This Clock is an Attention Seeker

Genius innovation.

This clock will only show the correct time, when you look directly into it.
Or else, it will display incorrect time or just scrambling its display.

Cute!

Mr.Clock_Hye-yeon.park_Design Product_2010 RCA from hye-yeon.park on Vimeo.

Hedonic Adaptation

Larry lived in an apartment downtown with his wife and his two kids, because he couldn't stand living in the suburb due to the traffic jam.
If he would live in the suburb, he would have to spend around 2-3 hours each day to drive to and from his downtown office.
His current trip time to and from the office is less than 1 hour on average, which means he got to spend more time with his family.

But he have always dreamt to have a big house for his family once he has kids because he believes a big house with a big yard is the best place for his kids to grow up. He could imagine the laugh and happy time that he could enjoy with his kids playing in the yard.

So he decided to buy a big house with a big yard like he always dreamed of, in exchange of 1-2 hours more suffering beating the traffic. He was very happy of his decision to buy the house, so was his wife.

Living in a big house with his family, playing with his kids were all as good as he always dreamed of. It surely was full of laughters and happy times, just like he thought they would if he bought the house in the suburb.
Life was good.

But..

Soon, Larry finds that the additional 1-2 hours trip time is starting to feel unbearable. He starts to get irritated more easily because he couldn't get home as soon as he used to. He begins to wonder if the additional 1-2 hours trip is worth it, because it seems he rarely gets to enjoy his big house and the happy time, he imagined he would have with his family.
He starts to wonder if buying the house in the suburb is the right decision after all.


And this is what experts called "Hedonic Adaptation".
It happens when a person sacrifice something to have more.
When you do it, you always think the sacrifice will bring something more valuable.

It surely is in the short term, but once you settle back into your normal-self without the hype from the expectation.
You might find that the sacrifice is not so worth it anymore.

Apple's revenue is up by a whooping 78%

Apple just announced financial results for its fiscal 2010 third quarter ended June 26, 2010. Apple posted record revenue of $15.7 billion and net quarterly profit of $3.25 billion, which is up by 78% compare to the results a year ago.

During this quarter, Apple sold:

3.47 million Macs, which is a new quarterly record and a 33 percent unit increase over the year-ago quarter.

8.4 million iPhones in the quarter. 61 percent unit growth over the year-ago quarter.

9.41 million iPods during this quarter, representing an eight percent unit decline from the year-ago quarter.

iPads sales which was the best product launch before iPhone 4, with total sales of 3.27 million during this quarter.


We'll see how the 'antennagate' affects Apple's revenue in the 4th quarter.
Although based on the current trend, I don't see that it will bring significant impact.

Top MacOSX Applications (Non-Apple)

Adium

 

 

 

 

 

Simply the best messenger client available for MacOSX. You can create multiple messenger accounts: Yahoo!, MSN, GoogleTalk, Facebook, even Lotus Sametime. (there are still some other options, but I don't use them, such as AOL, etc) In some of the older version, Adium has also tried to offer Twitter account as an option, but it's not available anymore. I remembered it was not very stable, so that's probably the reason why it's no longer available.

Adium also offer many customisation option, such as message template, emoticon sets, even apps icons (you can change it into an animated icon)

I also enjoy it's option to save all chat log, into searchable entries.

The only major issue i kept experiencing are file transfer is very unreliable and frequently failed to send or receive. Another issue that's quite annoying although not as major the file transfer problem is the character limit when you chat. I am not sure how many is the limit, but it's quite annoying when you want to copy a bunch of message to find that it cannot be sent because it's over the message limit.

However, in conclusion, for a FREE apps (yes, it's free), Adium is definitely the best messenger client for MacOSX.

(Not available for Windows)

www.adium.com

 

Things

 

 

 

 

 

Keeping track of what you had to do is very important and Things helps you with it. You can create an to-do entry from Mail to link your to-do task with a particular email, and you can also add a file attachment if necessary. Then, you can set a deadline for every to-do list that you have created.

You can also tag each entry and then group it based on the tag. Or you can also group the entries into a project. When in the project mode, you can then see list of the to-do entries belonged to the project.

You can also create a scheduled to-do list to remind you of a certain task you need to do every so often.

The beauty of Things is that it's very simple with a smart user interface. It's very easy to use.

The only drawback is probably because you have to pay to use Things. And the price is not cheap either at $49.95

(Not available for Windows)

http://culturedcode.com/things/

 

LaunchBar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MacOSX is equipped with a very good search capability in Spotlight. However, Spotlight is designed to look for everything inside your Mac. And the search results could be quite useless, especially when you actually know what you're looking for, you just need to find and open it fast.

If speed is what you need, then LaunchBar is definitely the right choice.

LaunchBar helps you to find and open files, apps, etc based on your search entry. It will then record and memorize your search entry and the files/apps that you open when you type the search entry. So the next time you search for it again, it will immediately display it at the top of the search result. Pretty neat, right!

Another useful feature of LaunchBar is it also record your clipboard entry (that's the entry recorded every time you copy something in your system - text, files, etc). And it will create a history of it.

The only drawback I can think of when using this system is it doesn't offer an option to hide the LauncBar icon from your dock. Another drawback is probably because LaunchBar is a paid application. You need to pay $24 for a single license.

(Not available for Windows)

http://www.obdev.at/products/launchbar/index.html

 

MarsEdit

 

 

 

 

 

Posting a blog entry has never been easier with MarsEdit. It has the option to create a blog entry in HTML code or Rich Text Format.  The later is very useful for non-computer geeks. You can also save your draft entry for later.

Configure MarsEdit to link with your preferred blog is almost without an effort. You just enter set where your blog is located and enter your username and password.  That's if you're using one of the most popular blog sites, such as blogspot.com or wordpress.com

You can also access your media, either in your Mac or Flickr.

The only issue I found so far is you cannot directly access your video.  You need to upload it to external site first, such as youtube.com, then you can insert the video using the embedded code.

Another drawback is probably the price.  Since you have to pay to use it at $39.95

(Not available for Windows)

http://www.red-sweater.com/marsedit/

 

Watts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For a notebook, battery is its life, without it, it's pretty much useless.
So taking care of the battery is extremely important.

Watts helps you managing your battery by monitoring your battery health.
In Mac-based notebooks, the battery comes with a factory setting to count the number of cycle a battery has been used, usually the limit is 1000.

But every so often, the battery needs to be calibrated so it can count the cycle correctly.  And that's where Watts is most useful.
It helps you by reminding when you should do the calibration and also notify you the steps to do the calibration correctly.

Some people might argue that you don't actually need an app to remind you of the calibration process because it's already well-known how to do so.
But a little help wouldn't hurt, right?

The only drawback is probably the price. At $6.95, some might say it's too pricey for a simple app, but if it helps you from buying a new battery too soon, then why not!

(Not available for Windows)

http://binarytricks.com/

Don't Make Us The Laugh of The Universe

Do the right thing!
Make Earth Proud!

Harvard is a second option for this guy

Jeremy Lin is an undrafted rookie who attends 2010 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, playing for the Dallas Mavericks.
If a basketall player goes undrafted, it means NBA teams passed him for 60 times.
It doesn't say a lot about you when so-called experts pick 60 other basketball players as better than you. (although NBA teams have their shares of mishap when they choose their draft picks, but let's just agree that they are better than most)

So what's so interesting about this guy?

Although he captained his high school basketball team and won state championship, he cannot get any athletic scholarships (scholarship awarded for potential athletes) from top tier universities.
So he then chose to enroll at Harvard University.
(if you wonder, Harvard is that little university known as the best university in the US.)

Anyway, since Harvard doesn't offer athletic scholarship, Lin has to rely on his IQ and he was granted enrollment.

I guess intelligence. doesn't always contradict with athletic ability.

If you still having a hard time believing, watch this interview:


And this is his highlight against the 1st 2010 draft pick , John Wall (yes, against the guy who was drafted first):


(Note: pay attention to the commentators and how Lin guarded John Wall, he caused John Wall some turnovers and short jumper)

If he gets an NBA contract, he could be the first Asian-American player to play in NBA.

What's even better? He might sign his NBA contract with the LAKERS!
I'm going to root for this guy.
Click here to support Jeremy Lin via Facebook

Pay & Sit - Just not a good idea

Are you now officially too capitalistic?
It just not right to charge people when they want to sit in a public bench.

There are something you just shouldn't put a price on.

PAY & SIT: the private bench (HD) from Fabian Brunsing on Vimeo.

Products that cost less today than in 2000

Price doesn't always go up, which is a good thing =D



Thanks to @mint

Are you happy?

Happy? Good!
Unhappy? Find out why and how to fix it!



thanks to @flowingdata

The Secret about Happiness

There's no one that doesn't want to be happy.
It's everyone's ultimate goal.

'To be happy' will always be THE motive for us to do anything, even if it doesn't show.

The thing is, 'to be happy' is not easy.
It never was, it never will.

Why?

Here's why:
When you do something, you expect that you WOULD be happier when u completed it.
Take an example of you deciding to eat an ice cream:
When you bought the ice cream, you expect that your FUTURE SELF will be happy and appreciate that your CURRENT SELF is making the decision to buy and eat the ice cream.
But, you only predict that you would be happy.
There's no way for you to guarantee that you definitely will be happy.

And that's the reason why it's so hard to find happiness, because you can never be sure.
How could you know what will make you happy?

Then how?

Remember all those sayings that advises you to live in the present and not worry so much about the future?
That's the answer.

Enjoy the moment, live in the present.
Do things that makes you happy now.
And don't regret it later on, because you cannot blame your OLD SELF for failing to understand what you want now.
After all, your CURRENT SELF will have the exact same challenge to satisfy your FUTURE SELF.
And you might not be successful in doing it too.
Or, you might.
But who knows.

13thirtyone
20090718

RIM's Response to Apple Iphone 4's Antenna Issue

During the Apple press conference, Steve Jobs also talked about the fact that other RF cellphones are experiencing similar signal loss that Iphone 4 is, including RIM's 9700 Bold (Onyx)

As one of the owner of RIM's 9700 Bold, I don't think this is a correct preposition.
I have been using it for over a year and I haven't experience a sudden signal loss due to the device flaw.
Mind you, I experienced signal loss but I believe it's more on the fact that signal carrier in Indonesia is very unstable.
Anyway, I guess for us in Indonesia (or at least XL users) could never know whether our cellphones' signal loss happened because of the device itself or our provider.

Here's the official statement from RIM:
"Apple's attempt to draw RIM into Apple's self-made debacle is unacceptable. Apple's claims about RIM products appear to be deliberate attempts to distort the public's understanding of an antenna design issue and to deflect attention from Apple's difficult situation. RIM is a global leader in antenna design and has been successfully designing industry-leading wireless data products with efficient and effective radio performance for over 20 years. During that time, RIM has avoided designs like the one Apple used in the iPhone 4 and instead has used innovative designs which reduce the risk for dropped calls, especially in areas of lower coverage. One thing is for certain, RIM's customers don't need to use a case for their BlackBerry smartphone to maintain proper connectivity. Apple clearly made certain design decisions and it should take responsibility for these decisions rather than trying to draw RIM and others into a situation that relates specifically to Apple."

- Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie

According to some 4205 polls taken in crackberry.com, 72% has voiced their opinion that the Death Grip problem is non-existence for 9700 Bold.

Apple's Response to Iphone 4's Antenna Problem

Basically, they're saying that the issue has been blown out of proportion and it's normal for a new revolutionary device to have problems.
All RF cellphones has this type of problem one way of another.

They offered free bumper case which has been proven to solve the problem.

Here's the video:


What's interesting though, even with this issue, Apple has successfully sold 3 millions Iphone 4 in 3 weeks, which is by far its biggest product launch ever.

This is a great case, where brand preference toward Apple (and Iphone) is shielding them from further heavy PR problems.
I don't think other company can survive this debacle just by offering free bumper case.
Most companies will definitely be pushed to do mass-recall, which is huge business loss.

But Apple can pull this bumper case offering without a problem.
This could even be a blessing in disguise.
Because people who haven't used bumper case, will.
And if 80% of people who take the free bumper case offer, buy another one for spare.
it's a new business all together.

Strong brand can save you big time.

The Best Movie in 2010

Here, I am ready to call it in July.

Inception is the best movie in 2010.
http://inceptionmovie.warnerbros.com/

Christopher Nolan is definitely living up to his own expectation, even after directing the best Batman movie "The Dark Knight"

Nolan is so brilliant in directing great talented actors.
He proved it in The Dark Knight and he did it again in Inception.

Leonardo di Caprio is further solidifying his reputation as one of the best actors in the current era.
While Joseph Gordon-Levitt is fast catching up.

Ellen Page, in her first non-comedy role, is showing that she's seriously talented.

Just like The Dark Knight, the casts in Inception is full of reputable actors.
Michael Caine and Ken Watanabe are probably the most notable other than the first three, I mentioned earlier.

Why Being Geek Is Not Cool?

Geek = Google Android 2.2




Cool = Apple iOS 4




After watching the video, you will understand what i mean.

13thirtyone
20090713

4 Things You Should Expect from Your Employer

As an employee, the influence of our organisation to help you succeed in your life and achieve your dreams cannot be underestimated.
And that’s the reason why finding the right organisation is much harder than looking for a job.

So how do you do that? how do you know when the organisation is the right one for you?
Here are four things you need to expect from your organisation:

Love.
As cliche as ‘love’ might sound, the right organisation is the one who shows you their love, that they care about you and your future. When they do, it means you’re an integral part of them, not just a moving part and there’s no higher achievement than that.
However, you need to be careful about this too, because to measure love is harder than to count the number of sands on the beach. Most of the times, it’s your current organisation that care about you with the right amount. When you are in the process of moving to a new organisation, usually you’re being over-valued and you might disappointed that your current organisation doesn’t value you as much. But you need to realise, that when you cannot deliver what they expect, their love will dissipate as fast, which is happened too often because no recruitment system can predict you to be successful in your job 100% of time.

Growth.
No one wants to be exactly where they are forever. A culture that allows you to grow and expand is very critical before you totally commit to an organisation.
But you also need to understand that an opportunity to grow and expand is not created because the organisation has a career management system or because your boss gives you a promise that almost too good to be true. You still need to work hard and smart to create the opportunity yourself. Never be satisfied with what you had achieved. Ignore success and always strive for excellence.

Contribution.
To feel fulfilled and recognised, you need know that you are contributing to the whole. Therefore, you need to know that your work matters to the organisation. Many organisations have performance management system in place, which measures the expected contribution that you need to perform. This system is usually very good on paper but ineffective in actuality. The main culprit is usually a disconnection between vision, mission and strategy of the organisation with day-to-day execution. Several factors are at play, lack of leadership capability of your boss is one of them. Translating organisation strategy and goals into individual performance indicator is the biggest challenge in implementing and sustaining a performance management system.

Meaning.
People are meaning-seeking creatures. A shared vision that demonstrates that you are engaged in a larger purpose goes a long way to motivate yourself. Only you can motivate you. When you find an organisation with a vision that you believe in, you don’t need to have any other reason to commit to that organisation. Because that’s all you need.

13thirtyone
20090713