Entertainment: SPELL

Okay, I said I won't be putting any video links. Maybe.

Well, I don't wanna restrict my blog especially if I like the clip. So, perhaps I'll just be linking to the sites I think will be around the net for a longer period. Like this one from a lovely artist who gained popularity through youtube. She's got the look and the talent, so I would definitely agree she deserve to get noticed.

Here's one of her original composition that I like.

Spell
by Marié Digby
(video clip embedded from and courtesy of Marie Digby's youtube page)

TECH TIPS (iTunes): How to Undo the settings "Use iTunes for internet playback"

Have you ever, either intentionally or accidentally, clicked on that "SET" button that says "Use iTunes for Internet playback," which is under iTunes Preferences' Advanced tab? Well, I did, and I think out of curiosity, when I was fiddling around with the settings (something I have the habit of doing after installing certain apps). The annoying part is... there's no option under that iTunes preferences settings to UNDO it! geez! Are they really thinking about how it will benefit the users when they put that in there or this is just another trick to promote iTunes?

This iTunes auto-launch setting started to annoy me when I was downloading multiple MP3s from the internet. As soon as the download completes, it launches iTunes and instantly plays the downloaded MP3. It was as if iTunes was vaingloriously yelling and telling me "Hey, here I am! I played it for you! just what you're about to do!" Grrr! (calm down, you need to calm down Jeff).

Okay, how do we undo this if Apple did not provide that reverse option? Some users might suggest to reinstall the iTunes to set it back to its original state (making sure you don't tick that SET button again! and nobody in your household does!). Well, the quickest way to UNDO this is by going to your Safari Preferences. Wait! Safari?!? iTunes is the one that keeps operating by itself isn't it? Yes, but you're using your browser for downloading, right? So here's how:

Go to Safari \ Preferences \ uncheck the box that says Open "safe" files after downloading.

In addition, that settings to "Use iTunes for internet playback" will make your iTunes the default player for your audio files.

If you ever want to use other players, DIVX or Real Player for example, you may change the "open default" by selecting your audio file from Finder window and view the file information by pressing COMMAND I. You'll see a section that says "Open with:" with a drop-down list, from there select your desired default application you want your audio file to open with.

'Hope you find this useful. If it doesn't solve your iTunes internet playback problem just drop me a line and we'll see how I can extend some more help. Have a good day!

ciao! c",)

TECH TIPS (OS X): Resolving issue on Securely Emptying your Trash

If you've ever deleted a locked file and you want to permanently get rid of it, you may do so by opening your trash and holding the "option" key while clicking on the "empty securely" button. It's that simple.

However, this may not work all the time especially if you've deleted "a bunch of locked files" from an external drive attached to your mac. When you "secure empty" these files, you may encounter the error "The operation could not be completed because the item [item name] is locked. Or you do not have the permission blah blah..."

Please note that this does not mean that all files in your trashed contents are locked, there could only be some. When the "Secure Empty" operation encounters the address of a locked file (where it is residing), it will not proceed further even though the rest of the files in your bin aren't locked. Hence you might need to resort into doing a Terminal deletion.

To do so, here are some tips:

1. If the deleted files came from an external drive, make sure this drive is attached when you perform this operation.

How do I know if it is from external HDD? You'll probably notice when ejecting an external drive the Trash Bin gets emptied, and when you plug the external drive back in you'll see the trashed contents again. Well that's because those items are residing externally in the hidden trash bin of your attached HDD

2. Open a Terminal window (from your Applications\Utilities). Just type the following directly at the command prompt:

rm -rf "trash directory path"

IMPORTANT: Be careful with this command. Make sure you specify the correct "trash directory path" otherwise you might end up erasing files you don't intend to delete.

** the option -rf is to remove the directory including its subdirectory
** to verify your trash directory path in your external HDD, simply tick one of the items from your trash in your finder window and press "Command"+"I" Then go to this location by issuing this command in your terminal window: cd /volumes/"your hdd name"/.trashes (inside this directory, by issuing LS command, you'll find the list of all trashed items identical the one you see in your finder window).

Does this command deletes all the trashed contents? Nope, but it will delete most and leaving only the locked files ('say for a thousand deleted files, perhaps only 10 or 20 of them are locked). Now you can manually unlock them from your finder window by selecting all files then pressing option+command+I then uncheck the lock radio-box. Doing this manually provides you the option to double check whether you want the item(s) permanently deleted. If you're sure about getting rid of 'em, well just empty the rest of these files using "option"+"empty securely button"

Hope you find this useful.

ciao! c",)

What's new?

Ey hey! I'm back after over a year! =)

So waddup? What's new?

Well, I'm revamping all my sites including my existence here in blogger sphere.
- First off, I'll be updating or removing the dead links. And will try to avoid, in as much as I can, adding external (video) links as I have no control over 'em.
- Then I'll be adding a few useful and interesting (at least for me, hehe) gadgets [or widgets] on my page, like what you see now.. my flickr badge and a chat box.
- And last but not least, of course I'll be posting new blog entries! (I have blog extension, btw, on multiply i call iBlog that contain some reflections and inspirations -- lifeblog entries, that is. While this blogger page will house the rest of my online journals, perhaps mostly techblogs & photoblogs.

That's about it for now. ciao!


c",)

Tech Blog: Wireless network? why not Electricity?

Talking about the next gen technology, more and more mobile devices are now gearing towards wireless connectivity. From IR.. to Bluetooth.. to WIFI.. now comes wireless energy?!?

Although this technology has emerged in as early as 1900s, it took several years for this to be accepted in household machines. Like bluetooth technology whereby some even predicted that it's not gonna be a hit when it was first introduced. But look, it is a standard feature in most mobile phones nowadays. So likewise, I believe this company is bringing this wireless energy into another dimension by offering it to huge manufacturers of home devices.

Check out this vid:
(this short documentary is courtesy of christovtech)



Yes, they are cutting all the wires! ..for added convenience. We already have wireless clothes iron, a wireless home entertainment system, some wireless home appliances, and now wireless energy!?! What else? a wireless baby? perhaps no umbilical cord? oh well, yeah I guess I can say the testtube babies belong to that category.

So what will these great minds could possibly invent next?

And that's TECHNOLOGY. c",)

Life Blog: Loving and Inspiration.. heart matters

While reading through some inspiring stories on the internet, I chance upon one of my favorite quotes from Helen Keller, it goes..

“The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen nor touched, but are felt in the heart.”

Helen grew up blind and deaf due to serious illness she experienced when she was about less than 2 years of age, yet she inspired many people in her lifetime. Her sight and hearing senses might have deteriorated but her heart had shaped her into becoming the Miracle Worker.

Everyone would agree that our heart is the most important part of the human body. Some people might have broken limbs caused by serious accidents whilst others might have donated their eyes or kidneys, yet still continues to live. But when the heart stops beating, we’ll all end up in a flat line. I never heard of any heart donor that is still very much alive, hehe.

If I were asked to describe what are the best and most beautiful things I have experienced so far, well I think I would probably recount on those people whom have touched my heart as well.

In another context, when someone finally found his/her lifetime partner, wouldn’t it be nice that when both of 'em have grown old (having gums abandoned by their used-to-be-healthy teeth and with sagging skins all over, hehe kidding) yet they can still exchange the sweetest phrase “I Love You”s to each other?

Truly, what we keep in our heart is what really matters. Like if we feed our hearts with anger or hatred, it might result to developing unwanted attitude. But if we feed our hearts with love, we begin to demonstrate living life humbly and harmoniously.

“The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings out that which is good, and the evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings out that which is evil, for out of the abundance of the heart, his mouth speaks.”(from the gospel of Luke)

c",)

Life Blog: Numbers can do wonders..

'got below equation combinations from a friend. It's interesting to know how we can do various combinations on numbers to form simple mathematical equations or even derive an startling message.

it's called the..

Beauty of Math!

1 x 8 + 1 = 9
12 x 8 + 2 = 98
123 x 8 + 3 = 987
1234 x 8 + 4 = 9876
12345 x 8 + 5 = 98765
123456 x 8 + 6 = 987654
1234567 x 8 + 7 = 9876543
12345678 x 8 + 8 = 98765432
123456789 x 8 + 9 = 987654321

1 x 9 + 2 = 11
12 x 9 + 3 = 111
123 x 9 + 4 = 1111
1234 x 9 + 5 = 11111
12345 x 9 + 6 = 111111
123456 x 9 + 7 = 1111111
1234567 x 9 + 8 = 11111111
12345678 x 9 + 9 = 111111111
123456789 x 9 +10= 1111111111

9 x 9 + 7 = 88
98 x 9 + 6 = 888
987 x 9 + 5 = 8888
9876 x 9 + 4 = 88888
98765 x 9 + 3 = 888888
987654 x 9 + 2 = 8888888
9876543 x 9 + 1 = 88888888
98765432 x 9 + 0 = 888888888

Brilliant, isn't it?

And look at this symmetry:

1 x 1 = 1
11 x 11 = 121
111 x 111 = 12321
1111 x 1111 = 1234321
11111 x 11111 = 123454321
111111 x 111111 = 12345654321
1111111 x 1111111 = 1234567654321
11111111 x 11111111 = 123456787654321
111111111 x 111111111=123456789 87654321


Now, take a look at this...

101%

From a strictly mathematical viewpoint:

What Equals 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%?

Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%?

We have all been in situations where someone wants you to GIVE OVER 100%.

How about ACHIEVING 101%?

What equals 100% in life?

Here's a little mathematical formula that might help answer these questions:


If:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Is represented as:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.

If:

H-A-R-D-W-O- R- K

8+1+18+4+23 + 15+18+11 = 98%

And:

K-N-O-W-L-E- D-G-E

11+14+15+23+ 12+5+4+7+ 5 = 96%

But:

A-T-T-I-T-U- D-E

1+20+20+9+20+ 21+4+5 = 100%

THEN, look how far the love of God will take you:

L-O-V-E- O-F-G-O-D

12+15+22+5+15+ 6+7+15+4 = 101%


Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that:

While Hard Work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there, It's the Love of God that will put you over the top!

c",)

Entertainment: ROBOTICS and GRAPHICS

The robotics technology have made it possible by some creating real a life transformers.. check out these vids..

This one is cool as it is remotely operated:



I guess Adidas Clima-Cool have no match with this Cool Nike ads, created by NikeLab:



This one I dunno how to describe but it's funny and kinda weird.. not robotics, just real transformers fanatics! haha:



And.. I've discovered that Singapore has its own transformer naval army.. cool flash animation ad:

c",)

Entertainment: End of work-week, the Lion sleeps tonight..so enjoy your weekend!

Here's a cute animation clip to start with your pleasurable weekend.
These two characters are french.. they are Pat and Stanley. Enjoy!

(animated video courtesy of TF1)

Tech Blog: WANTED: Unbiased Review Needed (prizefight?)

I accidentally deleted my post last time regarding my comments on the recent Prizefight Video by CNET TV. Okay, without further ado, let me go directly to what I think about their head-to-head review of N95 versus iPhone. The review and scoring were BIASED. In fact, it was based on the preference of the video editor herself. Listen carefully to her last statement when she said..

“…you may call ME an apple fan-girl but when “I” stack up the features THAT MATTERS TO ME the iPhone comes out on top”

I wrote them and asked what is their objective when presenting a battle of 2 electronic devices in their Prizefight video? I never received any feedback. I asked because I do watch most of their video reviews and I love reading (or watching for this case) some video feature-by-feature comparisons of two gadgets. I trust what they (CNET TV) can say about a certain gizmo because they have the privilege to play around with the actual unit. But hearing their recent review on these two gadgets is totally frustrating. I once believed that their PrizeFight video section is where they keep the viewing public informed (especially those who’s been planning, saving some bucks, and having a dilemma on which gizmo to get) about how certain gadget match up with another of its level so consumers can draw out a wise decision on which gizmo worth every hard-earned penny.

Like what the video editor said: (back track to her initial statement)
“..because hey, if you’ve got over 500 dollars to spend on a brand new cellphone, you better pick the one that’s right for you.”

Now, I’m starting to doubt their reviews.


Here’s how the clash of the titans were presented

*** N95 vs iPhone ***

1. SEXINESS

She scored 5 on the iPhone and 3 on the N95. On this part, yes I agree. Definite you’ll find lots of people drooling over someone who have an iPhone.


2. INTERFACE & NAVIGATION

She scored 5 on the iPhone and 4 on the N95. On this part, I can still agree. The touch interface of the iPhone is truly intuitive and innovative. While N95 still uses few mechanical buttons to navigate through the phone. The dual slider is one thing to note though, but not too much to wow about.

Btw, on this round, don’t forget the ability to do one-hand operation, especially when creating an SMS. After all, I believe it’s one of the main reasons how the mobile phones have evolved so quickly. Can the iPhone be operated one-hand for composing and sending text messages?


3. FEATURES

She scored 4 on the iPhone and 5 on the N95. Wait a sec, iPhone gets a "4" on features? C’mon!

Let’s list and score ‘em one by one:

a. Camera
iPhone = 2mp (NO flash), NO front camera for video calling
N95 = 5mp (although images created not comparable to 5mp Digicam, but hey, isn’t it we're comparing it to the iPhone? Hehe). This camera has most of the features a digicam has and it also function as barcode reader! Hmm, can I give N95 a 6? Too bad scoring is up to the highest 5 only, so let’s do this the other way around..

For this round I’m giving N95 a “5” and the iPhone a “3”

b. Built-in GPS receiver
iPhone = none
N95 = yes

Need I say more? For this round I’m giving N95 another “5” and iPhone a “1” (I’m just being nice because I would’ve given iPhone a “0” because NONE equates to Zero, right?)

c. FM Tuner
iPhone = none
N95 = yes

Same score as above. N95 gets a “5” and iPhone gets a “1”

d. MP3 Player
iPhone = enhanced iPod
N95 = average MP3 player

Okay, for this round iPhone is striving to win back the crown. I’m giving N95 a “3” and the iPhone a “5”

e. Standard 3.5mm Earphone Jack
iPhone = yes
N95 = yes

She mentioned that “iPhone’s headphone jack is recessed and not all headphones are gonna fit!” Well, too bad iPhone because apart from the fact that you can fit any types of standard 3.5mm earphones to the N95, you can actually perform 8 different ways to listen to music! See for yourself by checking out this link for the live demonstration

For this round I’m giving N95 a “5” and the iPhone a “3”

Btw, did I mention that this headphone jack also functions as video out? I tried connecting it to a projector and output is pretty decent. Also while on the call, you can try and use the wired remote then attach to it any speaker and you’ll be able to let other people hear what the other party is saying (this is good when you’re with your family and a member of your family from abroad calls you and want to say "hi" to everyone.. instead of using the phone’s loud speaker try connecting it to your home speaker, hehe, sweet)

Now let me recalculate the score. For this round I’m giving N95 a “5” and the iPhone a “2”

f. Storage Capacity
iPhone = 8GB
N95 = 160mb internal memory, and an expansion slot for microSD (currently 2GB)

I heard that Samsung/SanDisk has developed a 4GB microSD already for N95. Not long, they’ll introduce a 8GB capacity. The iPhone is limited to 8GB only. But the question remains, using the same model of the phone, will N95 be able to handle high capacity micro SDs? Let's leave that to the finnish company to answer.

For this round (let’s forget about the successor models first and focus on what currently is in the market), I’m giving N95 a “4” and the iPhone a “5”

G. What about the OFFICE and other Productivity tools?

IPhone = didn’t say anything about the ability to create or browse office documents (at least nothing was mentioned in iPhone specs from Apple website)
N95 = this is not just for yuppies but for business professionals too! This feature is innate to N95

For this round N95 gets a “5” and iPhone gets a “2”. (Please do tell me if this sounds unfair, and provide an explanation please. Just take note, we are comparing here the “current” models of the phone and what’s built-in, please don’t give me an explanation that “they are developing an enhancement” because that’s another story.)

H. Other

Can iPhone use MP3s as ring tone? I heard you cant
Does iPhone have 3G? I’m definite there’s none. N95 even uses HSDPA
Does iPhone have built-in games? I heard there’s none
Can I replace battery of the iPhone in case the one I got is faulty (perhaps after a series of recharging cycles)? I bet you can't!
Let's leave all of these to Mr.Jobs to answer.

Okay fine, let’s not widen the hole in the ground for this sexy phone to bury itself and let’s tally up the scores:

5 3
5 1
5 1
3 5
5 2
4 5
5 2
Sum of 32 for N95 and 19 for the iPhone
Feature-wise, we get the average as 4.5 for N95 and 2.7 for the iPhone.

Round 'em up..
N95 gets a “5”
iPhone gets a “3”

So now tell me, how did iPhone scored “4” on this round again? Oh, N95 TKOs iPhone you mean.. if I hadn't been nice about the scoring? hmm.. yup, I believe so.


4. CONNECTIVITY

Quick run down:

iPhone: WIFI, Bluetooth, EDGE
N95: WIFI, Bluetooth, EDGE/GPRS, IR, 3G and USB OTG.

I tried connecting N95 to a PMP via USB cable and it was recognized as hard disk, isn’t that amazing? I also tried connecting N95 to a home microDVD with USB slot, and it could read all the MP3 in the phone. Now this can be counted as another way of listening to MP3s stored in your gadget.
I wanted to do video-call with my girlfriend so I can get to see her eventhough we're far from each other.
I wanted to download rich content fast, good thing my phone supports 3.5G

Hmm, once iPhone gets here, I’ll spend some bucks to get one and try out these stuff. But I can somehow foresee that I’ll get frustrated. hmmmm.

Huuwhat? You gave N95 a “4” and the iPhone a “3”? Do I need to repeat myself here? Or maybe I can come up with another video on the “various ways to connect to N95”

For this round I’m giving the N95 a “5” and iPhone still an average score of “3”


5. PERFORMANCE

Well, I may have to agree with your review on this.
The N95 gets a “4” while the iPhone gets a “5”
Now, what’s the overall score?


Round 1: N95 = 3 / iPhone = 5
Round 2: N95 = 4 / iPhone = 5
Round 3: N95 = 5 / iPhone = 3
Round 4: N95 = 5 / iPhone = 3
Round 5: N95 = 4 / iPhone = 5

21 / 21

Woah! It’s a tie! Sorry, I just stack up the features these two devices are claiming it can do, not what matters to me :) And if I have not been so nice about the scoring, iPhone will just have to admit defeat and come up with another fully featured phone that lives up to its claim.

Well, anyhow, no doubt both phones are great. But then again, it’s a matter of preference. So this brings me back to my earlier post.. “are you after the features or after the uniqueness of the mobile phone?” As the saying goes, “you cannot judge the book by its cover.” You must read through it to appreciate it.

That’s all folks! Ciao! c”,)

P.S.
(here's the actual video of Nokia N95 vs Apple iPhone from CNET's PrizeFight. Well, for what it's worth.. she's cute)

(here's a tabulated feature-by-feature comparison from cnet asia. just count the number of red & green rows then score 'em. red means cons while green means pros)