Server Interrupted

Posted on May 31st, 2007 in Announcement by yeehan

My site has been experiencing server interuption for the second time in one week. I was feeling a bit frustrated because I cannot do some modifications on my other site. And those of you who visits my site frequently must be wondering what has happened since you all cannot load the page at all. It’s back to normal now but I do hope that there won’t be any interuption. One thing to worth mentioning is that the Lunarpages support team does reply promptly to my emails and queries. Not only on this issue but on others as well.

Popularity: 3% [?]

15 Worst iPhone Concepts

Posted on May 25th, 2007 in Gadgets by yeehan

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We’ve finally seen the iPhone and we’re all waiting to get our grubby hands on one when they finally become available sometime in June 2007 in the States. But until then we have to do something to curb that iPhone urge so we decided, with all the speculation that was going on up until the unveiling last month, to compile a list of the worst iPhone concepts that the denizens of the web came up with.

Here you have it, iPhone concepts from Apple fans who thankfully were NOT on the design team:

Top 15

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Apple went back in time to the 80s and stole the design for the Sony Discman, figuring that most iPhone groupies would be too young to recognize the Discman, or even know what a compact disc is. Remember when you could pry open the Discman lid while it was on play and see an actual laser? Ah, good times.

Top 14 

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Hmm, this is where the remote control for my massage chair went. Let’s see … setting 2 for camera phone and deep tissue massage, please.

Top 13 

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No, it’s not mints. It’s birth control. These very words were spoken to me by my freshman year girlfriend. She was a swell girl.

Top 12 

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“What we cannot speak of we must pass over in silence.” – Ludwig Wittgenstein

Top 11 

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Call me old fashioned. I actually want one of these. When old tech and new tech combine to give you a zero sum gain, that’s innovation!

Top 10 

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Where refurbished flat-screen iMacs go to be repurposed as unusable iPhones. Where’s the display, where’s the keys, where’s everything you need in a phone but the handset?

Top 9 

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At least the rotary dial will prevent accidental 911 calls.

Top 8

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The design team went to a Nokia store and rummaged through the overstock bin of starter cell phones.

Top 7 

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Because I’m getting too good at texting, the designer of this concept decided to up the ante with a circular keypad.

Top 6 

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Your new iPhone also doubles as a faceplate for your car stereo, in case you want to deter thieves from stealing your sounds by masking your $200 stereo with your $500 iPhone.

Top 5 

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This either goes on your wrist, which sorta makes sense, or on on your head, like a headband, which makes less sense. I kinda like this one. If it shot webbing, then it would be perfect.

Top 4 

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Ah, when conversation is just too much of a hassle. Phones are getting slimmer but your wrists keep getting weaker. Thank goodness for the lawn-chair design of the new iPhone. Now, my phone and I can relax as I make my necessary connects.

Top 3 

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Looks like a glass case but it’s not. It’s the new iPEZ dispenser.

Top 2 

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Texas Instruments and Apple decided to collaborate and build the world’s most powerful tip calculator. If you’re short on the bill, you can call the ‘rents to wire you money fast. Also does square roots to the 8th digit. So nice.

Tadaaa. Top 1 

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Err…
There you have it, folks. The best of the worst. Most of these were concepted in fun, but there were a few we think were serious concept predictions for the iPhone. I hope those were conjured up in a nice safe padded cell.

Which one would you prefer if one of the fifteen designs were to be chosen? I personally prefer Top 6. I find the design quite cool. A bit futuristic like. Hehe

From Productdose.com

Popularity: 3% [?]

Scratch- Free tool

Posted on May 17th, 2007 in Computer & Internet, Software by yeehan

Scratch is a free programming tool that enables anyone to create their very own animation, video games or even interactive artwork. Their main target users are actually those little school children. Nevertheless, the idea behind this is quite cool. So, I tried it out myself.

MIT’s Media Lab developed this digital toolkit. The good thing is that you do not require any prior computer language. Just drag the icons and combined them together. It’s quite interactive and given the simplicity in using the tool, it’ll be a catalyst to create a new generations of young animation or game creators. Hmmm, I think the Education Ministry should try to include this as part of the education system, maybe optional. School kids are now spending more time on the computer, not like in those of my age. We just spent time playing those marbles and flag erasers.

Well, do not expect to be able to create sophisticated animation or graphics or sound with Scratch. But of course, in the future, it won’t be a surprise if they improve on Scratch. There’s definitely ideas for improvement.

Try out Scratch. You can download the tool from their website. Visit Scratch here

Here’s a video of what Scratch can perform

Scratch Image Effects

Read more at BBC News.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Formula 1 coming to Singapore!

Posted on May 11th, 2007 in Sports by yeehan

Singapore will host one of the races in 2008 Formula 1 World Championship. This news was confirmed hours ago and it could most probably be the first night race in the sports event. Coincidentally, the news came not long after Spain city of Valencia was announced to host a round of the FIA Formula One World Championship next year. The race, to be known as the European Grand Prix, will be held on a newly-constructed harbour-side street circuit.

There has been increasingly interest by countries aiming to host one of the most watched sports event in the world. United Arab Emirates, South Korea and India were reported to have shown great interests in bringing Formula 1 to their countries.

Singapore’s aim of becoming the tourism hub will received a great boost through the hosting of the Formula 1 street race. Fans will be able to see Singapore’s city skyline directly in front of their TV screen. Unlike race tracks, street circuit will be able to showcase the city directly to the audience, with Esplanade, Merlion, the Civic District as the backdrop. Singapore will host the race for five years with option to continue for another five (till year 2017). By the time, the first integrated resort being built by Las Vegas Sands will open in 2009. Not to forget the Genting built resort in Sentosa which is due to open its doors in 2010. With Universal Studios as one of the attractions, it could be a good combination to lure tourists to come to Singapore.

But don’t expect to watch the race for free. Even though it’ll be in the area that we are familiar with and easily accessible, you’ll be only able to hear the roaring of the V8 engines. There’s no way that the organisers will allow any passer-by to watch the race without having to fork out any money (unless you watch it live on TV).

It’ll be most likely a night race. You could be working in one of the buildings near Marina area. You just have to glance down over your windows to enjoy the race. (Er, but it’ll be a weekend. It’s quite sad if you need to work on that day) Well, think again. I think it’ll be easily overcome by just shining lights up the buildings. How about those hotels along the street circuits? Well, the price will be a few fold during the race event. And most likely the prominent spots will be snapped up by sponsors or organisers.

I have not been to a Formula 1 race myself. Some mentioned that the sound of the V8 engines is something that worth experiencing. It’s exciting to have a Formula 1 race so near to me. I do like to watch Formula 1 races. But I’m not sure if I am willing to spend the few hundreds or thousands dollars to watch the race in 2008. Coz if I do want to be there, I’ll hope to get a grandstand seat. Maybe I’ll wait when I start working. One thing for sure in 2008 is that I can always watch it on the television, enjoying myself with drinks and tit-bits.

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Photo from Formula1.com

Read more at Formula 1

Popularity: 3% [?]

Korean Movie: 200 Pounds Beauty (2006)

Posted on May 9th, 2007 in Korean, Movies, Videos by yeehan

200 Pounds Beauty (also known as Secret of the Beauty) is about Hanna (Kim Ah-Joong) is a lip sync vocalist for Ammy, a famous Korean pop singer. However, due to her appearance, she is often ignored. Ammy humiliates her in front of Sang-jun (Park Jin-Tae) with whom Ammy is crazy in love with. Desperate, she makes the decision to change her appearance through plastic surgery that changes her entire appearance. When she comes back from hospital, no one recognizes her. At Ammy’s label, she manages to become a popstar, too, under the disguise of her new alter ego, Jenny. However, she realizes that changing her appearances doesn’t solve all her problems and that she is living a lie. She rejects Sang-jun, and at her great pop concert, she tell her fans truth. Her career as Jenny goes down the drain. So, what happens in the end? Watch to find out more.

This movie can be considered as one of my favourites. Very sweet and straight forward. But I must say that the fat latex on the face doesn’t look natural. The face muscle can’t move a little when she talks. Oh ya, the way they did the character is quite similar to Andy Lau’s and Sammi Cheng’s Love on A Diet. If you have noticed, Kim Ah-Joong looks very much like another Chinese star- Shu Qi. Somehow, I find that at certain angles, I thought it was Shu Qi who was acting in the movie. Yeap, must be her sexy lips. Anyway, personally, I think the way that the main actress go for a full body overhaul doesn’t sounds right. It may just give wrong impressions or directions to those who are not satisfied with their outlook. And I will not comment much on this either. Take a look at the trailer below. Oh ya, I somehow enjoy three of the songs from the movie. They can be found in the original OST; one is when she sings at the audition (별), the second one is “Maria”, then the third one is from the teaser video below; Beautiful Girl.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

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200 Pounds Beauty Movie Trailer

Beautiful Girl

200 Pounds Beauty OST – Kim Ah Joong – Beautiful Girl (MV)

Kim Ah-Joong
Date of Birth: October 16, 1982
Birthplace: Seoul
Height: 170 cm (5′ 7-1/2″)
Weight: 48 kg (106 lbs)
Most recent works: [movie] 200 Pounds Beauty (2006), [drama] Peculiar Woman, Peculiar Man (2005-2006)

Joo Jin-Mo
Date of Birth: August 11, 1975
Real name: Park Jin-Tae
Height: 180 cm
Family: 3 older sisters : Single
Education: Dropped out of Inchun Junior College, Play troupe “Yoo”
Hobbies: Fishing, Electric guitar, Music
Sports: Taekwondo(2nd grade), Body building, Swimming
Most recent works: [movie] 200 Pounds Beauty (2006), [drama] Fashion 70’s (2005)

Popularity: 17% [?]

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