nophee168

Watch Movies For Free or Less (In Singapore)

2011-12-20T14:14:00.000+08:00

I have been a deal/promo/discount/freebies hunter (whatever you want to call it) since I stay in Singapore. And I have found some ways to watch movies for free or less price. Here are some of them:

1. Download/Stream your movies
Yes, of course. You should make use your internet at home (or maybe in the office) to download your movies. Another alternative is to watch it online. There are few websites offering online streaming like www.mysoju.com (for Asian movies and series), www.zmovie.tv, or even www.youtube.com.

2. Borrow DVDs for your friends
If you know someone who is DVD junkies, can try to borrow from them.

3. Borrow DVDs from library
Yeah, you can borrow some DVDs from library for free (if you have the member card). For more details on membership, visit www.nlb.gov.sg. Ok, maybe not new movies, but you can find some old movies that you haven't watched before. It's worth to try.

4. Get free movie tickets
There are few ways how I can get at least 1 pair of movie tickets in a year:

a. Sign up for surveys at sg.aipsurveys.com. They will send you email whenever there's survey available for you to fill. You earn points from filling these surveys and you can redeem for some shopping vouchers or a pair of movie ticket valid for 1 year. Not bad!

b. Sign up for Passion Card, participate in Passion Card Movie Club quizzes. Who knows you're lucky to win a pair of movie screening ticket or a copy of movie DVDs. For more details, visit www.passioncard.com.sg.

c. Sign up for GV (Golden Village Cinema) member. During your birthday month, usually they give 1-for-1 movie ticket.

d. M1 customers can get 1-for-1 movie ticket at Cathay Cineplex.

5. Watch from TV channels/cables
The easiest one. (This is useless for me, as I don't have TV at home lol )

Do let me know if you have other methods I never mention on this post.

Wordpress' Permalink Problems

2011-12-07T13:57:00.001+08:00

I need to tell you first that I'm not a Wordpress-guru. But, I would like to share some problems that I encounter using Wordpress permalink.

I have Wordpress installed on WAMP server. When I changed the permalink to use custom one, it screwed up my pages. When I click on the menu links, it shows that my pages cannot be found. So, I searched around on internet to find what cause this.

Apparently, I need to enable the mod_rewrite line on httpd.conf of WAMP. You can find this at .../wamp/bin/apache/Apachex.x.x/httpd/httpd.conf. Look for "mod_rewrite" line.

If you find that the line is commented (means there's "#" at the beginning of the line), uncomment the line (means remove the "#" sign). So the line will look like this:

LoadModule rewrite_module modules/mod_rewrite.so

Save it and restart the WAMP service (that's what I did). Tadaaa! Suddenly, it works. I can see my pages.

But, wait a minute! Another problem appears. Why all my pages are the same?! It uses the front page for all pages. Apparently, it looks like the WP e-Commerce plugin creates this problem. Luckily, for now I don't need this plugin. After I deactivate the plugin my pages looks fantastic. It's accessible using permalink.

Whoever knows the solution for solving WP e-Commerce and permalink problem. Do let me know, I would like to know the solution too.

A Simple Guidelines for Web Developers

2011-12-06T14:14:00.001+08:00

There are few guidelines the web developers should follow in delivering good outcome:

1. Structure the web files well
2. Put location to all pages (except home page). Use site map to help search engine indexes the website faster. Use custom error page for example 404 page not found, 403 forbidden.
3. Pay attention to word choice and formatting for content. Use space to create comfortable reading experience for readers. Avoid long sentences, it's good to use bullets or lists.
4. Make sure to use ALT for images.
5. Your website should be adjustable to any window size.

Source: click here

My Xmas 2011 Wish List

2011-11-30T20:58:00.001+08:00

Sephora Holiday Makeup Studio Blockbuster, $79

contains 96 eyeshadows, 84 lip glosses, 6 cream eyeliners, 2 eyeliners, 3 blushes, 1 brownzing powder and 1 mascara.

Kitty Head Big Palette, $69

This collectible Hello Kitty Head Big Palette contains 25 eyeshadows and 10 high-shine lip gloss shades. Set comes with a double-ended brush for easy application. Available at Sephora.

Too Faced In Your Dreams Makeup Collection, $59

This face palette trio contains three complete looks, each offering three eye shadows, a blush and a lip shade. It also comes with step-by-step face charts that teachs you how to get the look. Available at Sephora.

Benefit I’m Glam Therefore I Am (life of the party makeup kit), $63

This kit has the makeup essentials for the eyes, lips and cheeks. It includes four eyeshadow shades, glamming face powder with brush, girl meets pearl liquid pearl for face, lip gloss in life on the A list, Badgirl lash mascara and a double-ended sponge applicator. Available from Benefit counters.

Source: Her World Singapore

Another hectic week is coming

2011-11-21T00:59:00.001+08:00

A while ago I typed down things I need to accomplish this week. After few lines I realized it's not enough to just list down everything without time details. So I modified my note into daily based list. I put all things I could remember of into the target day I want each of them to be done.

Gosh, my life is getting hectic, I thought. For now I can only enjoy it and to take care of my health.

Meteor Slides, Image Slideshow Solution for Wordpress

2011-11-13T18:45:00.001+08:00

I'm a beginner in Wordpress, and maybe I can't judge yet whether a plugin is a better one than another. But, I want to share an image slideshow plugin for Wordpress called Meteor Sliders.

Here are some points why you should use this plugin:
- It's very easy to install and use. The author has provided sufficient (at least for me) documentation and videos on how to install, use and customize the plugin.
- It has a lot of effects you can choose for your images transition.
- You can adjust the maximum image width and height
- You can configure how many images/slides you want to put in one slideshow
- You can configure the timing of slide's transition easily from Settings
- You can choose to enable Prev/Next navigation button, paged, or both for your navigation
- The author provides a forum where you can ask questions. He's also very helpful :)

I really recommend this plugin. Please check out the plugin home page:
http://www.jleuze.com/plugins/meteor-slides/

Programmers Need to Know Legal Things, too

2011-10-29T23:32:00.002+08:00

I've been thinking to gather more information about some legal liabilities that programmers or developers need to know. Here is one article that I found good for a start:
www.zdnetasia.com/legal-liabilities-that-programmers-need-to-consider-62302623.htm?src=newsletter

This article gives brief explanation on breach of contract, patent violations, copyright problems, and data storage and security.

Cool Perks for Employees at Google, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc

2011-10-27T12:47:00.001+08:00

Working in one of big companies sure is a good luck.

These IT companies have some cool perks I desperately want:

Google - Onsite Gym

Facebook - Weekly lectures by entrepreneurs

LinkedIn - Hackdays
Monthly competitions attended by LinkedIn employees to produce coolest hacks within 24 hours. During competitions there are free-flow foods and beverages provided. The winner can bring home attractive prizes.

Tagged - Wellness Allowance, Quiet Room, Unlimited Annual & Sick Leave

Infographic: http://mashable.com/2011/10/17/google-facebook-twitter-linkedin-perks-infographic/

Personal Legend

2011-10-25T13:56:00.000+08:00

The boy didn’t know what a person’s “Personal Legend” was.

It’s what you have always wanted to accomplish. Everyone, when they are young, knows what their Personal Legend is.

“At that point in their lives, everything is clear and everything is possible. They are not afraid to dream, and to yearn for everything they would like to see happen to them in their lives. But, as time passes, a mysterious force begins to convince them that it will be impossible for them to realize their Personal Legend.” [The Alchemist - Paul Coelho]

How You Can Do Professional Development For Yourself

2011-10-23T16:42:00.001+08:00

I read a good article from Yahoo! Singapore. It's useful for me and maybe useful for others. Here is the excerpt: There are few ways you can upgrade yourself:

1. Take class.
You can try to find part time courses that fit into your working schedule. In Singapore there are a lot of education institutions offering night classes to cater busy people like me (or like you ^_^ ). You can take online class for your consideration also.

2. Teach-It-Yourself new skills.
Internet can be a good source to find tutorials for everything. Alternatively, you can read relevant books. All you need is dedication to learn.

3. Volunteer.
Volunteering for non-profit organizations can be one of many ways to learn.

4. Find mentor.
Find someone who are on the path you aspire to. Ask them how they got where they are. Learn from their successes and mistakes.

5. Soft skills are important too.

Source

How top doctors stay cancer-free

2011-10-23T02:03:00.001+08:00

I read a good article from Shape magazine today on how some doctors stay healthy and away from cancer.

Here are some of them:

1. Keep your weight steady. Carrying as little as 4.5 extra kgs may jack up the sex hormones (i.e. Oestrogen) productions, raising your risk for breast & uterine cancers. It also increases inflammation in your body, which may trigger other types of cancer.

2. Eat power fruits like pomegranates & blueberries because they contain compounds that can slow down the growth of certain types of cancer cells.

3. Go Greek! Greek diet is mostly Mediterranean, plenty of fruits, vegetables, fish, olive oil, wholegrains, nuts, and legumes. People who eat this, exercise regularly, and don't smoke cut their risk of getting cancer by 60%.

4. Cut back on sugar. Too much sugar can act like a fertiliser for cancer cells, encouraging them to grow & multiply.

5. Increase vitamin D intake. The 'sunshine' vitamin plays a key role in boosting the immune system & protecting against cancer. Having enough of viD can cut your breast & coln cancer risk by 50%. It's recommended to take supplement with about 1,000 IU everyday.

6. Take at least 25 grams of fibre a day. Fibre can reduce the number of potentially cancerous polyps in the colon.

7. Getting sweaty for at least 30minutes a day can slash your risk of developing colon, breast, and endometrial cancers.

Top cancer-fighting foods:

1. Broccoli
Cauliflower, bak choy, and broccoli contain sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinols, powerful molecules that prevents precancerous cells from developing into tumours.

2. Berries
All types of berries contain a phytochemical ellagic acid, which has been shown to slow tumour growth & help eliminate carvinogenic substances from body.

3. Onions
Along with garlic, shallots, and chives, this pungent herb has sulphiric compounds that protect against cancerous mutations in the colon, breast, and lung.

Mango Languages, learning language in fun way

2011-10-21T17:46:00.001+08:00

Gotta love it!

Just found this Mango language learning system from library's e-resources. It provides attractive web application to learn different languages. This system gives you explanation on the words and how it's used in the origin country. You can also control the speed of learning from the navigation button.

You can try out free at www.mangolanguages.com

Patch Management

2011-10-01T01:46:00.001+08:00

Some points are good to noted from article below:

http://www.zdnetasia.com/back-to-basics-a-4-phase-approach-to-patch-management-62302049.htm?m=full

It's best to have rollback procedure when patch fails. Another good point is to have post-deployment checklist.

The Adventure of Tintin - Tintin in America

2011-09-11T17:48:00.002+08:00

Just watched this today

Recession Survival Kit

2011-08-20T13:34:00.000+08:00

A lot of news have been spreading that a worse recession will come in short time. Believe it or not, there's no harm to prepare yourself. Here are some tips that I gathered from different sources:

1. When you feel like your job will be affected by the downturn economy, prepare an emergency saving account of at least six month worth living expenses.

2. Looking for job alternatives: start by doing professional networking, update your resume, etc.

3. Don't go for risky investment. Recession often has greater impact on stock prices

4. Save more, don't do unnecessary purchase.

4. Upgrade your skills

5. Take care of your health

4 Ways To Beat The Back-To-Office Blues

2011-08-14T21:25:00.002+08:00

Monday is coming... And I feel what most people feel too on Sunday evening. But, here are my 4 ways to bring up the mood on the beginning of the week.

1. Do something relaxing on Sunday evening
Maybe watching your favorite DVDs or videos, listening music, reading something entertaining, etc. Avoid doing tiring things.

2. Have a delicious breakfast (with family or colleagues)

I really enjoy having breakfast accompanied by friends or family. It really helps to boost my mood and energy. Oh, don't forget a cup of caffeine ^_^.

3. Come early to office
When I come early to office (when there's still less people and less noise), usually I'll do a bit of news reading, checking my emails, etc. Basically, I do a bit of personal things and tidy up my desk before the working time starts. It warms me up for the day.

4. Organize activity for mid week
I read from somewhere (I can't remember), actually the most stressful day for working people is Wednesday instead of Monday. So, I recommend you to organize something fun with your colleagues, friends, or family for Wednesday. It could be lunch/dinner together at fancier restaurant, go for cinema after working hour, etc.

Hope these tips help you to beat your back-to-office blues!

Learn Something Online: makeuseof.com

2011-08-13T23:09:00.000+08:00

I found a website which provides free guides to various technology related stuffs. You just need to subscribe (give your email address). Check out www.makeuseof.com.

20 Things To Do In Weekend (For Foreigners)

2011-08-13T08:11:00.000+08:00

Here is my list of things-to-do in weekend (for foreigners):

1. Sleep longer
2. Pamper yourself (go for facial, spa, massage)
3. Clean your room
4. Do laundry
5. Check personal emails
6. Read news or article online
7. Go to library, browse for interesting books
8. Enjoy a cup of tea/coffee outside
9. Go to local fair (book, food, electronic, career, etc)
10. Workout
11. (Window) Shopping
12. Fix-It-Yourself, for example: fix your spoilt umbrella, fix your shirt's loose button, etc
13. Get new hobby
14. Take weekend class (language, dance, etc)
15. Check Youtube for interesting videos. www.youtube.com
16. Create life goal list
17. Blogging
18. Learn something online
19. Watch movie
20. Read books

If you created a hi-tech gadget, what name would you use?

2011-08-12T23:05:00.004+08:00

If you created a hi-tech gadget, what name would you use?

Below is brief history how popular tech companies got their names:

CISCO
It's short form for San Fransisco instead of an acronym.

Compaq
Formed from COMp for computer, and PAQ to refer to a small integral object.

Sony
From Latin word 'sonus' meaning sound, and 'sonny' an American slang to refer to a bright youngster.

Yahoo!
It was invented by Jonathan Swift and is used in his book Gulliver's Travels, representing a person who is repulsive in appearance and action. Yahoo! founders Jerry Yang and David Filo chose it because they considered themselves yahoos.

Source: http://www.makeuseof.com/tech-fun/how-popular-tech-companies-got-their-names/

Facebook has "Worst API"

2011-08-12T13:15:00.002+08:00

According to a survey taken from 100 developers, Facebook has the worst API, followed by Google on the second place and Twitter on the third place.

Here are the reasons:

Poor documentation
OAuth
Poor error handling
Lack of example code
Lack of test environments
Lack of standardized libraries across languages
APIs that change/break frequently (mostly Facebook)
Normalizing data to match internal data structures
Line between use and abuse
Arbitrary throttling (differences between services)
Differing standards (REST v SOAP v XML-RPC, XML v JSON v POST, versioning v not, etc.)
Getting services to talk to a dev machine behind a firewall

It can be useful lesson for our API management.

Source:http://techcrunch.com/2011/08/11/facebook-wins-worst-api-in-developer-survey/

Clover Spring Fusion Bistro - 216-6 Syed Alwi Road, Singapore

2011-08-10T23:01:00.000+08:00

I have new favourite spot to have my breakfast or lunch near office. There's restaurant called Clover Spring. They sell nice & soft thick toast. I love it very much.

They also sell western menu with affordable price.

Drinks
I tried Ice Thai Tea and Green Bandung. Ice Thai Tea is Thai style milk tea (plus ice, of course ^_^ ). It has strong taste and smell that the usual milk tea in Singapore doesn't have.

Cakes
They have wide range of cheese cakes. You can either buy 1 slice ranging from S$3.5 - S$4.5 (I can't really remember) or buy the whole cake.

Today, I tried the Mango Mousse Cake. It's soft and creamy, have strong mango taste but not really sweet.

Here is their facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/CloverSpring

IU - Someday (Karaoke/Instrumental) Ost. Dream High

2011-08-10T22:34:00.000+08:00

You can download the karaoke version MP3 here

언젠간 이 눈물이 멈추길
onjen-gani nunmuri momchugil
언젠간 이 어둠이 걷히고
onjen-gani odumi gothigo
따스한 햇살이 이 눈물을 말려주길
ttaseuhan hessari i nunmureul mallyojugil

지친 내 모습이 조금씩 지겨워지는 걸 느끼면
jichin ne moseubi jogeumssik jikyowojineun gol neukkimyon
다 버리고 싶죠 힘들게 지켜오던 꿈을
da borigo sipjyo himdeulge jikyo-odon kkumeul
가진 것보다는 부족한 것이 너무나도 많은 게
gajin gotbodaneun bujokhan gosi nomunado maneun ge
느껴질 때마다 다리에 힘이 풀려서 나 주저앉죠
neukkyojil ttemada darie himi pullyoso na jujoanjyo

언젠간 이 눈물이 멈추길
onjen-gani nunmuri momchugil
언젠간 이 어둠이 걷히고
onjen-gani odumi gothigo
따스한 햇살이 이 눈물을 말려주길
ttaseuhan hessari i nunmureul mallyojugil

괜찮을 거라고 내 스스로를 위로하며 버티는
gwenchaneul gorago ne seuseuroreul wirohamyo botineun
하루하루가 날 조금씩 두렵게 만들고
haruharuga nal jogeumssik duryopge mandeulgo
나를 믿으라고 말하면서도 믿지 못하는 나는
nareul mideurago malhamyonsodo mitji mothaneun naneun
이제 얼마나 더 오래 버틸 수 있을 지 모르겠어요
ije olmana do ore botil su isseul ji moreugessoyo

기다리면 언젠간 오겠지
gidarimyon onjen-gan ogetji
밤이 길어도 해는 뜨듯이
bami girodo heneun tteudeusi
아픈 내 가슴도 언젠간 다 낫겠지
apeun ne gaseumdo onjen-gan da natgetji

날 이젠 도와주길 하늘이 제발 도와주길
nal ijen dowajugil haneuri jebal dowajugil
나 혼자서만 이겨내기가 점점 더 자신이 없어져요
na honjasoman igyonegiga jomjom do jasini opsojyoyo

언젠간 이 눈물이 멈추길
onjen-gani nunmuri momchugil
언젠간 이 어둠이 걷히고
onjen-gani odumi gothigo
따스한 햇살이 이 눈물을 말려주길
ttaseuhan hessari i nunmureul mallyojugil

기다리면 언젠간 오겠지
gidarimyon onjen-gan ogetji
밤이 길어도 해는 뜨듯이
bami girodo heneun tteudeusi
아픈 내 가슴도 언젠간 다 낫겠지
apeun ne gaseumdo onjen-gan da natgetji

언젠간 x2
onjen-gan x2

Credit :
Hangul by Naver Music
Romanization by Chichan-Onew
Source: http://chacha-31.blogspot.com/2011/01/hangulromanization-iu-someday-lyric-ost.html

Jolin Tsai - Pa Shen Me (Karaoke/Instrumental)

2011-08-10T22:22:00.000+08:00

My friend helped me with the karaoke version MP3. You can download from here.

The Principles of Mistake

2011-08-10T22:05:00.000+08:00

I read an article by Alan Norton in TechRepublic website. I really enjoy reading it and I can really relate to the things written in this article. It's about 10 principles of mistakes in our life. Here are some of the principles:

Everyone makes mistakes
This is the very fundamental principle of mistakes in our life. I do believe everyone makes at least one mistake in their life, either it's small or fatal mistake.

“Everyone makes mistakes. That’s why there is an eraser on every pencil.” — Japanese proverb

Mistakes can be good thing
Sometimes it is necessary in our life to make mistakes in order to learn and grow.

“The only man who never makes mistakes is the man who never does anything.” — Theodore Roosevelt

Mistakes are not mistakes until someone knows about it
The only thing you need to do is to fix that mistake before it's discovered by others.

Ignorance is not an excuse from mistakes
Even though you don't do it on purpose or not knowing the impact, mistake is still a mistake.

For the details of the article, click here.

Shopping List This Week: Batiste Dry Shampoo & The FaceShop Nail Polish

2011-08-06T21:15:00.001+08:00

I bought these 2 items today:

1. Batiste Dry Shampoo at NTUC Unity $6.90 (U.P $8.90)

2. The FaceShop Nail Polish $2.90