBC article.
I was watching the news today when they ran an item on Christmas tree. The Japanese, innovative as ever, came up with a set of Christmas lights that are powered by... wait for it... an electric eel. A quick search online produces several articles on this. However, many of these just show a zoomed in view of the eel, and I thought it would be nice to find one where they show the tree as well. As it turns out, the easiest is to click on the video link in the MSNBC article.
Labels: funny
Sunday, 4 November 2007
Wait till the end...
Posted @ 23:07
Cartoons and caricatures are usually presented as finished products. People talk about what the cartoon represents or signifies, and how good/bad the final product is. However, making an art out of the process of drawing is quite cunning in my opinion. This means that not only does the final image have a meaning, the interim stages will also need to represent something, funnier if these are completely unexpected and out of context. Don't believe me? Check this video out...
Tuesday, 16 October 2007
The natural way, or not...
Posted @ 22:37
There was this TV programme this evening on people who have a thing for either tanning or skin whitening, plus the obligatory 'medical opinion'. Basically it provided some insights on why people want to have tanned or pale skin, and whether they would do it the natural way or artificially. People always have different opinion on what constitutes 'beautiful skin tone'. In medieval times, pale skin was probably more desired, as it showed that these people were rich enough not to have to carry out outdoor manual labour. More recently, there has probably been times when tanned skin fared better, as these people were rich enough to go on holidays in exotic places.
Tanning naturally is, of course, via the sun; and if you want to keep your skin pale, then slap on plenty of sun blocks, and avoid the sun in general. These are probably what people would classify as the 'natural' way. To speed things up, one could always go for the sunbed, or apply whitening lotions (very popular in the Far East!). Personally, I'm not keen on these fast-track routines. Putting oneself inside a sunbed is probably, in my humble and biased opinion, akin to some kind of medieval burning torture. Putting on whitening lotion? Well, isn't that essentially equivalent to slapping bleach onto the face?
Check out this clip on a prank on sunbed. This is supposed to be funny, but I guess there is some (exaggerated) truth in it. (Sorry, I can't find an equivalent joke on whitening)
Actually, the funniest part about the TV programme was this: when the person was asked why he wanted to have a tan, his response was: Tanned skin looks healthier, more energetic, hides blemishes and makes you look good. When another person was asked why he (yes, *HE*) uses skin whitening products, he replied: Pale skin looks healthier, more energetic, hides blemishes and makes you look good.
Tanning naturally is, of course, via the sun; and if you want to keep your skin pale, then slap on plenty of sun blocks, and avoid the sun in general. These are probably what people would classify as the 'natural' way. To speed things up, one could always go for the sunbed, or apply whitening lotions (very popular in the Far East!). Personally, I'm not keen on these fast-track routines. Putting oneself inside a sunbed is probably, in my humble and biased opinion, akin to some kind of medieval burning torture. Putting on whitening lotion? Well, isn't that essentially equivalent to slapping bleach onto the face?
Check out this clip on a prank on sunbed. This is supposed to be funny, but I guess there is some (exaggerated) truth in it. (Sorry, I can't find an equivalent joke on whitening)
Actually, the funniest part about the TV programme was this: when the person was asked why he wanted to have a tan, his response was: Tanned skin looks healthier, more energetic, hides blemishes and makes you look good. When another person was asked why he (yes, *HE*) uses skin whitening products, he replied: Pale skin looks healthier, more energetic, hides blemishes and makes you look good.
Labels: funny
Tuesday, 2 October 2007
Looking forward to 2000!
Posted @ 10:00
Ok, ok, I concede that September has been a pathetic month as far as posting is concerned. Let's see how October goes...
I received an email concerning changes in the library system (although it probably doesn't concern me anymore). Here's the *first* paragraph:
"College Library is about to enter the 20th century, and offer automated
borrowing. Initially you will be able to borrow, renew and reserve
books in the Library via the computer, although it is hoped that we will
also be able to offer online renewals and reservations in the
not-too-distant future."
Good to hear that things are now only one century behind instead of two!
I received an email concerning changes in the library system (although it probably doesn't concern me anymore). Here's the *first* paragraph:
"College Library is about to enter the 20th century, and offer automated
borrowing. Initially you will be able to borrow, renew and reserve
books in the Library via the computer, although it is hoped that we will
also be able to offer online renewals and reservations in the
not-too-distant future."
Good to hear that things are now only one century behind instead of two!
Thursday, 9 August 2007
Spider!
Posted @ 16:41
ACT I SCENE I
LOCATION: Office
CHARACTERS: Male x6 (including FBP), Female x1
(The six male characters working in the office)
FEMALE: (storming into office) Is anyone good with spider here?
(The male characters stopped working and looked at each other)
(Stunned silence)
(A few moments later)
(Stunned silence)
(A few more moments later)
(Stunned silence - it was obvious that all the male characters did not mind sorting out the spider, but couldn't be bothered to get up)
(Yet a few more moments later)
FBP: Alright, let's go and sort it out!
(Female character quickly left the office to lead the way)
(After female has left but FBP still on his way out)
MALE A: (amused) Six guys in the office, and nobody moved!
(ALL laughed)
END OF SCENE
**********
We are such a bunch of gentlemen, aren't we? Oh well, I guess this kind of awkwardness can be avoided had we invested in one of these contraptions...
LOCATION: Office
CHARACTERS: Male x6 (including FBP), Female x1
(The six male characters working in the office)
FEMALE: (storming into office) Is anyone good with spider here?
(The male characters stopped working and looked at each other)
(Stunned silence)
(A few moments later)
(Stunned silence)
(A few more moments later)
(Stunned silence - it was obvious that all the male characters did not mind sorting out the spider, but couldn't be bothered to get up)
(Yet a few more moments later)
FBP: Alright, let's go and sort it out!
(Female character quickly left the office to lead the way)
(After female has left but FBP still on his way out)
MALE A: (amused) Six guys in the office, and nobody moved!
(ALL laughed)
END OF SCENE
**********
We are such a bunch of gentlemen, aren't we? Oh well, I guess this kind of awkwardness can be avoided had we invested in one of these contraptions...
Friday, 1 June 2007
Keep yourself busy!
Posted @ 20:45
Ok, although I have been at work every day for the last month, I have not been doing much, coz it was a work-hiatus month for me - new project doesn't start until today. To be honest, I got bored of the lack of work pretty quickly, and in a sense, I am quite glad I need to start doing stuff again. Some might say this is a sign of workaholism, but others may prefer to call this 'enthusiasm'. I would certainly classify myself as the latter. I am a firm believer that keeping your brain active is one way to take good care of yourself. I mean, you will reap the rewards in years to come, when your mind will still be functioning pretty well (and hope that medical technology will have advanced enough that your body will be in decent shape too!). Thesedays, we have some old folks making a big statement, and why shouldn't they? Take an example closer to home: one of my bosses is over 80, and his mind is sharper than half a dozen of 20-something put together (and he is also in very good health).
There is a fine line dividing 'keep yourself busy' and 'workaholism'. I mean, *this* is workaholism! Enjoy your work.....
There is a fine line dividing 'keep yourself busy' and 'workaholism'. I mean, *this* is workaholism! Enjoy your work.....
Thursday, 24 May 2007
All for a beer...
Posted @ 20:33
[Disclaimer: can be offensive to some (e.g. myself), please do NOT continue reading unless equipped with a *big* dose of sarcasm!]
It is the beer festival this week, with an interesting theme based on the concept of 'spy'. Why spy, one might wonder? Apparently, if one takes away the '2' in the year '2007', one is left with '007' - get the idea? To compliment the theme, there are also many beverages named using James Bond puns. 'Interesting' is how I would describe these puns, and my personal 'favourite' (although not spy-theme related) is 'I can't believe it's not bitter'...
Hmm.....
Anyway, moving swiftly on. As people who know me, I always have a problem with age identification. It seems that nobody in the world of pubs and clubs would believe that I am (way) over 21. So, when we went yesterday, all my (younger) friends got in without any problems, and I got ID-ed yet again. Fair enough, I got used to it. However, some %£#@$ came up with a brilliant idea: let's give all those people who got ID-ed a wristband! Yes, it *could* have been a great idea, but I was told that I might get ID-ed again inside even with the wristband. Eh? What's the point of giving us wristbands then?
Grr.....
Now, speak of the wristband, or shall I say, 'wristband'? Instead of getting some proper wristband people give out during events (and the potential for sponsors logos printed on them), they have gone for the stylish CABLE TIES?!?!! Admittedly, they did try to make it less humiliating by making the wristband out of three cable ties of different colours, but still, these are cable ties! Surely this is against human rights? hehehe...
To round off this post, how about some magic tricks with cable ties?
It is the beer festival this week, with an interesting theme based on the concept of 'spy'. Why spy, one might wonder? Apparently, if one takes away the '2' in the year '2007', one is left with '007' - get the idea? To compliment the theme, there are also many beverages named using James Bond puns. 'Interesting' is how I would describe these puns, and my personal 'favourite' (although not spy-theme related) is 'I can't believe it's not bitter'...
Hmm.....
Anyway, moving swiftly on. As people who know me, I always have a problem with age identification. It seems that nobody in the world of pubs and clubs would believe that I am (way) over 21. So, when we went yesterday, all my (younger) friends got in without any problems, and I got ID-ed yet again. Fair enough, I got used to it. However, some %£#@$ came up with a brilliant idea: let's give all those people who got ID-ed a wristband! Yes, it *could* have been a great idea, but I was told that I might get ID-ed again inside even with the wristband. Eh? What's the point of giving us wristbands then?
Grr.....
Now, speak of the wristband, or shall I say, 'wristband'? Instead of getting some proper wristband people give out during events (and the potential for sponsors logos printed on them), they have gone for the stylish CABLE TIES?!?!! Admittedly, they did try to make it less humiliating by making the wristband out of three cable ties of different colours, but still, these are cable ties! Surely this is against human rights? hehehe...
To round off this post, how about some magic tricks with cable ties?
Sunday, 22 April 2007
Quickest tour ever?
Posted @ 10:19
When I was in Rome last week doing all the prerequisite tourist things, I came across this sign:
Let us retrace the route. We entered the site to the ticket office, bought our tickets, and on leaving the ticketing office, this was the sign that we saw. There were no mistakes in the signs, it was pointing at the entrance. So does this mean that we've practically seen everything within a 100-metre walk? More interestingly, the arrow for toilets pointed to the same direction. Could this be interpreted as 'Find your own toilets outside our museum!'?
Luckily, this was not the case. The 'entrance' referred to the entrance to the rest of the site, which happens to be right next to the entrance to the building, the exit, and of course, the toilets...
Let us retrace the route. We entered the site to the ticket office, bought our tickets, and on leaving the ticketing office, this was the sign that we saw. There were no mistakes in the signs, it was pointing at the entrance. So does this mean that we've practically seen everything within a 100-metre walk? More interestingly, the arrow for toilets pointed to the same direction. Could this be interpreted as 'Find your own toilets outside our museum!'?
Luckily, this was not the case. The 'entrance' referred to the entrance to the rest of the site, which happens to be right next to the entrance to the building, the exit, and of course, the toilets...
Friday, 30 March 2007
Dry showers...
Posted @ 23:13
So I've moved again...
The place is great, but interestingly, in the shower unit that is right next to my room, there is a pair of woolly gloves and a mirror INSIDE. That was very strange, I wonder what's going on...
Now, on the first night I moved in, I tried to have a shower. Strangely, the jets were so diffused that most of the jets only hit the walls and ceilings of the shower, instead of the person standing inside the shower unit! I stood in the shower for 10 minutes and only my feet got wet (coz all the water flows to the shower floor). In the end, I had to take a pint glass and fill that up with water, and used that to take the 'shower'.
The next day, we were discussing the shower with my colleagues. Since the mirror inside the shower was angled such that you could see the shower head clearly, we came into the conclusion that other people used the pair of gloves as a sponge to wash themselves, and the mirror was there so that they know exactly where to catch the water jets...
I really could not work out if this should be labelled 'rant' or 'funny', so I'e used both.....
The place is great, but interestingly, in the shower unit that is right next to my room, there is a pair of woolly gloves and a mirror INSIDE. That was very strange, I wonder what's going on...
Now, on the first night I moved in, I tried to have a shower. Strangely, the jets were so diffused that most of the jets only hit the walls and ceilings of the shower, instead of the person standing inside the shower unit! I stood in the shower for 10 minutes and only my feet got wet (coz all the water flows to the shower floor). In the end, I had to take a pint glass and fill that up with water, and used that to take the 'shower'.
The next day, we were discussing the shower with my colleagues. Since the mirror inside the shower was angled such that you could see the shower head clearly, we came into the conclusion that other people used the pair of gloves as a sponge to wash themselves, and the mirror was there so that they know exactly where to catch the water jets...
I really could not work out if this should be labelled 'rant' or 'funny', so I'e used both.....
Monday, 26 March 2007
From auto-caption to giant toilet...
Posted @ 18:37
MS WORD auto-caption function - you are driving me mad! Enough said...
Meanwhile, Rich came to the rescue just in time with some amusing architecture. Otherwise, I would probably have thrown a computer out of the door by now!
Meanwhile, Rich came to the rescue just in time with some amusing architecture. Otherwise, I would probably have thrown a computer out of the door by now!
Sunday, 4 March 2007
Salsa Fighter!
Posted @ 23:00
What do you get when you fuse Street Fighter with salsa? Well, check this video out! Amusing, original and a pretty good dance routine too!
Labels: funny
Monday, 15 January 2007
Journey to workville (II)
Posted @ 17:50
It was an almost three-hour journey on the coach from the airport back home. The coach windows have double glazing, which kept the heat loss down. Now, I don't know whether they have invented some new types of double glazing, or whether it was some form of onboard entertainment, this is the window panel next to my seat:
I must say, this water feature was quite soothing for a little while!
I must say, this water feature was quite soothing for a little while!
Tuesday, 24 October 2006
Plate Tectonics?!
Posted @ 00:27
Normally, when you search for 'Greece' in wikipedia, you get this. However, yesterday, someone decided to have some fun with their geography, and changed the entry for Greece. The 'error' has now been corrected, but not before I managed to take a screen shot, hehe... (click the picture to zoom in)
Labels: funny
Tuesday, 17 October 2006
Thank you for your custom!
Posted @ 17:50
This was the receipt I received when I returned an overdue book for my friend...
I don't know about you, but the phrase 'Thank you for your custom, please call again' is probably not the first thing that come to my mind as far as library fines are concerned...
I don't know about you, but the phrase 'Thank you for your custom, please call again' is probably not the first thing that come to my mind as far as library fines are concerned...
Labels: funny
Sunday, 15 October 2006
Food for thought... or laugh?
Posted @ 19:01
Ok, I was reading an article from the BBC news website today on Beijing's attempt to stamp out poor English, or 'Chinglish'. I decided to click on the Flickr link to have a look at some of the examples, and hence my whole afternoon of scheduled work went straight down the drain. Anyway, many of the photographs in the Flickr collection were, to be honest, not that funny, and a few actually used pretty good English. However, I did manage to pick out a few amusing ones to save you the hassle of going through the whole collection! haha...
Not surprisingly, menu translations in restaurants provided much amusement. For some strange reason, the word 'fried' is often translated as 'f*ck'. Now, add some food ingredients and some random word ordering, one may end up with something such as this (highlighted item) or this (first item on the list).
Gibberish, one might say. However, every now and then a grammatically correct phrase would emerge from the translation, such as this. Now, how or why a shrimp would accomplish that is beyond my imagination, and certainly not the most appetising sight if it were indeed true.
Now, moving on, for those who have a habit of cannibalism may find this or this appealing. I think the former was supposed to say "Steak: Kids' size meal" and the later is just missing a word (I hope!).
Not surprisingly, menu translations in restaurants provided much amusement. For some strange reason, the word 'fried' is often translated as 'f*ck'. Now, add some food ingredients and some random word ordering, one may end up with something such as this (highlighted item) or this (first item on the list).
Gibberish, one might say. However, every now and then a grammatically correct phrase would emerge from the translation, such as this. Now, how or why a shrimp would accomplish that is beyond my imagination, and certainly not the most appetising sight if it were indeed true.
Now, moving on, for those who have a habit of cannibalism may find this or this appealing. I think the former was supposed to say "Steak: Kids' size meal" and the later is just missing a word (I hope!).
Labels: funny
hahaha ...hilarious ... but a bit too gwa cheung
# posted by
:
3:44 PM
Thursday, 17 August 2006
Pickle Power!
Posted @ 13:38
For tennis followers, the biggest shock yesterday was Andy Murray's victory over Roger Federer in Cincinnati. Having just won the equally prestigious title at Toronto on Sunday, Federer was clearly running out of energy. To be fair, although not really in any trouble, Federer looked less invincible than usual last week, when several of his matches went the distance. Anyway, his loss is probably a pleasant change from another potential Federer vs. Nadal final, which seems to be the norm thesedays. Mind you, the extra few days of rest will be interpreted as Federer winning the US Open (again) next month.
Anyway, you must have read enough reports about the match from other sources already. The point of this post is to draw to your attention a rather interesting remark in a Daily Telegraph commentary. Basically, Murray's new coach has been getting him to soak his hand in pickle juice to harden the skin in order to reduce blisters. Here's the relevant excerpt from the commentary:
"Gilbert (Murray's coach) has been making Murray soak his hand in pickle juice ... to prevent a recurrence of blisters. After last night's result, Federer may be tempted to check whether pickle juice is a banned, performance-enhancing substance."
Well, gracious in defeat as ever, Federer never attributed his loss to acidic smells overwhelming the stadium!
Anyway, you must have read enough reports about the match from other sources already. The point of this post is to draw to your attention a rather interesting remark in a Daily Telegraph commentary. Basically, Murray's new coach has been getting him to soak his hand in pickle juice to harden the skin in order to reduce blisters. Here's the relevant excerpt from the commentary:
"Gilbert (Murray's coach) has been making Murray soak his hand in pickle juice ... to prevent a recurrence of blisters. After last night's result, Federer may be tempted to check whether pickle juice is a banned, performance-enhancing substance."
Well, gracious in defeat as ever, Federer never attributed his loss to acidic smells overwhelming the stadium!
Monday, 14 August 2006
You want it... when?
Posted @ 13:23
Ok, here's the gist of the conversation I've had today when booking for a doctor's appointment...
ME: Hi! I'd like to book an appointment to see the doctor this week please.
RECEPTIONIST: Which day of the week would you like?
ME: Any day *except Thursday* would be fine.
RECEPTIONIST: Ok, what about morning or afternoon?
ME: *Mornings* only please.
RECEPTIONIST: Let me see... is Thursday 3pm ok for you this week?
ME: ..........
ME: Hi! I'd like to book an appointment to see the doctor this week please.
RECEPTIONIST: Which day of the week would you like?
ME: Any day *except Thursday* would be fine.
RECEPTIONIST: Ok, what about morning or afternoon?
ME: *Mornings* only please.
RECEPTIONIST: Let me see... is Thursday 3pm ok for you this week?
ME: ..........
Saturday, 1 July 2006
Thank you for being er... my boss!
Posted @ 13:32
Your boss is really "great" but you feel awkward to show your "appreciation"? Well, thanks to this little flash interface, you can now pick a selection of video clips, and make your own "Thank You" video! What's more, you can send them anonymously (apparently) to anyone (including your boss!), and your "affection" would remain a secret.
My favourite quote from one of the clips: "Thank you for trusting my cleavage and the length of my skirt far more than my capacity to sell a campaign!"
Slight problem for me though: I actually have decent bosses. It's a shame that all the clips are tailored towards managers, as I believe there are other people who deserves our affection too...
My favourite quote from one of the clips: "Thank you for trusting my cleavage and the length of my skirt far more than my capacity to sell a campaign!"
Slight problem for me though: I actually have decent bosses. It's a shame that all the clips are tailored towards managers, as I believe there are other people who deserves our affection too...
Labels: funny
Wednesday, 28 June 2006
No more scrambling!
Posted @ 19:01
Ok, I've spent the whole day reading journals - and instead of ZZzzz I was actually taking much of the info in - WOW... Anyway, by now I think my brain is beginning to get saturated with jargons so it's time for a little break. Therefore I invite you to check this out, which is a must-have gadget for all office workers. It promises a discreet way of doing 'alternative work' in an office environment. The flash animation in the 'demo' section is quite funny too.
You have to admire the effort people would put in just to get a moment or so of slacking. I bet the design was carried out *during* office hours!
You have to admire the effort people would put in just to get a moment or so of slacking. I bet the design was carried out *during* office hours!
Monday, 20 March 2006
Niche market...
Posted @ 09:00
If one is up to date with Astronomy news, or even just scientific news in general, one would notice that a recent headline was the discovery of potential liquid water on Enceladus, one of Saturn's moons. Now, scientists can easily be excited by mentioning the words "water" and "extra-terrestrial" in the same sentence. However, an entrepreneur may have this conjured up in his brain instead...
Labels: funny
Saturday, 11 February 2006
How to look after the kids...
Posted @ 20:31
Just came back from Paris. I thought it was freezing there, until I got back home. Then, I realised how warm Paris had been! haha...
Well, instead of showing you pictures of the Lourvre, Eiffel Tower, etc, check this out:
I found this sign in the open court outside the Palace of Justice. Does it mean parents shouldn't be holding the hands of their children? Or, giving we were right outside the Paris Law Courts, a gentle reminder that kidnapping of children is to be avoided? I doubt neither interpretation is correct, but if we were to believe the former is true (i.e. no holding hands), then here's a good demonstration from the public:
Or, as this couple has shown, alternative response to the sign:
Well, instead of showing you pictures of the Lourvre, Eiffel Tower, etc, check this out:
I found this sign in the open court outside the Palace of Justice. Does it mean parents shouldn't be holding the hands of their children? Or, giving we were right outside the Paris Law Courts, a gentle reminder that kidnapping of children is to be avoided? I doubt neither interpretation is correct, but if we were to believe the former is true (i.e. no holding hands), then here's a good demonstration from the public:
Or, as this couple has shown, alternative response to the sign:
i believe that sign means:
"people with one leg longer than the other are not allowed to wear skirts or go commando.
"people with one leg longer than the other are not allowed to wear skirts or go commando.
# posted by
liquidx :
9:32 PM
paris is such a romantic place. u should spend ur valentine's day there... u went back to cambridge too early la!
# posted by
:
10:57 AM
Well I guess it means don't walk on the footpath, at least if it is the opposite of this sign. Further investigation reveals this. I don't think it's a very obvious sign at all, though I should've noted the similarity to the British cycleway/walkway sign. The odd sign section of the Americans in France website has a few peculiarities, I particularly like danger of artificial rain!
# posted by
PocketGenius :
1:21 PM
Sunday, 15 January 2006
From chicken to Mac...
Posted @ 18:39
Several weeks ago, when I was looking for some inspiration for my design work, I came across a website describing (mainly) medieval weapons, and amongst the various types of swords and spears, I found a weapon named "chicken"?!! Apparently, if you stick a blade onto a pickled chicken, you form a "most feared" weapon (quoted from the website). I did wonder for a while whether this was a spoof article, but I didn't spend much time on it.
Well, many of you know that I was on holiday last month, and I spent much time chilling at home. One of the things I did was to munch through my Garfield comics collection again. When I read one of the strips, something amusing came to my mind. Garfield fans may know where this is leading to. If not, perhaps you may want to read the online version of that particular comic strip.
On a completely different note, Apple has decided to use chips made by Intel from now on. Incidentally, you may or may not have noticed, Intel has undergone is small brand image change in the new year. I was wondering, would Apple need some sort of new image too, since moving to Intel chips seems to be a rather radical move. Here, Garfield may have again provided some inspiration.....
Anyway, enough about Macs. Everyone knows I want one (just because a designer using a Mac looks cool), but I'm not good enough to write about them. Better leave this to the experts.....
Well, many of you know that I was on holiday last month, and I spent much time chilling at home. One of the things I did was to munch through my Garfield comics collection again. When I read one of the strips, something amusing came to my mind. Garfield fans may know where this is leading to. If not, perhaps you may want to read the online version of that particular comic strip.
On a completely different note, Apple has decided to use chips made by Intel from now on. Incidentally, you may or may not have noticed, Intel has undergone is small brand image change in the new year. I was wondering, would Apple need some sort of new image too, since moving to Intel chips seems to be a rather radical move. Here, Garfield may have again provided some inspiration.....
Anyway, enough about Macs. Everyone knows I want one (just because a designer using a Mac looks cool), but I'm not good enough to write about them. Better leave this to the experts.....
Tuesday, 15 November 2005
Dramatic change!
Posted @ 10:33
My university has recently implemented a new student records system (bought from, ahem, across the Atlantic... hehe), which is supposed to be quite good, as it allows the students to sort out personal details, exams, transcripts, etc, all from one website and database. Yesterday I logged in and found out that, to my surprise and amusement, I am classified by the University as "Caucasian". I've checked myself in the mirror several times, and I really found it hard to find evidence to support the idea that I am in fact not a Chinese/Oriental/Asian! :p
Interestingly, I can change most of the personal details in my account, but 'ethnic group' is something that is not within my admin right to change. So I have to contact the university to sort this out! I wonder if they would believe it when I told them I want to amend my ethnic group status!
Interestingly, I can change most of the personal details in my account, but 'ethnic group' is something that is not within my admin right to change. So I have to contact the university to sort this out! I wonder if they would believe it when I told them I want to amend my ethnic group status!
u'd better tell them in person ...hahaha ... so they can see ur face and reflect on how they can make such a mistake!
# posted by
:
3:22 PM
Tuesday, 1 November 2005
Illusion
Posted @ 12:12
Here's a little optical illusion, courtesy of a link provided by Rich.
Also, for the second time in a row now, I have been sent a "reminder notice" to pay my college bill 10 days before it is due. Recall the definition of "reminder" - it means "why haven't you pay yet?". Stop wasting resources doing pointless things! Do they seriously expect people to cough up money 10 days in advance?
Also, for the second time in a row now, I have been sent a "reminder notice" to pay my college bill 10 days before it is due. Recall the definition of "reminder" - it means "why haven't you pay yet?". Stop wasting resources doing pointless things! Do they seriously expect people to cough up money 10 days in advance?
Thursday, 13 October 2005
Gone way past its sell by date!
Posted @ 12:17
They have discovered the world's oldest noodles - 4000 years old! Not only has this generated more professional interest than I thought, its discovery has also settled a long dispute over who invented the first string-type food. I can't wait for the day when they discover ancient ice-cream frozen underneath glaciers! haha...
Hmm... noodles are made from wheat (or in the case of the specimen in the article, grass), so they are technically derived from living organisms. Does that mean we now have fossils of noodles? :p
Hmm... noodles are made from wheat (or in the case of the specimen in the article, grass), so they are technically derived from living organisms. Does that mean we now have fossils of noodles? :p
Wednesday, 28 September 2005
Stone - paper - scissors!
Posted @ 17:39
I thought this would never happen, but yes it does. Childhood games turning into world championships!?? I admit this could potentially become a game of psychology and tactics, but isn't this a bit excessive? haha...
Monday, 8 August 2005
Linguistic creativity.....
Posted @ 09:33
Recently a particular shop is doing a range of clothes with an 'ethnic theme'. I really liked one of the T-shirts, but when I was about to pay, I noticed that there was a phrase written in the ethnic language on one corner of the T-shirt. Since I do not understand what it says, I decided not to buy it... reluctantly.....
"It's only a phrase!" Some people may say. For example, oriental themes in clothes have always been fashionable to some extent. However, as someone who is able to read Chinese, I sometimes do wonder if these people would still wear the clothes had they knew what was actually written on them. You see, if this happens with Chinese, the same can happen with any other languages. Therefore, to be on the safe side, I had to give the T-shirt a miss.
Back to this Chinese thing on clothes. When things go wrong, it may be attributed to: (1) the characters written upside down or flipped; (2) the characters are written wrongly, or they are completely made up; and (3) the characters are written correctly, but their meaning is perhaps a bit... er....
linguistic misfortunes are less damaging on clothes, because all you have to do is to not wear it again. What if it is a tattoo? Laser treatment? Hide that part of the flesh forever? Anyway, take a look a this, and whether you want to laugh or feel sorry is up to you.....
[NOTE: there seems to be some problems displaying the page, depending on the computer/browser. My browser at home wouldn't display the page whereas it worked fine using another computer]
[Edit: It turns out that the author of the blog has talked about the display issue, and I've now modified the link above to reflect this.]
"It's only a phrase!" Some people may say. For example, oriental themes in clothes have always been fashionable to some extent. However, as someone who is able to read Chinese, I sometimes do wonder if these people would still wear the clothes had they knew what was actually written on them. You see, if this happens with Chinese, the same can happen with any other languages. Therefore, to be on the safe side, I had to give the T-shirt a miss.
Back to this Chinese thing on clothes. When things go wrong, it may be attributed to: (1) the characters written upside down or flipped; (2) the characters are written wrongly, or they are completely made up; and (3) the characters are written correctly, but their meaning is perhaps a bit... er....
linguistic misfortunes are less damaging on clothes, because all you have to do is to not wear it again. What if it is a tattoo? Laser treatment? Hide that part of the flesh forever? Anyway, take a look a this, and whether you want to laugh or feel sorry is up to you.....
[NOTE: there seems to be some problems displaying the page, depending on the computer/browser. My browser at home wouldn't display the page whereas it worked fine using another computer]
[Edit: It turns out that the author of the blog has talked about the display issue, and I've now modified the link above to reflect this.]
Monday, 27 June 2005
Manga-mania
Posted @ 15:13
Cosplay = costume + play
That's what you're doing if you are dressing up as your favourite anime/manga/video game character. Perhaps ok for a fancy dress party, but some people do take this a little bit... er... too seriously. As many of these characters come with traits that do not obey the laws of physics as we know it, imitating them can be a bit problematic. Take armour as an example. You see characters wearing several tonnes of armour, and yet they move as if they are as light as a feather.
Another problem is hair. With hair dyes coming in all sorts of hues and shades thesedays we're not too worried about colours. However, how can you replicate the hair that spikes a foot high, or fringes that are shaped like lightning bolts? Well, the most conventional method is to use a wig, or even a plastic mold.
Well, seeing this as a... er... great marketing opportunity, why not come up with styling products that let you achieve the impossible? I dunno about you, but I'm not brave enough to stroll along the streets looking like that! Hmm.....
That's what you're doing if you are dressing up as your favourite anime/manga/video game character. Perhaps ok for a fancy dress party, but some people do take this a little bit... er... too seriously. As many of these characters come with traits that do not obey the laws of physics as we know it, imitating them can be a bit problematic. Take armour as an example. You see characters wearing several tonnes of armour, and yet they move as if they are as light as a feather.
Another problem is hair. With hair dyes coming in all sorts of hues and shades thesedays we're not too worried about colours. However, how can you replicate the hair that spikes a foot high, or fringes that are shaped like lightning bolts? Well, the most conventional method is to use a wig, or even a plastic mold.
Well, seeing this as a... er... great marketing opportunity, why not come up with styling products that let you achieve the impossible? I dunno about you, but I'm not brave enough to stroll along the streets looking like that! Hmm.....
Thursday, 23 June 2005
Too hot to handle!
Posted @ 23:09
Both the quantity and quality of the posts recently had been rather... er... *average*. In fact it gets so bad that I have to 'beg' people to send me links to post here! hahaha...
So, with some quick help from Alastair, here's how you can convert a fan into a temporary air-con unit. Exactly what I need right now!
So, with some quick help from Alastair, here's how you can convert a fan into a temporary air-con unit. Exactly what I need right now!
Tuesday, 14 June 2005
Star Wars!?
Posted @ 18:23
Star Wars with an organic theme... hehehehe.....
Wednesday, 20 April 2005
An excuse for cheap carpet...
Posted @ 21:35
Well, I've mentioned the moths a few times now, so I better finish off the story...
The house was disinfected by the pest control people yesterday. Apparently the situation in the corridor was very bad, but the rooms seemed to have escaped the moths' invasion. There's always been some patches on the carpet in the communal areas, but I thought they were just from wear and tear. But no - apparently the moths have been munching on the carpets all this time!
Do you want to know why the rooms weren't invaded? Coz the corridor carpet is made of wool, and the moths love it. Our rooms are lined with cheap nylon carpets, and moths don't like them. You see, we got given things that even insects would reject...
But then, thanks for the cheap carpet, our rooms are in healthy conditions...
The house was disinfected by the pest control people yesterday. Apparently the situation in the corridor was very bad, but the rooms seemed to have escaped the moths' invasion. There's always been some patches on the carpet in the communal areas, but I thought they were just from wear and tear. But no - apparently the moths have been munching on the carpets all this time!
Do you want to know why the rooms weren't invaded? Coz the corridor carpet is made of wool, and the moths love it. Our rooms are lined with cheap nylon carpets, and moths don't like them. You see, we got given things that even insects would reject...
But then, thanks for the cheap carpet, our rooms are in healthy conditions...
Tuesday, 19 April 2005
Grads are the 'foundation' of knowledge...
Posted @ 08:48
Haha, so funny - check out today's PhD Comics! So I guess putting grad students in the basement can be seen as a symbolic move to represent the roots of all advancement in knowledge. Afterall, most university departments get their $$$ through research - and who does the staff rely on to get the results? Grad students!
Obviously, that interpretation is highly naive. The truth is, grad students get the worst space in a department. Why put a professor in a basement when you can squeeze about twenty into the same space? On well...
Wait a second..... I work in a basement office too!??!?
Obviously, that interpretation is highly naive. The truth is, grad students get the worst space in a department. Why put a professor in a basement when you can squeeze about twenty into the same space? On well...
Wait a second..... I work in a basement office too!??!?
Wednesday, 6 April 2005
An octo-nut?
Posted @ 13:00
Walking coconuts and seaweed are probably creatures of the computer games world, or is it? Well, apparently some species of octopus can "shape-shift" by wrapping its tentacles to pretend its a coconut or a bunch of algae. More interestingly though, they are able to walk along the sea floor in their transformed body forms. Check out the video clips as well...
Shape-shifting octopus... now we are really talking about computer games, aren't we, haha?
Shape-shifting octopus... now we are really talking about computer games, aren't we, haha?
Thursday, 17 March 2005
Cooking for engineers...
Posted @ 15:08
Cooking is a work of art, or is it science? Personally I don't mind doing a bit of cooking (when I actually leave work on time), but as you may have gathered by now, despite what I do for a living, my brain prefers graphics over equations. I guess I'm a blend of the extremes when it comes to arts vs science - actually, come to think of it, I'm a blend of the extremes for most things!
Anyway, want to think about cooking from an engineering point of view? Look no further than Cooking for Engineers. It gives you various recipes plus a lot of other information on cooking, including some *scientific* investigations. It won an award for the best blog on food, so it can't be bad.....
Anyway, want to think about cooking from an engineering point of view? Look no further than Cooking for Engineers. It gives you various recipes plus a lot of other information on cooking, including some *scientific* investigations. It won an award for the best blog on food, so it can't be bad.....
Tuesday, 15 March 2005
Mission-critical niches!
Posted @ 14:35
Let's cultivate mission-critical niches! Sounds like a great marketing idea, but think about it, I was just talking rubbish! Do managers generate their slogans from the website (or something similar)? Well, at least these sound exactly like the kind of things you will find in Dilbert...
Labels: funny
Wednesday, 19 January 2005
Windsurfing? Me?
Posted @ 09:45
Okie, for those windsurfers out there, here's some tips on how to get extra windsurfing sessions. These can be readily adapted for other types of water sports, in fact, they can be adapted to suit any extra-curricular pursuits.....
Hmm... it's only Day 1 back to work, surely I should be reading something else???
Hmm... it's only Day 1 back to work, surely I should be reading something else???
Labels: funny
Friday, 3 December 2004
How to be a modern man...
Posted @ 21:26
A handy guide for the modern man, or is it? Ok, let's see... Dry-clean my suits not more than twice a year... tick; go to the dentist once every six months... check; never use soap to shave... yup. So what else? Buy new underwear once a month... hmm; wax my eyebrows three times a week... er no; go for a colonic irrigation four times a year... what the...?!
Labels: funny
Monday, 29 November 2004
'Foam & Fabric' companion...
Posted @ 14:17
A couple of months ago, there was an article on the BBC news website about the boyfriend pillow. Well, the Japanese, always on the look out for new marketing opportunities, naturally developed the next version of the "relaxation accessory" - the girlfriend pillow. Hmm.....
Tuesday, 23 November 2004
Serious toilet issues...
Posted @ 21:32
I think we are running out of ideas for conferences here - who would have thought that last week was the 4th World Toilet Summit (yes, this is the fourth one...)? What, you've missed it?!! How could you? Well, no worries, there's always the World Toilet Expo 2005. I do wonder how many people would mistaken exhibits for public washrooms.....
Friday, 5 November 2004
Doctor of the Rings...
Posted @ 15:13
What are the similarities between Lord of the Rings and a Doctorate degree? Not much, I hear you answer. Well, actually, you are wrong, or at least according to these folks. Hmm... I wonder where am I in Middle Earth? Probably lost in the wildernes.....
Labels: funny
Wednesday, 3 November 2004
Gym fashion...
Posted @ 18:10
Witnessed something unbelievable today at the gym. I saw someone wearing the following gym attire: Bright red one piece knee-length dress, black stockings, trainers, matching red/black checked handbag.....
er... is this the latest fashion trend in sportswear!?!? More importantly, how did she managed to do calf stretches and bicycle ride without any obvious hindrance?
er... is this the latest fashion trend in sportswear!?!? More importantly, how did she managed to do calf stretches and bicycle ride without any obvious hindrance?
Labels: funny
Sunday, 31 October 2004
Astonishingly, er, clean...
Posted @ 13:36
This household cleaning product claims to be "truly astonishing", well, it is *truly astonishing*! However, I bet most casual reader of this ad, when it was first printed, wouldn't even notice the blunder...
Speaking of ads, how about this one? Warning: Whilst no visual part of the video needs *censoring*, some of the languages are a bit... er... adult, so be warned before clicking on the link!
Speaking of ads, how about this one? Warning: Whilst no visual part of the video needs *censoring*, some of the languages are a bit... er... adult, so be warned before clicking on the link!
Thursday, 21 October 2004
Embarrassing shampoo...
Posted @ 21:38
Most brands of shampoo claim that your hair will be silky smooth after using their products. I guess the ladies out there should avoid using such products before going out on a date, or things could get a little bit embarrassing. (Note - The ad is in Chinese, but there are English subtitles)
Labels: funny
By the way...
This is only a personal website, it is not supposed to (and impossible to) cater for all tastes. Whilst the mood of the entries vary from "serious" to "random", please forgive me for the liberal use of "cynicism" and "sarcasm". If an entry isn't your cup of tea, just skip it... [Yes, this is a disclaimer!]
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