Was informed by my hosting company last night that the server which hosts my web account will have a major upgrade today. The control panel will be upgraded to Plesk 7. As a result, the management of subdomains and webmaill (at least temporarily) will be changed, and will require some redoing on my part. Hopefully, this upgrade is not going to be too painful, for me, that is!
Optimisation strategy?
I just received a phone call from my credit card company and was informed that this card has been selected for a promotional program, with certain benefits if I spend x amounts within a given period. This card has been dormant in my drawer for at least the past 6 months, which I accidentally ‘revived’ when I forgot to update the account records and made an online purchase on Amazon. This makes me really wonder if this particular credit card company is utilising its resources correctly??
Home sweet home
According to a recent survey by the Economist Intelligence Unit, Melbourne is once again one of the most livable cities in the world. But, rather surprisingly, the (erratic) weather was cited as one of its attractions! Actually I had known this all along, but still good to hear it from others’ mouths… 😉
Decision & clarity
Emerging from a long-weekend here in Singapore due to Hari Raya Haji (a celebration of the conclusion of the Haj pilgrimage to Meccaa by devout Muslims), two quotes to start off this shortened week:
“Cowardice asks the question, ‘Is it safe?’ Expediency asks the question,’Is it politic?’ But conscience asks the question, ‘Is it right?’ And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular but because conscience tells one it is right.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“When the task becomes too great, the hill too hard to climb, pause a minute and remember why you started.”
Unknown
Possibilities
I work in the research line, so very often when a crazy thought comes into my head, it is very natural to be very critical and think of reasons why something can’t work. Perhaps it is fruitful to sometimes just “dream” and stretch the imagination!?
“Don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.”
John Wooden
Mars attack
All of a sudden, there seems to be increasing interest in Mars. Firstly there was the failed UK attempt – the Beagle 2 who had the last rites administered today. Then the US probes, Spirit and Opportunity, landed and made headlines. This was of course followed by an announcement by President Bush of United States, declaring his intention to put men on Mars in years to come.
Seems odd, doesn’t it?
How much?
Something to keep in mind in our value-focused society.
“The world never puts a price on you higher than the one you put on yourself.”
Sonja Henie
CNY customs
Had a chance to chat with a colleague from China a few days ago about the local customs during Chinese New Year in his home town. It seems that many of the things that I have always taken for granted may be quite different in different areas in China. Two examples are the reunion dinner, and rice cake.
Digital or not digital?
Just read an article Why digital cameras = better photographers which argues that digital cameras lead to better photographers. Incidentally I don’t personally own a digital camera – still relying on my trusty Nikon F50 and the more recently acquired Yashica T5D – but I do follow closely developments of these digital toys.
While a digital camera does offer lots of convenience (instant feedback) and may help reduce the wasted-holiday-shot syndrome, I can’t help but disagree with the main points of this article. In fact, precisely because of the reduced costs compared to film, from what I have observed, this is more likely to lead to ‘random’ shooting, without necessarily paying extra attention to framing of picture or lighting, etc. So, instead of promoting experimentation as the article suggests, I feel a digital camera in the hands of a typical casual photographer is more likely to lead to ‘fast-food’ photos – lots of mediocre shots which are bland, but acceptable.
Then again, maybe I am slightly biased. 🙂
Monkey business
Today ushers in the Monkey year according to the Chinese lunar calendar. Happy New Year to all!
