I've been noticing that when I look for K-pop music videos on YouTube, the search results include a lot of so called "reaction" videos. Basically they're videos of people watching music videos. These have to be the most ridiculous waste of bandwidth ever. I wish YouTube could tag these uploads so I can filter them out of my search results.
Maybe I should make a video of my reaction (of disgust) to watching one of these retarded reaction videos... how meta would that be!
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Not sure what I'm ranting about? Go to YouTube and type in "aoa get out mv" in the search box. About 50% of the results are useless "reaction" videos. They're mostly fake (staged) anyway.
Friday, November 30, 2012
AOA - Ace of Angels
Wow, a K-pop girl band that plays instruments! That's pretty cool. I wonder if they actually played for the studio recording or if they hired musicians. Also, I haven't seen a performance where they play live (except for the drummer) instead of using the instruments as prop; you can tell by the lack of a power cable to the keyboard. They do sing live though and it's not too shabby.
The group setup is a bit confusing too. There are 8 members that form two subgroups: a 5 member band and a 7 member dance group. The drummer doesn't dance... how cool is that! Most bassist I know don't dance either.
Get Out - AOA
The top comment on YouTube tells you each girl's name and what she does in the group.
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After watching the MV a few times, it reminds me of when I first saw SNSD. I can't tell the different band members apart in each shot... most of them pretty much look the same.
The group setup is a bit confusing too. There are 8 members that form two subgroups: a 5 member band and a 7 member dance group. The drummer doesn't dance... how cool is that! Most bassist I know don't dance either.
Get Out - AOA
The top comment on YouTube tells you each girl's name and what she does in the group.
==========
After watching the MV a few times, it reminds me of when I first saw SNSD. I can't tell the different band members apart in each shot... most of them pretty much look the same.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
$15 Per Hour
... for working at McDonald's? Not yet.
Fox NY
Heh, I would like a 106% pay raise too. I understand that NYC is an expensive place to live but there are consequences to decisions. Can't afford to live in NYC and work at McD's? Then move away from the most expensive city in the US. I always thought that working at McDonald's or other fast food joints was a transitional job; do people (non-managers) actually work there for life?
Fox NY
Fast food workers call for higher wages
Workers at some fast food restaurants in the New York City area walked off the job on Thursday.
A large group gathered outside a McDonald's on Madison and 40th St. in Manhattan demanding higher wages and the approval of a workers union.
"They're giving us $7.25 an hour, so many of my co-workers are living on food stamps. You can't live on that in this city," a protester told Good Day NY.
The workers who say they don't make enough to put food on the table for their families would like an increase in their hourly pay to $15.
Heh, I would like a 106% pay raise too. I understand that NYC is an expensive place to live but there are consequences to decisions. Can't afford to live in NYC and work at McD's? Then move away from the most expensive city in the US. I always thought that working at McDonald's or other fast food joints was a transitional job; do people (non-managers) actually work there for life?
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Worst-Run State in America
Of course it's California... 2nd year in a row.
Yahoo! Finance
Now with a Democratic super-majority in CA state government, it's going to get a lot worse.
Yahoo! Finance
Every year, 24/7 Wall St. conducts an extensive survey of all fifty states in America. Based on a review of data on financial health, standard of living and government services by state we determine how well each state is managed. For the first time, North Dakota is the best run. California is the worst run for the second year in a row.
Now with a Democratic super-majority in CA state government, it's going to get a lot worse.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Diablo III Ban
I read this on Blizzard's site this morning:
First, I don't like Diablo III as much as the previous titles. I have the original Diablo game plus Diable II and the expansion. I hesitated for a long time on buying D3 because of the "always connected" requirement but after playing the game for 2 months, the main problem is that the game is boring. The difficulty ramp is lame... the game is too easy at first, then gets way to hard. My guess is that Blizzard wants you to buy better items on its Auction House with real cash, where they make a commission. So after paying $60 for a game, you can only play it when connected to the Internet, and you have to spend more money or otherwise keep dying in-game. I'm too old for this crap...
Anyway, I wonder what happens when you are banned? I think I used "trainers" for D2 since the single player games/characters were not authenticated and were local to your computer. Does the D3 ban only affect your existing characters or to the entire game? Since your registration key is linked to your account, does that mean you can't play the game anymore? Does Blizzard refund the $60 (or whatever you paid)? Does it impact all your other games, like Starcraft II, that is linked to your Battle Net account?
I'm very disappointed in Blizzard. I also have bought every other Blizzard game except for World of Warcraft, but I'll probably pass on the next SC2 release... didn't realize I paid $60 for 1/3 of a game when I bought SC2. To think some executive is probably sitting in my old office in Irvine (Blizzard took over our office space when Broadcom moved to its new campus by UCI).
We've recently issued several rounds of account bans for cheating in Diablo III. In each of these cases players used a hack program for exploitive purposes, for example to zoom out their game view and kill monsters that were beyond the normal range at which AI is triggered. As we do with all Blizzard games, we will continue to monitor Diablo III for cheating and take action as needed.
First, I don't like Diablo III as much as the previous titles. I have the original Diablo game plus Diable II and the expansion. I hesitated for a long time on buying D3 because of the "always connected" requirement but after playing the game for 2 months, the main problem is that the game is boring. The difficulty ramp is lame... the game is too easy at first, then gets way to hard. My guess is that Blizzard wants you to buy better items on its Auction House with real cash, where they make a commission. So after paying $60 for a game, you can only play it when connected to the Internet, and you have to spend more money or otherwise keep dying in-game. I'm too old for this crap...
Anyway, I wonder what happens when you are banned? I think I used "trainers" for D2 since the single player games/characters were not authenticated and were local to your computer. Does the D3 ban only affect your existing characters or to the entire game? Since your registration key is linked to your account, does that mean you can't play the game anymore? Does Blizzard refund the $60 (or whatever you paid)? Does it impact all your other games, like Starcraft II, that is linked to your Battle Net account?
I'm very disappointed in Blizzard. I also have bought every other Blizzard game except for World of Warcraft, but I'll probably pass on the next SC2 release... didn't realize I paid $60 for 1/3 of a game when I bought SC2. To think some executive is probably sitting in my old office in Irvine (Blizzard took over our office space when Broadcom moved to its new campus by UCI).
Monday, November 12, 2012
Kim Il-sung University
Just read the bio of Zhang Dejiang, one of the presumed members of the next 9-member Politburo that will run China. It was fairly typical of CCP leaders: restricting of news about SARS breakout, suppression of protests and news reporting, etc. This tidbit caught my eye though:
Degree in Economics from Kim Il-sung University in North Korea?! What could he possibly learn about economics in North Korea? How to screw up a country so bad that most of your citizens are starving? Juche? It's so ludicrous that I tried to come up with an analogy for hours but could not.
Zhang, a native of Tai'an in Liaoning, attended Yanbian University, where he studied the Korean language. Zhang enrolled in Kim Il-sung University in North Korea in August 1978 and received a degree in economics in 1980. Zhang's degree in economics makes him something of a rarity among the Chinese leadership. His connections to North Korea and his handling of illegal immigration from that country as a local official in Jilin are believed to be key factors in his rise to power.
Degree in Economics from Kim Il-sung University in North Korea?! What could he possibly learn about economics in North Korea? How to screw up a country so bad that most of your citizens are starving? Juche? It's so ludicrous that I tried to come up with an analogy for hours but could not.
Fairies (J-pop)
I "found" this J-pop girl group on the avex Channel on YouTube. They sing and dance pretty well but are really really young... only 13-15 years old. When do they have time for school? I think K-pop has trainees that young but they usually debut their artists later. Maybe it's just a Japanese thing.
White Angel - Fairies
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Ugh. I saw a video of them singing Madonna's "Like A Virgin"... very awkward coming from middle school girls. :(
White Angel - Fairies
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Ugh. I saw a video of them singing Madonna's "Like A Virgin"... very awkward coming from middle school girls. :(
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
United Airlines Boeing 787
United Airlines took delivery of a Boeing 787 in late July with tail number N20904. From FlightAware, it looks like the plane flies between Houston/Chicago and Houston/Los Angeles each day, with LAX arrival at ~5:30pm. I need to go out to Imperial Hill to get a photo. Departure is around 8:00pm so I won't be able to get a take-off photo during the winter.
I have some UA miles and I hardly ever fly United. Maybe I can use it to fly to Houston on the 787, though I think I only have enough miles to fly one-way.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
4 More Years of Wealth Redistribution
Crap. Well, at least I don't live in China. This has to be a bad translation... or the most incoherent article I've ever read.
Be wary of populism led by democracy
Results of the US presidential election will be made public today. No matter who wins, Barack Obama or Mitt Romney, there's no expectation either domestically or externally that US policies will dramatically change. The problems in the US will remain.
The election has just been about getting votes, and this is gradually becoming a popular political rule throughout the world. Politicians should try their best to please the voters and make various promises. The demands of voters will continue to increase, while their patience for setbacks grows weaker.
The electoral system encourages populism. Parties and politicians are slowly turned into its captives.
Viewed from the literal meaning of the phrase "civil rights," this evolution in the political system is correct.
The outcome of carrying civil rights to their extreme is to maximize everyone's benefits.
The concepts of effort and hard work will become outdated. The overall progress of the country has become an issue of secondary importance.
This is a worldwide phenomenon. China will also be affected, even though its political system is not the same as the West's. China once attached great importance to efficiency. The impact brought about by populism may affect this.
However, Western governments have given up their responsibility to lead society and now only shuffle voters and votes.
This should alarm Chinese society. The spirit of hard work and effort must not be replaced by unrealistic welfarism.
China's general situation is far less well-developed than that of the US.
However, many people in the world are optimistic about China. This is because they trust in the continuity of Chinese policies and China's social governance capabilities. They believe that China's system can overcome difficulties and promote the development of the country.
There's no perfect political system. However, China's current system is widely considered to be an effective one. The efficiency of this system is both outstanding and rare.
The most precious thing in the world is development. Some people think that happiness is more important than development.
However, without development, the economy will deteriorate. Then what happiness can there be?
Fairness is also very important. However, only when the joint development of both the economy and society has been achieved, can fairness be ensured.
China has already experienced the old days, when there was a low standard of fairness. But now, who wants to go back to that time?
A real understanding of the US presidential elections is extremely important to Chinese society. It can broaden our horizons.
We can also heed warnings from their examples. Modern Chinese society should be able to discern the truth. China's rise is already an unstoppable trend and it is halfway through this path.
Difficulties can be found on all paths. What we should overcome is our own difficulties. Our determination and confidence will be more firm once we have overthrown illusions.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Doug Martin... Who?
I have Doug Martin (running back for Tampa Bay) on my Fantasy Football team. I've never heard of him before the season and I picked him up in the 5th round (59th pick) of our league.
He scored 67.20 points tonight by rushing 251 yards and scoring 4 touchdowns. I didn't think it was possible to get that many points. For this week, I'm currently leading my opponent (my manager) by a score of 177 to 85.
He scored 67.20 points tonight by rushing 251 yards and scoring 4 touchdowns. I didn't think it was possible to get that many points. For this week, I'm currently leading my opponent (my manager) by a score of 177 to 85.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
My Sassy Girl
Post #2000 according to Blogspot!
Full length version of my favorite K-movie with English subtitles. 대박!
Full length version of my favorite K-movie with English subtitles. 대박!
G.E.M.
I bought a Chinese album from iTunes this morning. The artist is G.E.M. (鄧紫棋) from Shanghai though she sings songs in both Mandarin and Cantonese. The "Deluxe" version of the album comes with 2 music videos and a digital booklet, probably the CD insert. I say "probably" because the PDF file is corrupt and won't open... still dealing with iTunes store.
Here is a music video:
Oh Boy - G.E.M.
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Eh? The video link switched to another song. Weird.
I can't embed it but here's a link to the original video that I uploaded to Tumblr. Hopefully this one won't change.
Here is a music video:
Oh Boy - G.E.M.
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Eh? The video link switched to another song. Weird.
I can't embed it but here's a link to the original video that I uploaded to Tumblr. Hopefully this one won't change.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Disney Acquires Lucasfilm
Press Release
Wow, $4 billion. Is the Star Wars franchise worth that much after Episodes I, II, and III? Hopefully this will prevent George Lucas from making any more Star Wars movies.
Continuing its strategy of delivering exceptional creative content to audiences around the world, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) has agreed to acquire Lucasfilm Ltd. in a stock and cash transaction. Lucasfilm is 100% owned by Lucasfilm Chairman and Founder, George Lucas.
Under the terms of the agreement and based on the closing price of Disney stock on October 26, 2012, the transaction value is $4.05 billion, with Disney paying approximately half of the consideration in cash and issuing approximately 40 million shares at closing. The final consideration will be subject to customary post-closing balance sheet adjustments.
Wow, $4 billion. Is the Star Wars franchise worth that much after Episodes I, II, and III? Hopefully this will prevent George Lucas from making any more Star Wars movies.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Mileage Test
With gasoline prices approaching $5/gallon (my car drinks the premium stuff), I decided to try and see how driving habits can affect mileage. I read/heard that the slower you drive on the freeway (safely), the better your gas mileage. So on my weekly nighttime commute from Orange County to Torrance, I tested to see if speed affected mileage.
Both times I tried to set the cruise control and not touch the brakes. The route was the same: 55S/22W transition, 22 West, 405 North, 110 South, 223rd Street exit.
Trial 1:
Saturday, October 6
Average speed = 59.6 mph
Average mileage = 32.4 mpg
Trial 2:
Saturday, October 13
Average speed = 67.4 mph
Average mileage = 30.5 mpg
The data was from the onboard trip computer; I reset the counter at the beginning of the trip. Before this, I had never reset the computer, and my average mileage was ~23 mpg over 29,000 miles of combined highway/city driving. I was surprised at the high mileage numbers since my car is pretty large and has a 300 hp V6 engine. I was also surprised that I got a 2 mpg improvement by driving 60 mph instead of ~70 mph, even though it was a bit scary to be the slowest guy on the road. Finally, changes in velocity also affected mileage. The effect was most evident when I had to slow down for the 405N/110S interchange since it was a big right-handed loop. I probably had to slow to ~35 mph, then accelerate back to speed. The drop in mileage was ~0.2 mpg on the computer display even though I've driven ~35 miles.
Save gas, drive slow(er)!
Both times I tried to set the cruise control and not touch the brakes. The route was the same: 55S/22W transition, 22 West, 405 North, 110 South, 223rd Street exit.
Trial 1:
Saturday, October 6
Average speed = 59.6 mph
Average mileage = 32.4 mpg
Trial 2:
Saturday, October 13
Average speed = 67.4 mph
Average mileage = 30.5 mpg
The data was from the onboard trip computer; I reset the counter at the beginning of the trip. Before this, I had never reset the computer, and my average mileage was ~23 mpg over 29,000 miles of combined highway/city driving. I was surprised at the high mileage numbers since my car is pretty large and has a 300 hp V6 engine. I was also surprised that I got a 2 mpg improvement by driving 60 mph instead of ~70 mph, even though it was a bit scary to be the slowest guy on the road. Finally, changes in velocity also affected mileage. The effect was most evident when I had to slow down for the 405N/110S interchange since it was a big right-handed loop. I probably had to slow to ~35 mph, then accelerate back to speed. The drop in mileage was ~0.2 mpg on the computer display even though I've driven ~35 miles.
Save gas, drive slow(er)!
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Shuttle Endeavour at The Forum
This morning, I went in person to see Endeavour parked at The Forum in Inglewood.
There was supposed to be a ceremony of some sort so there was a high school marching band and cheerleaders. I left before it started.
The shuttle was parked on Manchester Avenue. There was lots of barricades but the crowd was able to get fairly close.
I think Endeavour only flew 25 missions. I was surprised how old it looked. :(
Back view. The 3 main engines have been removed and may be reused on the SLS.
Lots and lots of people...
There was supposed to be a ceremony of some sort so there was a high school marching band and cheerleaders. I left before it started.
The shuttle was parked on Manchester Avenue. There was lots of barricades but the crowd was able to get fairly close.
I think Endeavour only flew 25 missions. I was surprised how old it looked. :(
Back view. The 3 main engines have been removed and may be reused on the SLS.
Lots and lots of people...
Shuttle Move Live Feed
We had a live feed of the shuttle move yesterday at work. It was probably for a future NASA documentary but not sure how we got it. Anyway, I took some screencaps while they were moving Endeavour across Manchester Avenue.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Ubuntu!
Wow, that must have been the easiest OS install ever. I downloaded Ubuntu 12.04.1, burned an install CD, then installed it on my netbook (which I'm using right now). The total process only took about an hour and everything works! When I installed Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6.0) on the same netbook, I had lots of issues with drivers and crashes, and the sound never worked correctly. Here, sound, wifi, Bluetooth, and even the weird Asus Eee specific function keys all work. No drama...
First impression of Ubuntu is that it's very similar to OS X. I guess I wasn't sure what to expect since my last Linux experience was Red Hat (line commands) on an old Pentium. I was even able to open Word .docx files. However, after using my work laptop (SSD), my iPad2 (RAM), and MacBook Air (SSD), I'm used to instantaneous app loads so this feels really really slow. The Atom processor probably is not helping.
Now I have four laptops at my friend's house with 4 different operating systems.
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Just figured out how to connect to wireless network at work with Ubuntu. I read a bunch of posts on the web with lots of line commands but the Edit Connection wizard on Ubuntu 12 was pretty easy. All I had to do was plug in an Ethernet cable, download our CA certificate, then add the hidden SSID for the network. Pretty cool.
Next I need to try out the Excel-like app to see how well it handles spreadsheets.
First impression of Ubuntu is that it's very similar to OS X. I guess I wasn't sure what to expect since my last Linux experience was Red Hat (line commands) on an old Pentium. I was even able to open Word .docx files. However, after using my work laptop (SSD), my iPad2 (RAM), and MacBook Air (SSD), I'm used to instantaneous app loads so this feels really really slow. The Atom processor probably is not helping.
Now I have four laptops at my friend's house with 4 different operating systems.
==========
Just figured out how to connect to wireless network at work with Ubuntu. I read a bunch of posts on the web with lots of line commands but the Edit Connection wizard on Ubuntu 12 was pretty easy. All I had to do was plug in an Ethernet cable, download our CA certificate, then add the hidden SSID for the network. Pretty cool.
Next I need to try out the Excel-like app to see how well it handles spreadsheets.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Computer Shuffle
Now that the wifi is working well on my MacBook Air, I think I'll use it as my primary portable computer, which means I'll probably transfer all my photos and mp3's from the desktop PC. At least this will make the pain of paying Apple $300 for an additional 128GB on the SSD a bit less.
This then frees up my Mac mini (OS X 10.6.8) which I'll probably attach to the Samsung TV at home. I'll need to teach my parents how to use a Mac; they've only used Windows before. This also frees up my Sony Vaio notebook (Windows Vista) and my Asus netbook. The OS X install on the netbook wasn't that successful; I'm still at 10.6.0 and audio messes up when you unplug the AC adapter. Just to add another OS to the mix, I'm downloading Ubuntu 12 and will attempt to install that on the netbook. This should be easy since a lot of smaller netbooks ship with Ubuntu.
Not sure what to do with the Sony Vaio and the old Dell 17" laptop (Windows XP!) that will be displaced by the Mac mini. Maybe I can install Windows 8.
This then frees up my Mac mini (OS X 10.6.8) which I'll probably attach to the Samsung TV at home. I'll need to teach my parents how to use a Mac; they've only used Windows before. This also frees up my Sony Vaio notebook (Windows Vista) and my Asus netbook. The OS X install on the netbook wasn't that successful; I'm still at 10.6.0 and audio messes up when you unplug the AC adapter. Just to add another OS to the mix, I'm downloading Ubuntu 12 and will attempt to install that on the netbook. This should be easy since a lot of smaller netbooks ship with Ubuntu.
Not sure what to do with the Sony Vaio and the old Dell 17" laptop (Windows XP!) that will be displaced by the Mac mini. Maybe I can install Windows 8.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Microsoft "Support"
We use Microsoft Dynamics AX at work as our ERP software. Since the beginning, we've had lots of problems with our implementation since we're still using our homegrown system for production/purchasing. Anyway, as part of the software package, we also get a reporting software called Management Reporter. For some reason, we have 20 AX licenses but only 4 Reporter licenses. We've fired our VAR/implementer since they sucked and now I don't know where to get more licenses.
At the Microsoft Dynamics support website, there is a link that leads to Operations Support. It says: "Submit operational questions regarding ordering policy, licensing, registration keys, etc to the Microsoft Regional Operations Center (not technical support or pre-sales support)." Great! I then click on "Submit a new operational support inquiry" and I get a Microsoft Silverlight error? Huh? It then tells me to refresh the screen or contact the site administrator. Site admin at Microsoft? Where do you go for help if the submit help screen craps out? Doesn't any at Microsoft QA their customer-facing website? Ugh.
At the Microsoft Dynamics support website, there is a link that leads to Operations Support. It says: "Submit operational questions regarding ordering policy, licensing, registration keys, etc to the Microsoft Regional Operations Center (not technical support or pre-sales support)." Great! I then click on "Submit a new operational support inquiry" and I get a Microsoft Silverlight error? Huh? It then tells me to refresh the screen or contact the site administrator. Site admin at Microsoft? Where do you go for help if the submit help screen craps out? Doesn't any at Microsoft QA their customer-facing website? Ugh.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Another K-pop Dream
I'm sure I've had many strange dreams but don't remember the next day...
Anyway, I dreamt that I was in my bed, reading something on my Kindle Fire. I don't recognize the location but it felt like my bedroom when we lived in Harbor City. Sitting next to the bed were Tiffany, Sunny, and somebody else (Yuri?) from Girls' Generation. I think Tiffany was talking to the third girl when I whispered to Sunny, "Since you're already in my bedroom, can I get your autograph?" Yep, autograph... I remembered that I had bought their Asia Concert DVD (I did in real life), and I wanted them to sign the packaging or booklet.
Before she could answer, a huge crash woke me up. My roommate/landlord had stuck a smoke detector on the ceiling with double-sided tape and it chose that exact moment to release itself and hit the hardwood floor loudly. I told my roommate just now while handing him the smoke detector. He said "sorry" but looked at me like I was crazy.
Maybe I am.
Anyway, I dreamt that I was in my bed, reading something on my Kindle Fire. I don't recognize the location but it felt like my bedroom when we lived in Harbor City. Sitting next to the bed were Tiffany, Sunny, and somebody else (Yuri?) from Girls' Generation. I think Tiffany was talking to the third girl when I whispered to Sunny, "Since you're already in my bedroom, can I get your autograph?" Yep, autograph... I remembered that I had bought their Asia Concert DVD (I did in real life), and I wanted them to sign the packaging or booklet.
Before she could answer, a huge crash woke me up. My roommate/landlord had stuck a smoke detector on the ceiling with double-sided tape and it chose that exact moment to release itself and hit the hardwood floor loudly. I told my roommate just now while handing him the smoke detector. He said "sorry" but looked at me like I was crazy.
Maybe I am.
Worst College Majors
Kiplinger/Yahoo! Finance
1. Anthropology ($28,000)
2. Fine Arts ($30,000)
3. Film & Photography ($30,000)
4. Philosophy and Religious Studies ($30,000)
5. Graphic Design ($32,000)
6. Studio Arts ($35,900)
7. Liberal Arts ($30,000)
8. Drama and Theater Arts ($26,000)
9. Sociology ($32,000)
10. English ($32,000)
Dollars = median salary for recent grads. In comparison, the median for top 100 majors is $37,000 per the article. We recently hired two new undergrads for finance/accounting and their starting salary was $55,000 + stock options.
I think schools should have this data available for students. If you really want to major in these subjects, don't expect to find a high paying job. Tuition at USC is $21,081/semester. If you graduate in 4 years, that's ~$170k. Add in housing, food, books, and other costs, it's probably closer to $300k. If you're going to make only $30k after graduation, it's going to take a long long time to pay off those loans.
1. Anthropology ($28,000)
2. Fine Arts ($30,000)
3. Film & Photography ($30,000)
4. Philosophy and Religious Studies ($30,000)
5. Graphic Design ($32,000)
6. Studio Arts ($35,900)
7. Liberal Arts ($30,000)
8. Drama and Theater Arts ($26,000)
9. Sociology ($32,000)
10. English ($32,000)
Dollars = median salary for recent grads. In comparison, the median for top 100 majors is $37,000 per the article. We recently hired two new undergrads for finance/accounting and their starting salary was $55,000 + stock options.
I think schools should have this data available for students. If you really want to major in these subjects, don't expect to find a high paying job. Tuition at USC is $21,081/semester. If you graduate in 4 years, that's ~$170k. Add in housing, food, books, and other costs, it's probably closer to $300k. If you're going to make only $30k after graduation, it's going to take a long long time to pay off those loans.
Apple Maps - Apology NOT Accepted
Bloomberg
He's not sorry. If he was really apologetic about the Maps screw up, he would make Google Maps available on the app store. Another example that Apple doesn't give a sh*t about its customers.
I remember many years ago there were several lawsuits about Microsoft bundling IE with Windows OS. People complained that it was unfair to competitors (other browsers) and the courts forced Microsoft to make IE uninstallable. I didn't know what the fuss was; you could always download other browsers after installing Windows. Here, Apple intentionally shut out Google Maps (and YouTube) from iOS6. Not only did I lose Google Maps on my iPad2, I can't even install the old app. Why doesn't anyone question Apple's monopolistic policies?
...and I still can't play Flash videos on my iOS devices.
Apple CEO ‘Extremely Sorry’ for IPhone Maps Frustration
Apple Inc. Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook apologized for the iPhone mapping software released last week that has been criticized for flaws such as misrouted directions and inaccurately located landmarks.
“We are extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused our customers and we are doing everything we can to make Maps better,” Cook said in a letter to customers posted today on the Cupertino, California-based company’s website.
Apple’s decision to build its navigation application reflects a widening rift with Google Inc. (GOOG), which had provided its Google Maps program since the iPhone debuted in 2007. While the new software adds features such as turn-by-turn navigation, it is widely faulted for unreliable landmark searches, routes that get users lost and a lack of public transit directions.
He's not sorry. If he was really apologetic about the Maps screw up, he would make Google Maps available on the app store. Another example that Apple doesn't give a sh*t about its customers.
I remember many years ago there were several lawsuits about Microsoft bundling IE with Windows OS. People complained that it was unfair to competitors (other browsers) and the courts forced Microsoft to make IE uninstallable. I didn't know what the fuss was; you could always download other browsers after installing Windows. Here, Apple intentionally shut out Google Maps (and YouTube) from iOS6. Not only did I lose Google Maps on my iPad2, I can't even install the old app. Why doesn't anyone question Apple's monopolistic policies?
...and I still can't play Flash videos on my iOS devices.
Friday, September 28, 2012
Apple Maps Traffic
Current traffic from Apple Maps on iPad2:
and Google Maps (web):
I think the Google version is easier to understand visually. I really don't like the dashes on the Apple version since it's hard to tell the difference between moderate and heavy traffic.
and Google Maps (web):
I think the Google version is easier to understand visually. I really don't like the dashes on the Apple version since it's hard to tell the difference between moderate and heavy traffic.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Mountain Lion on MBA
Can resist... must update software...
I just finished updating my MBA to Mountain Lion (10.8.2) at work. I started the update (4GB download) then found out that I left the power adapter at home. I had ~3.5 hours remaining so I thought it should be safe.
The update appears to have installed correctly and everything still works. It even appeared to fix the crappy wifi connection problem at work. We'll see if it's better at home too.
When I bought my Mac mini several years ago, there was no Broadcom parts inside; Apple must have been rotating suppliers. The 2012 MBA has lots of Broadcom parts:
- Bluetooth
- USB (BCM20702)
- Wi-Fi (BCM43xx)
Too bad I'm not working there anymore... not that 3 chips will help much. From the Bluetooth connection data, both my iPhone4 and iPad2 contains a Broadcom Bluetooth chip while the external mouse has an Infinion chip.
==========
Well, it looks like the wifi problem was software. After upgrading to Mountain Lion yesterday, I was able to connect to work wifi within 5 seconds. With 10.7.4 and 10.7.5, it would take multiple attempts and errors to connect.
I just finished updating my MBA to Mountain Lion (10.8.2) at work. I started the update (4GB download) then found out that I left the power adapter at home. I had ~3.5 hours remaining so I thought it should be safe.
The update appears to have installed correctly and everything still works. It even appeared to fix the crappy wifi connection problem at work. We'll see if it's better at home too.
When I bought my Mac mini several years ago, there was no Broadcom parts inside; Apple must have been rotating suppliers. The 2012 MBA has lots of Broadcom parts:
- Bluetooth
- USB (BCM20702)
- Wi-Fi (BCM43xx)
Too bad I'm not working there anymore... not that 3 chips will help much. From the Bluetooth connection data, both my iPhone4 and iPad2 contains a Broadcom Bluetooth chip while the external mouse has an Infinion chip.
==========
Well, it looks like the wifi problem was software. After upgrading to Mountain Lion yesterday, I was able to connect to work wifi within 5 seconds. With 10.7.4 and 10.7.5, it would take multiple attempts and errors to connect.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
iOS6 Update (Why Apple Sucks)
Sigh... I updated my iPad2 with iOS6 this morning. I knew about the "new" Maps app from Apple replacing Google Maps but I was surprised to find that YouTube is also missing. Other than email, Google Maps and YouTube are the two apps I use the most on my iPad and now they're both gone... and I got nothing in return from iOS6.
After the "no Flash on iOS devices" crap, I should have zero expectations from Apple but this is pretty lame. You can't find Google Maps nor YouTube on in the iTunes apps store so I'm stuck with the crappy Apple Maps and using YouTube onSafari Chrome. Again, I love Apple hardware and operating system but hate Apple management. Why can't I have Adobe Flash instead of nothing? Why can't I run Siri on my iPhone4 and iPad2? Slow is better than nothing. :(
P.S. Yes, I know why. Apple wants to sell more hardware. I wish they'd just say it.
After the "no Flash on iOS devices" crap, I should have zero expectations from Apple but this is pretty lame. You can't find Google Maps nor YouTube on in the iTunes apps store so I'm stuck with the crappy Apple Maps and using YouTube on
P.S. Yes, I know why. Apple wants to sell more hardware. I wish they'd just say it.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Apple System Updates
All three of my Apple devices need a system update. The brand new MacBook Air still has OS X 10.7.4, and both my iPhone4 and iPad2 are running iOS 5. I did receive a code for a free Mountain Lion update but online reviews have been mixed, even for version 10.8.2. As for iOS 6, I heard that Apple was a bit premature with replacing Google Maps with its own version. I use Google Maps a lot so I'm going to hold off updating my iOS devices.
When I was young, I would jump on any and all system updates. Now that I have experiencing with bricking (is that a word?) several computers and other equipment, none which are jail-broken, I'm hesitant about updating right away. I don't have the time (or energy) to spend days rebuilding a system due to update malfunctions.
I think I'll go drink a few beers and try the OS X 10.8 update.
==========
Heh. Right after I posted the above and quit out of Chrome, I see an Apple software update notice window pop up, asking me to download Lion 10.7.5 (1.23 GB) and a firmware update. Right down the system is downloading the update software. I seriously hope the firmware update won't brick my new MBA. Maybe I'll hold off on Mountain Lion...
When I was young, I would jump on any and all system updates. Now that I have experiencing with bricking (is that a word?) several computers and other equipment, none which are jail-broken, I'm hesitant about updating right away. I don't have the time (or energy) to spend days rebuilding a system due to update malfunctions.
I think I'll go drink a few beers and try the OS X 10.8 update.
==========
Heh. Right after I posted the above and quit out of Chrome, I see an Apple software update notice window pop up, asking me to download Lion 10.7.5 (1.23 GB) and a firmware update. Right down the system is downloading the update software. I seriously hope the firmware update won't brick my new MBA. Maybe I'll hold off on Mountain Lion...
Friday, September 21, 2012
Shuttle Endeavour
Since work is near LAX, we got a pretty good view of Shuttle Endeavour's piggyback flight. Marketing told us that the Shuttle would flyby anywhere from 11:30am to 12:30pm so a bunch of us headed out to the parking lot across the street. It was really hot but it seemed everyone was outside trying to catch a glimpse.
The first pass was pretty far away. I think it was headed to the California Science Center and downtown LA.
It then looped around back towards LAX but still pretty far away.
After flying over Orange County, including Disneyland, the shuttle carrier did a really close flyby over our work building. Not sure if it was planned since we're one of the potential replacements for flying NASA astronauts... it was pretty awesome.
Closer shot without the two chase planes.
I gave my point-and-shoot camera to a co-worker who was allowed on the roof of our building.
After the close flyby, the shuttle carrier looped around LAX and lined up for final approach and landing.
The first pass was pretty far away. I think it was headed to the California Science Center and downtown LA.
It then looped around back towards LAX but still pretty far away.
After flying over Orange County, including Disneyland, the shuttle carrier did a really close flyby over our work building. Not sure if it was planned since we're one of the potential replacements for flying NASA astronauts... it was pretty awesome.
Closer shot without the two chase planes.
I gave my point-and-shoot camera to a co-worker who was allowed on the roof of our building.
After the close flyby, the shuttle carrier looped around LAX and lined up for final approach and landing.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
"Prophet" Manasseh Jordan
I got a spam call earlier from 800-318-3684. I get a lot of spam calls so I didn't answer but surprisingly, the caller left a voice message. The message was from a Manasseh Jordan and basically he wanted me to call back (at another 800 number) to join his prayer circle. Wow, God works in mysterious ways! I've been a Christian for 20+ years and I've never got a call like this before.
After Googling the 800 number, I found the website for "Prophet" Manasseh. There's actually not much hard information on the site. Here's his bio:
Ministering at eight years old... yeah, right. Also, extensive AND intensive training by the Holy Spirit? What does that mean? Is that equal to a M.Div from a seminary? Looking around the website, there are lots of opportunity to buy stuff or become a "partner" for $30 to $500 per month. More telling, there is no entry for Manasseh Jordan Ministries at Charity Navigator. Other similar organizations are listed, such as Billy Graham Evangelical Association, Far East Broadcasting Corporation, Haven Ministries, etc.
Researching further, it seems our "young prophet" was associated with Benny Hinn and Paul Crouch of Trinity Broadcasting Network fame (or infamy).
Well, that's all I need to know about this false prophet. Like the rest of the "ministers" around him, all they do is take money from people and promising "blessings" for them in return. I'm pretty sure this is not in the Bible.
After Googling the 800 number, I found the website for "Prophet" Manasseh. There's actually not much hard information on the site. Here's his bio:
Once affectionately referred to as the "Young Prophet" by peers and congregations nationwide, now best known as Prophet Manasseh Jordan began ministering at the tender age of eight and carries with him the quintessence of hope, healing and restoration that is bestowed upon the lives of those he touches.
Over the next several years, he knew then that God had a much BIGGER plan for his life. So he went through extensive and intensive training under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, for the express purpose of understanding the prophetic office and ministry. This training has enabled him to move in the realm of accurate prophetic ministry.
Ministering at eight years old... yeah, right. Also, extensive AND intensive training by the Holy Spirit? What does that mean? Is that equal to a M.Div from a seminary? Looking around the website, there are lots of opportunity to buy stuff or become a "partner" for $30 to $500 per month. More telling, there is no entry for Manasseh Jordan Ministries at Charity Navigator. Other similar organizations are listed, such as Billy Graham Evangelical Association, Far East Broadcasting Corporation, Haven Ministries, etc.
Researching further, it seems our "young prophet" was associated with Benny Hinn and Paul Crouch of Trinity Broadcasting Network fame (or infamy).
Well, that's all I need to know about this false prophet. Like the rest of the "ministers" around him, all they do is take money from people and promising "blessings" for them in return. I'm pretty sure this is not in the Bible.
Cyber Attacks
I got an email from the information security guy at work saying that we've been experiencing a lot of cyber attacks on our network, and that we need to change our network login password.
This was then followed 3 minutes later by a reply-all from our CEO suggesting that a state actor is possibly behind the attacks. Hmm... China? Russia? North Korea?
This was then followed 3 minutes later by a reply-all from our CEO suggesting that a state actor is possibly behind the attacks. Hmm... China? Russia? North Korea?
KCONUSA 2012
I used to complain that there are not enough K-pop concerts in the US, now it seems like there are too many! :)
I just found out about another "local" K-pop concert at Verizon Amphitheater in Irvine on Oct 13. It seems to be more than just a concert, i.e., there are lots of other side events. However, there are only 5 artists/groups so far, and most are boy bands. Looking at the list, I only know about 4Minute and G.NA (Canadian!) so I probably won't go.
I'm still hoping that the "postponed" SBS Super Concert will still be held sometime this year.
I just found out about another "local" K-pop concert at Verizon Amphitheater in Irvine on Oct 13. It seems to be more than just a concert, i.e., there are lots of other side events. However, there are only 5 artists/groups so far, and most are boy bands. Looking at the list, I only know about 4Minute and G.NA (Canadian!) so I probably won't go.
I'm still hoping that the "postponed" SBS Super Concert will still be held sometime this year.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Amazon Sales Tax
Since my new MacBook Air does not have an Ethernet port, and I can't use the wifi at work (without installing a certificate that I can't get without the certificate), I decided to buy a Thunderbolt to Ethernet adapter. It cost $29 on Apple Store, Amazon, and at a local store, MacMall. If this was pre-Amazon tax days, I may have ordered it from Amazon, even though it's >$3 in taxes. However, without the sales tax advantage, I decided to stop by the local store after work and buy it there.
I also saw the same MBA model for less at MacMall ($1424). However, if you add sales tax, my Amazon purchase was still cheaper in total at $1463.
I also saw the same MBA model for less at MacMall ($1424). However, if you add sales tax, my Amazon purchase was still cheaper in total at $1463.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Microsoft Outlook 2011
Since I have Office 2011 for Mac, and Microsoft replaced Entourage with Outlook, I wanted to link to my Hotmail account using Outlook, like I do on my Windows 7 desktop. Without reading too closely, I put in my Hotmail credentials and Outlook proceeded to download 2800+ email messages... I need to clean out my inbox. However, the account was configured to POP3 instead of IMAP so all the messages came into the inbox, without any folders. Crap. I researched online and found out that Hotmail doesn't really support IMAP, and Office 2010 (Windows 7) uses a connector software to provide IMAP-like connections.
Of course, that piece of important software is not available on OS X. Why? Who knows. Not enough Mac users bitching at Microsoft? Whatever the case, I'm now back to using a browser to access my email. Lame.
==========
I'm now installing Diablo III on the MBA (MacBook Air). D3 works well on my desktop since I have a Radion 6870 video card. The MBA only has an Intel HD4000 with 384MB of video RAM.
Of course, that piece of important software is not available on OS X. Why? Who knows. Not enough Mac users bitching at Microsoft? Whatever the case, I'm now back to using a browser to access my email. Lame.
==========
I'm now installing Diablo III on the MBA (MacBook Air). D3 works well on my desktop since I have a Radion 6870 video card. The MBA only has an Intel HD4000 with 384MB of video RAM.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Apple 3-Piece Set
chinaSMACK
Now that my new Apple MacBook Air has arrived, I've caught up to a Chinese college freshman. Hmm... my iPhone is a work phone so it's not really even mine.
Freshman Wants Apple Three-Piece Set for College, Her Claim that Inability to Buy Will Embarrass Her Leaves Her Mother in Tears
Since the middle of August, freshmen have been arriving at universities one after another for registration. Quite a few of them have been acquiring “equipment” for their upcoming college life. At a store in Beijing Zhongguancun, this scene occurred: A girl insisted on buying an iPhone4s, iPad3, and Macbook “Apple 3-Piece Set”, and they had to be with high configuration/specifications. The girl said, “if you don’t buy me these, just go ahead and let me lose face in college”. Her mother was in tears because she couldn’t afford them.
Now that my new Apple MacBook Air has arrived, I've caught up to a Chinese college freshman. Hmm... my iPhone is a work phone so it's not really even mine.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Change From Within
Global Times
If you're not part of the solution, then you're part of the problem.
Wow, a whole whopping 7 positions. Still is this an opportunity to work within the party and reform from within? Laowais can apply?!
That's okay. I know enough Mandarin to get by. My first job out of engineering school was at a Chinese-owned company where I had to learn technical terms in Chinese. I think I'd be perfect for auditing government agencies and SOE (state-owned enterprises) for corruption. 17 years of budgeting and financial analysis should qualify me...
Dang it. That KMT family history is not going to help. Maybe by "foreigners" they mean North Koreans or Cubans.
Beijing government has announced that for the first time, it is allowing foreigners to apply for positions as government officials.
Both foreigners and overseas Chinese are welcome to apply for a government talent program, which is designed to attract overseas scholars and entrepreneurs for seven special positions in the Beijing government, the Global Times confirmed with the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Human Resources Tuesday.
"It's the first time that we've decided to recruit senior managers and specialized talents from overseas to work for the government. It doesn't matter if you are Chinese or not," the bureau's media officer, surnamed Cui, told the Global Times on Tuesday.
If the candidate can meet the requirements, he or she can apply. Successful applicants will be employed as assistants to senior officials or as the director of some major projects.
If you're not part of the solution, then you're part of the problem.
Wow, a whole whopping 7 positions. Still is this an opportunity to work within the party and reform from within? Laowais can apply?!
Despite this, the job information is only posted in the Chinese language on the HR bureau's website, and on 8610hr.cn, a site that recruits people from overseas for jobs in China.
That's okay. I know enough Mandarin to get by. My first job out of engineering school was at a Chinese-owned company where I had to learn technical terms in Chinese. I think I'd be perfect for auditing government agencies and SOE (state-owned enterprises) for corruption. 17 years of budgeting and financial analysis should qualify me...
Chinese candidates for official positions should undergo a background "political check," which includes looking at the records of parents or grandparents.
Dang it. That KMT family history is not going to help. Maybe by "foreigners" they mean North Koreans or Cubans.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
46 Slaves
Look, a website that calculates how many "slaves" work for me... and most of them are in China. If I'm going to oppress people through forced labor, I may as well do it to my "own" people.
Slavery Footprint
This is beyond stupid, and a waste of taxpayer money: the website is sponsored by the State Department. The site says the average person has 38 slaves; I got dinged for my 10 computers. There are about 200+ million adults in the U.S. If each one has 38 slaves working for them, then there are 7.6 billion slaves worldwide supporting the American lifestyle.
Wait, there are only 7.0 billion people on earth? Let's not let facts get in the way of progressive feel-good propaganda crap. If you are going to use incendiary rhetoric such as equating "owning slaves" to consumerism, you'd better get your story straight. Like the comment above for China. There are closer to 250 million migrant workers and the majority do not work in illegal coal mines or brick kilns. Most probably work in factories like Foxconn; is that considered "forced labor"?
Slavery Footprint
This is beyond stupid, and a waste of taxpayer money: the website is sponsored by the State Department. The site says the average person has 38 slaves; I got dinged for my 10 computers. There are about 200+ million adults in the U.S. If each one has 38 slaves working for them, then there are 7.6 billion slaves worldwide supporting the American lifestyle.
Wait, there are only 7.0 billion people on earth? Let's not let facts get in the way of progressive feel-good propaganda crap. If you are going to use incendiary rhetoric such as equating "owning slaves" to consumerism, you'd better get your story straight. Like the comment above for China. There are closer to 250 million migrant workers and the majority do not work in illegal coal mines or brick kilns. Most probably work in factories like Foxconn; is that considered "forced labor"?
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Must have been a busy week at the Chinese Consulate
Petty.
Corvallis Gazette-Times
Seriously?! China sent two people to middle-of-nowhere Oregon to complain about a mural? Even better...
Sounds a lot like the mafia, no?
Corvallis Gazette-Times
Mural draws fire from China
Citing “strong resentment from the local Chinese community,” the Chinese government has asked the city of Corvallis to force a Taiwanese-American businessman to remove a mural advocating independence for Taiwan and Tibet from his downtown building.
But city leaders say the mural violates no laws and its political message is protected under the U.S. Constitution.
Taiwanese artist Chao Tsung-song painted the 10-foot-by-100-foot mural last month on the side of the old Corvallis MicroTechnology building at Southwest Fourth Street and Jefferson Avenue. The work was commissioned by property owner David Lin, who is renovating the space for a restaurant and has rechristened the building Tibet House.
In vivid colors, the painting depicts riot police beating Tibetan demonstrators, Buddhist monks setting themselves on fire to protest Chinese rule and images of Taiwan as a bulwark of freedom.
In a letter dated Aug. 8, the Chinese Consulate General in San Francisco formally complained to Corvallis Mayor Julie Manning about the mural’s content and asked for her help in having it removed.
“There is only one China in the world,” the letter reads in part, “and both Tibet and Taiwan are parts of China.”
Seriously?! China sent two people to middle-of-nowhere Oregon to complain about a mural? Even better...
The letter goes on to note the strong economic and cultural ties between China and Oregon and suggests that Corvallis would benefit from cooperating with the consulate’s request.
Sounds a lot like the mafia, no?
Bill Ruehle Book, Part 2
Still reading... I just finished chapter 4 of Bill Ruehle's book.
A few comments:
As Bill mentions in his book, he is a very private person. Not sure how this affects his personal life, but he was pretty distant at work, at least to the peons in Finance. I'm certain that he didn't know who I was, and I don't remember ever talking to him personally. For many years, I organized an annual Finace event at Del Mar racetrack; each year I would send an invite to Bill but he never attended... heck, he never even replied to my invites. The general impression was that Bill only focused on investor relatons and left day-to-day Finance management to the coproate controller.
Bill also writes about his family in the book, including his current wife, Julie (Bahadori). He didn't hide the fact that she worked for him at Broadcom though he says that their relationship was strictly professional. However, I've heard from many ex-Broadcom employees that she wasn't exactly a model of professionalism at work.
Anyway, this doesn't mean he was guilty of anything. It's his book so he gets to tell his side of the story.
A few comments:
As Bill mentions in his book, he is a very private person. Not sure how this affects his personal life, but he was pretty distant at work, at least to the peons in Finance. I'm certain that he didn't know who I was, and I don't remember ever talking to him personally. For many years, I organized an annual Finace event at Del Mar racetrack; each year I would send an invite to Bill but he never attended... heck, he never even replied to my invites. The general impression was that Bill only focused on investor relatons and left day-to-day Finance management to the coproate controller.
Bill also writes about his family in the book, including his current wife, Julie (Bahadori). He didn't hide the fact that she worked for him at Broadcom though he says that their relationship was strictly professional. However, I've heard from many ex-Broadcom employees that she wasn't exactly a model of professionalism at work.
Anyway, this doesn't mean he was guilty of anything. It's his book so he gets to tell his side of the story.
Sleeping Dogs
I've been playing this game for the past few days. It's basically Grand Theft Auto set in Hong Kong with the twist that you are an undercover cop... kinda like a video game version of Infernal Affairs. There is a lot of cussing in English and Cantonese; every time you bump into someone while running or driving, I hear 有冇搞錯, which means are you kidding?
Overall, the game is pretty good but it tries to out-GTA the original game. There are lots of gratuitous violence, blood and gore, and much more sexual innuendo than GTA. The graphics on the PC version is very detailed. On some cars, you can see vented disc brakes and painted calipers. Lots of CGI cleavages too.
Few things that suck. First is the controls on a PC using keyboard and mouse. It's obviously designed as a console game first so it's hard to control, especially while driving. I ordered a Logitech gamepad a few days ago so I'll continue when it arrives. Another problem is that Hong Kong drives on the wrong side of the road. I keep forgetting when driving fast in-game, which leads to a lot of crashes. Unlike GTA, you are penalized if you crash into stuff while on a mission.
Finally, the voice acting is excellent. They casted real Asians (Kelly Hu, Lucy Liu, Edison Chen, James Hong) instead of a bunch of white people, but some of the HK English accents are too much. :)
Trailer
Friday, September 7, 2012
Error 3006
My friend told me that Blizzard was allowing people to download a trial copy of Diablo 3. I bought every Blizzard game so far, except for World of Warcraft, including the original Diablo and Diablo 2 + expansion. I've read all the reviews of Diablo 3 on Amazon with disappointment; I wanted this game to be good, dang it!
After downloading >8GB of stuff and installing the trial version, I had trouble logging into my Battle.net account (worked for Starcraft 2). After clearing that up, I waited and waited and waited... and got error 3006. I anticipate getting error 37 next.
"I have to walk the car..."
After downloading >8GB of stuff and installing the trial version, I had trouble logging into my Battle.net account (worked for Starcraft 2). After clearing that up, I waited and waited and waited... and got error 3006. I anticipate getting error 37 next.
"I have to walk the car..."
Bill Ruehle Book
I saw on Facebook today that Bill Ruehle, former CFO of Broadcom, wrote a book about his personal experience with the SEC "backdating" investigation. For ~7 years, from 2000 through 2006 (when Bill "retired"), I worked in Finance at Broadcom. Even though I was a Senior Manager by mid-2006, there were always two layers of additional management so I didn't work with Bill directly. Anyway, I bought the Kindle version of the book on Amazon for $10; it should be an interesting read.
Coincidentally, when I reported to my one and only jury duty experience (Orange County Court), Bill Ruehle was on trial as the defendant in Federal court next door. During the voir dire portion of my jury duty, the judge asked me if I knew Bill (I remember he pronounced his last name like "rules") and I admitted that I worked "for" him for 7 years.
==========
I'm only halfway through the 2nd chapter and I've already learned stuff I didn't know after working 11 1/2 years at Broadcom. I do agree with Bill that the entire SEC/DOJ investigation was a total waste of time and money. As a taxpayer and Broadcom employee/shareholder, I paid for both sides of this fiasco. Not sure what it cost the government (read: tax money) to pursue the case but Broadcom easily spend tens of millions, maybe even a hundred million dollars defending its executives.
Coincidentally, when I reported to my one and only jury duty experience (Orange County Court), Bill Ruehle was on trial as the defendant in Federal court next door. During the voir dire portion of my jury duty, the judge asked me if I knew Bill (I remember he pronounced his last name like "rules") and I admitted that I worked "for" him for 7 years.
==========
I'm only halfway through the 2nd chapter and I've already learned stuff I didn't know after working 11 1/2 years at Broadcom. I do agree with Bill that the entire SEC/DOJ investigation was a total waste of time and money. As a taxpayer and Broadcom employee/shareholder, I paid for both sides of this fiasco. Not sure what it cost the government (read: tax money) to pursue the case but Broadcom easily spend tens of millions, maybe even a hundred million dollars defending its executives.
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