Today, the president asked me to join the "executive committee" as they were 1 person down. When he wanted to talk to me for 5 mins that flashed through my mind for 1 sec, but I was pretty sure it was for my balcony defect.... my 1st thought (gut instinct) was correct!
My instant reaction was NO. I hated the politics. Hated the conflict of interest. I've seen what happened in my previous residence and when it gets down to punch ups, you know it's not worth it. Having said that, my block has 1 page of issues for the whole year compared to half an inch worth of stuff and suing everyone else in my old place.
His question then became... why not? No there isn't much politics, you don't even need to do anything. I lived here for 2 years now, and this bunch seemed to be a relatively peaceful bunch. They did a pretty good job looking after the place after all. I was stuggling for a rebuttal, and the best I can do was "I don't think I can commit to being on the committee". To be honest, I wanted to say that I don't really want to care but with the "what do you need to commit to? it's only 4 meetings a year and you don't have to do anything" seemed a pretty good deal eh?
It's just easier to surrender. How Lame of me, I can't even give a good reason to say no. Some how, my instinct is to run from potential exposure to politics (guaranteed to be in this game when you are in the group) but I always got caught up in it. Maybe I should just accept it? And I thought I was good at saying no. I guess I am not so good after all.
Anyway, I have agreed to do this for a year and see how it goes. I can just see the storm coming. Sighs.
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Ahem's Volkswagen Golf 118TSI 2009 review
After owning the car for a couple of months, it's time to blog about what I think about it. Got the 118TSI Comfortline, the mid range Golf 2009 model. Because of the GFC, VW has scaled down productions so the average wait went from 3 months, to 6 months. It was a decision between this and the Lancer VRX.. and I chose this because the size is the same as my Impreza RX. I don't need a bigger car.
This is just purely what I think of the car btw, from a consumer's point of view. As usual with everything I write, it's down to the Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Options are totally separate. It's amazing how many other cars do not offer leather seats as a separate option, you have to spend 5000 dollars more for a "luxury pack" that includes other stuff that I don't need like Bose speakers and Sat Nav. I ended up getting the options that I need.
- Fuel Economy - compared to my old car, this car can do at least twice the distance on the same amount fuel.
- Cruise Control is pretty nice.
- Very solid, although my bicycle scratched it, totally my own fault.
- Safety - can't say much about that, I hope I'll never need to use any of the safety features in this car, amen.
- Front wheel drive. Mind you, my old car is a AWD and I really missed the handling. Going fast in a straight line does not mean much if it doesn't corner well. Compared to a Subaru, this is miles behind - yes I read the car reviews and they all say the handling is great, personally I think it's not so great. Its frustrating how many times it wheel spin on anything that has a gradient of more than 15 degrees. A wet day is especially bad.
- Insurance. The policy makers soooo does not get it, just because this car has a low power turbo and a super charger on a .... ahem... 1.4 Litre engine, doesn't mean the premium should be the same as a hoon car! I paid 1300 for insurance, and I paid 600 for my RX - although technically the RX is the hoon car here. Anyway, as more cars pops up in this category made for the purpose of fuel economy, the insurance cost will be a deterrent to buy these cars.
- The so called rain sensing wipers. It comes on sometimes when there is no rain, and doesn't come on when it was pouring. Talking to other people, all rain sensing wipers have this issue sometimes.
- The Speedos. It is NOT EVEN! The analog speedo separator goes from - 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100, 120, 140 etc. My brother and I suspected that this is actually for Miles per hour instead of Km per hour, because because the 60 mark doesn't make sense since we accelerate from 60 to 80 a lot, and it's very hard to watch out for speeding. It's just weird because I expect the analog needle to move at the same rate when acceleration is constant, and all of a sudden, you are speeding, by more than 10Km/hr. Oh, the digital speedo can be used, and it's not in line with the analog one. If you don't understand what I am saying, watch out for it when you test drive the car, and you'll know what I mean.
- The turbos. Yerp, the turbos. To be honest, I prefer a 2.0 Litre engine than a 1.4 Litre super charger + turbo. It's really hard to get used to, as it's hard to tell at low speeds to use 2nd gear or 1st gear. Oh.. too much rev and it wheel spin again.
- Gearbox. It's a REALLY crappy gearbox. It's noisy, and its not smooth. People tell me why didn't I get the auto with DSG? It's 3000 more, AND I know how to drive a manual. $3000 = a lot of Options which I rather have.
- Expensive. Everything that VW sells, especially accessories is just sooo expensive.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Discrimination and bullying
Today, I met a woman. What started off as a casual chit chat turned into something serious. That is: Being discriminated and bullied in the work place. Working in a male dominated environment, trust me, you do get discriminated, whether it is subtle or obvious.
Bullying, is a bit more serious. I can't say whether I have really being bullied, I tend to not think about it much. From past experiences, many guys try, but they always back off when they discover that I won't just "take the shit". Unfortunately for my ex colleague, she could not fend for herself and ended up having a nervous breakdown.
I am not having a bitch session here though, its just whenever I tell people about the environment which I work in, I constantly get the question of "How can you do it?" which almost translates to "How do you put up with it?" as if they are so sure that I was bullied and discriminated already.
The answer is, that I don't put up with BS. I don't tolerate bullies and I don't care if I am discriminated. It doesn't make me the most popular person in the world, but at least people get the message to NOT try to bully me. It's easier to not get them started then to try and fix things once the damage is done.
The truth is, I really like working with guys. Very little bitching, and a lot of action and you get things done. We have 2 females in my group, me as an engineer, and another doing admin. The constant bitching and moaning about the tiniest issues of the admin girl drives me mad, and yeah you got it, her biggest complaint is her being discriminated. What she didn't know was it was her attitude that drove us away, for example: she whinges about not being invited out for lunch because she was a contractor, and when you do she always turns you down. That is a sure way to be Miss Unpopular.
Guys have a funny attitude. When I first started I got the silent intimidation, but once you get the recognition then you are right. They treated me pretty well after that. However, they are much more egocentric and many have self esteem issues, and those tend to be the bullies. I always joked that I sense ego oozing out of the building. heh
How to deal with Bullies - Ahem's way:
Having said all that, if you are an overly sensitive person and easily offended, then a work environment like this is not really for you. Be careful if you landed a job where men view women as an object - you may want to think twice about going into such an environment because there would be a hell of a lot of sexual harassment issues you have to deal with. If you don't have a choice, then you may have to become "a nut cracker" or "ball buster" <-- I don't like these terms btw. If this happens, then it's going to be really tough for you. Are you getting the support from your manager/HR? Can you deal with the situation if you have no support? If not, you might have no choice but to get out. But don't let it affect you to the point of mental breakdown.
While some have it harder than others, the most important thing is don't give up - at least your bottom line anyway. I have to admit that I have picked up some guy traits - in 1 ear and out the other. Amazing what it can do to a bully.
Another thing: Don't try and find out how much your male counterparts are getting paid, you won't like it. Take this stance - if you want to get the pay rise, go for it and back it up with achievements. Don't say "well so and so is getting this much, I should be paid the same too." If you presented your achievements and your manager is still finding every excuse under the sun to deny you for your pay rise, it's time to leave. At least you have the "Achievements" portion already written in your resume :)
Accept the fact that you can't be friends with everyone. Somewhere, somehow, someone will hate your guts from day 1 for no reason. To believe that the whole world loves you, is naive. To expect that the whole world loves you, is just plain stupid. Amazingly, quite a lot of people do.
Bullying, is a bit more serious. I can't say whether I have really being bullied, I tend to not think about it much. From past experiences, many guys try, but they always back off when they discover that I won't just "take the shit". Unfortunately for my ex colleague, she could not fend for herself and ended up having a nervous breakdown.
I am not having a bitch session here though, its just whenever I tell people about the environment which I work in, I constantly get the question of "How can you do it?" which almost translates to "How do you put up with it?" as if they are so sure that I was bullied and discriminated already.
The answer is, that I don't put up with BS. I don't tolerate bullies and I don't care if I am discriminated. It doesn't make me the most popular person in the world, but at least people get the message to NOT try to bully me. It's easier to not get them started then to try and fix things once the damage is done.
The truth is, I really like working with guys. Very little bitching, and a lot of action and you get things done. We have 2 females in my group, me as an engineer, and another doing admin. The constant bitching and moaning about the tiniest issues of the admin girl drives me mad, and yeah you got it, her biggest complaint is her being discriminated. What she didn't know was it was her attitude that drove us away, for example: she whinges about not being invited out for lunch because she was a contractor, and when you do she always turns you down. That is a sure way to be Miss Unpopular.
Guys have a funny attitude. When I first started I got the silent intimidation, but once you get the recognition then you are right. They treated me pretty well after that. However, they are much more egocentric and many have self esteem issues, and those tend to be the bullies. I always joked that I sense ego oozing out of the building. heh
How to deal with Bullies - Ahem's way:
- Don't play victim. Pretty obvious but people always wanted other people to pity them. But eventually it becomes emotionally draining to the people around you, and many don't feel that they have the obligation to protect you and it's unfair for them to.
- Don't give an inch. When something offensive was said make sure that you voice your concern on the spot.
- Don't be bitchy - sure guaranteed way to make you public enemy number 1.
- Know what is a joke and what isn't.
- Make sure they know your boundaries. Let them know what is acceptable and what's not acceptable. I take the stance of "I don't care if you swear, but I do care if you swear at me".
- Don't have double standards with what is acceptable and what's not. Guys get confused.
- Show that you do know your job. If you don't, what are you doing in the job anyway?
- And lastly, none of the "I am a female so treat me special". Guys automatically have a soft spot for females already, so you don't want to go too far.
Having said all that, if you are an overly sensitive person and easily offended, then a work environment like this is not really for you. Be careful if you landed a job where men view women as an object - you may want to think twice about going into such an environment because there would be a hell of a lot of sexual harassment issues you have to deal with. If you don't have a choice, then you may have to become "a nut cracker" or "ball buster" <-- I don't like these terms btw. If this happens, then it's going to be really tough for you. Are you getting the support from your manager/HR? Can you deal with the situation if you have no support? If not, you might have no choice but to get out. But don't let it affect you to the point of mental breakdown.
While some have it harder than others, the most important thing is don't give up - at least your bottom line anyway. I have to admit that I have picked up some guy traits - in 1 ear and out the other. Amazing what it can do to a bully.
Another thing: Don't try and find out how much your male counterparts are getting paid, you won't like it. Take this stance - if you want to get the pay rise, go for it and back it up with achievements. Don't say "well so and so is getting this much, I should be paid the same too." If you presented your achievements and your manager is still finding every excuse under the sun to deny you for your pay rise, it's time to leave. At least you have the "Achievements" portion already written in your resume :)
Accept the fact that you can't be friends with everyone. Somewhere, somehow, someone will hate your guts from day 1 for no reason. To believe that the whole world loves you, is naive. To expect that the whole world loves you, is just plain stupid. Amazingly, quite a lot of people do.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Investing - Why do people resist so much?
When I was young and naive (makes me sound old now..), and got my first job - the first thing I did was to spend money on all the things I wanted to buy and eating out all week, every week. As time goes by, and I wanted even bigger things such as a house, or an apartment - that's when my realisation of "if you save what you make from a job, I STILL won't be able to afford a house, or an apartment"!
Out of chance, over dinner I was talking to my friend who told me he had a bit of help from a financial adviser family friend when he was made redundant during the dot-com bust, and told me to have a chat with this guy. I did, and in the first meeting it was about financial information collection.
He then went on to tell me about investing - and one of the phases which I remembered was:
"You worked so hard for your money, why would you not make the money work hard for you?"
I never thought about that, either I spent it all, or save it, I never though of using money to make money. With term deposit rates being very low, the only other way is to invest it.
However, after my first conversation with my financial advisor I thought: "PFffft. I can do this myself". So, I spent the next year studying in this area (not formally, just learning whatever I can pick up like money mag and news) and saving. And, I poured a few thousand dollars into a Property fund in CFS through Etrade. It gave me good returns... until 2 years ago (and that was way before the financial crisis). On top of that, the capital kept dropping. Lesson 1, get some capital guarantees from a big bank (which you really need your Financial Advisor for).
Many people also told me that "it's better to do it myself", and yes it is better, but I don't have the time to watch the market since I have a full time job. I need diversification.. and at this point I really need advice, since I don't work in this industry.
So a year later, I went back to my financial advisor, and he is one of the few guys who in my opinion who won't try and sell you anything, and most important of all, being ethical. At this point I still think that buying property is the way to go, but eventually, I dismissed the idea because of all the issues that comes with owning a property (and it's a pretty looooong list from my own experiences) and the "hidden costs". Just having to deal with developers and unreasonable tenants is just the tip of the iceberg.
If one is to rule out property investment for the time being, then what else is left? For most people that I discussed this issue with, they told me that property is the only way to go because they got burnt in the stock market and won't ever touch it again. However, who have not lost money in the last financial crisis?
Going back to the question, why do people resist investing so much? Most of my friends either spent it all, or poured all their earnings to their house, or rent. I think, to invest a few hundred thousand dollars (and rising) on a property = having all your eggs in one basket. It's a big risk... but it give people a comfort zone I guess. However, it puts people off because the initial sum needed takes years to save up.
And yes, I also know about the "property will rise in captial" etc, but I just do not have the eye out for the timing and bargains, and it's just too hard to try since it's a few hundred thousand dollars in a hit.
So, I'll just stick with small sums with closed funds and capital guarantee. It is safer like that than worrying about the mortgage.
Out of chance, over dinner I was talking to my friend who told me he had a bit of help from a financial adviser family friend when he was made redundant during the dot-com bust, and told me to have a chat with this guy. I did, and in the first meeting it was about financial information collection.
He then went on to tell me about investing - and one of the phases which I remembered was:
"You worked so hard for your money, why would you not make the money work hard for you?"
I never thought about that, either I spent it all, or save it, I never though of using money to make money. With term deposit rates being very low, the only other way is to invest it.
However, after my first conversation with my financial advisor I thought: "PFffft. I can do this myself". So, I spent the next year studying in this area (not formally, just learning whatever I can pick up like money mag and news) and saving. And, I poured a few thousand dollars into a Property fund in CFS through Etrade. It gave me good returns... until 2 years ago (and that was way before the financial crisis). On top of that, the capital kept dropping. Lesson 1, get some capital guarantees from a big bank (which you really need your Financial Advisor for).
Many people also told me that "it's better to do it myself", and yes it is better, but I don't have the time to watch the market since I have a full time job. I need diversification.. and at this point I really need advice, since I don't work in this industry.
So a year later, I went back to my financial advisor, and he is one of the few guys who in my opinion who won't try and sell you anything, and most important of all, being ethical. At this point I still think that buying property is the way to go, but eventually, I dismissed the idea because of all the issues that comes with owning a property (and it's a pretty looooong list from my own experiences) and the "hidden costs". Just having to deal with developers and unreasonable tenants is just the tip of the iceberg.
If one is to rule out property investment for the time being, then what else is left? For most people that I discussed this issue with, they told me that property is the only way to go because they got burnt in the stock market and won't ever touch it again. However, who have not lost money in the last financial crisis?
Going back to the question, why do people resist investing so much? Most of my friends either spent it all, or poured all their earnings to their house, or rent. I think, to invest a few hundred thousand dollars (and rising) on a property = having all your eggs in one basket. It's a big risk... but it give people a comfort zone I guess. However, it puts people off because the initial sum needed takes years to save up.
And yes, I also know about the "property will rise in captial" etc, but I just do not have the eye out for the timing and bargains, and it's just too hard to try since it's a few hundred thousand dollars in a hit.
So, I'll just stick with small sums with closed funds and capital guarantee. It is safer like that than worrying about the mortgage.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Google Nexus One
I swear that my attention span is very very short. One minute I was very tempted by the Iphone 3Gs (doesn't help when my colleagues were waving their Iphones and Ipod touches in my face) but today, I was caught up by this:
Welcome Google. Because it's Google, it's all over the news and "the only one that can take the iphone head on". True in a sense, IF they do it properly.
I was also a Sony Ericsson fan, and still have my P1i. Maybe it's time to upgrade, but I'll miss the buttons. The newer smart phones do not have buttons, and it is one of the things that deters me from buying it. This though, looks very promising to me. Although I am a Mac user, I resisted the Iphone because it wasn't "perfect" to my needs. I guess I am biased towards Android, and with version 2.1, it looks REALLY good, especially with the google maps and gmail applications.
I don't know about most people, but I almost had my entire life with google. Gmail, Blogger, Google calender, Google docs, Google maps - what is the best thing to put them all together better than the Google phone? Sure the 1st attempt was shitty, but this is better than anything that I've seen. Seemed like I am sold on the Google phone already!
As you can see on the site, unless you are in the 3 countries that they release this phone in, you will have to wait. They better release it world wide soon, because there's Ebay.
I was also a Sony Ericsson fan, and still have my P1i. Maybe it's time to upgrade, but I'll miss the buttons. The newer smart phones do not have buttons, and it is one of the things that deters me from buying it. This though, looks very promising to me. Although I am a Mac user, I resisted the Iphone because it wasn't "perfect" to my needs. I guess I am biased towards Android, and with version 2.1, it looks REALLY good, especially with the google maps and gmail applications.
I don't know about most people, but I almost had my entire life with google. Gmail, Blogger, Google calender, Google docs, Google maps - what is the best thing to put them all together better than the Google phone? Sure the 1st attempt was shitty, but this is better than anything that I've seen. Seemed like I am sold on the Google phone already!
As you can see on the site, unless you are in the 3 countries that they release this phone in, you will have to wait. They better release it world wide soon, because there's Ebay.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Its been a while since I blogged ... bye bye 2009!
In hindsight, 2009 was my worse year so far.. and it's goooone! This year, will be a lot better.
I did not have any new year's resolution for 2010, but:
I did not have any new year's resolution for 2010, but:
- I have canceled my Gym membership - not motivated to the gym, riding and running to nowhere just does not appeal to me. I got even less motivated when all the girls in my Tai Chi class were getting competitive with Kung Fu..
- I bought a bike! Yes, this one!!!!
I bought it from cellbikes with a recommendation from my colleague and the yellow and black makes it cool. Funny thing is that I was buying all the bike accessories when I haven't bought the bike yet! :D
Monday, October 26, 2009
iPhone 3Gs..... so tempted!
I've been resisting this for a few years now - but the iPho
ne is getting closer and closer to what I want in a phone. Maybe one day I will buy this!Spending the last couple of years on my P1i, I wasn't able to ultilise most of the features because it is so fiddly. 1st of all, you have to back up using the PC suite (sorry mac users) and you cannot edit your backup. So if I want to make changes to my notes, I can't. With the concept of cloud computing coming at us fast, big phone companies is just so slow to catch up, until some competitor ate into their market share.
I want to:
- Make changes to my calendar and notes on the PC
- Rearrange where program lives on my PC, then resync to the phone
- Look at my sms on the PC
The PC suite seemed to be just for backup - and no, not many people use windows address book either to syncronise your contacts.
The one thing the P1 has is a full keyboard which the iPhone doesn't have. I don't need to type fast with sms but the feel of the buttons is much better, even with a rocker key which the P1 has.
So now, I am getting more and more tempted by the iPhone! :S
Sunday, October 11, 2009
World Masters Cup 2009
The photo is a bit dark but this is as the athletes are marching in. My phone isn't good for taking photos.Entry is FREE for watching the sport on the list. So this week I am all set for my social activities - I'll go and watch the games after work since badminton finishes at 10pm! However its a bit disappointing that right now, sitting in the opening ceremony where there are more athletes than spectators. If only there were more media coverage and being school holidays, this would be a great family outing day. They can watch sports for free, then enjoy the opening ceremony for free, and gave the athletes great moral support. Bring your own lunch and all you need to pay is just transport cost. Perfect.
It was getting too late for dinner and we walked out early from the opening ceremony. There was a guy who was in the soccer team that had his hair done... like a soccer ball. Pity that I didn't take a photo of him! :D
Website: http://www.2009worldmasters.com/ for times, the games finishes this sunday.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Life is a Bitch!!!!!!
This year, has been the worse year for me so far. Too much as happened, and it has exploded right in front of my face... It started off very nice, and it went into free-fall from May... and probably rock bottom now.
Thank god for blogs. You can vent to your heart's content.
Sometimes I wish that I was one of those protected species so that I don't have to go through crap like this.
I was so lost that I went to get Tarot readings done, because you don't know what I should choose next. There were many "dark cards" and I even got the "death" card - if you put a positive spin on it, it's a new beginning apparently..
She told me a few things:
What I found out of all this is, a deeper understanding of myself. They told me that if you ignore your issues now, when mid life crisis hits it will be waay too late.
This year, life has picked me up, and literally slapped me in the face at least 4-5 times. It's hard to just analyse "what can I learn from this?" although I can still say "well at least I am a lot luckier compared to so and so".
After heaps of crying, anguish, counseling and grieving later, I think/hope that I am climbing out of the toilet bowl. Being an introvert it's hard to open up but I am happy that I got support when I do. Sometimes, if you don't ask, you don't know. Sure there are people who doesn't care, that is when you give them the flick.
So, trying to look above the water, and with suggestion from my friend, I should try to work abroad for a short time. I ended up telling my boss about my situation, and surprisingly he was very understanding, a lot more than I expected. He told me about his "almost the same" experience so I guess he can relate. It's not the job, it's everything else, and I need a break personally.
I always wanted to travel a bit, and check out museums, enjoy the the culture in another country. If there is a chance I would really like to visit countries like the middle east. Working abroad means that you don't have to find someone to go with you, plus you get $$$, and you get to meet new people/friends which is what I need right now. And you come back to the stable job.
It will be nice if it turns out this way though..
Now I understand why there are so many people who gets depression out from this. Thinking too much with no vent to ease the pain/pressure. If I don't know who my real friends are, maybe I would spiral into depression too. Some people are really lucky to have a very smooth road, I envy them.
Thank god for blogs. You can vent to your heart's content.
Sometimes I wish that I was one of those protected species so that I don't have to go through crap like this.
I was so lost that I went to get Tarot readings done, because you don't know what I should choose next. There were many "dark cards" and I even got the "death" card - if you put a positive spin on it, it's a new beginning apparently..
She told me a few things:
- I'll be changing friends - apparently my existing friends have very "light" links and I'll be moving on
- I'll be considering a career change - apparently a someone at work will appear in my life that had his eyes on my skills, relationship is optional. (work and relationship don't mix ok!) <--- very skeptical at this one... and it hasn't happen.
- I'll be taking on a more leadership position. <-- I think I'll avoid this one, hate managing people, too much mind games and politics.
- I had enough of a lot of things (never good at drawing boundaries)
- I'll be doing a lot of soul searching <-- yes, trying.
- I am creative and I'll be ultilising it a lot - although I am in engineering, but not designing! But I was given an almost impossible task of fixing up mess. I had to be really creative on this one.
- Females are jealous of me and I tend to avoid them <-- yeah, that's right but you can't be real close to a guy either. But I still think that pick the right females and they are better to talk to.
What I found out of all this is, a deeper understanding of myself. They told me that if you ignore your issues now, when mid life crisis hits it will be waay too late.
This year, life has picked me up, and literally slapped me in the face at least 4-5 times. It's hard to just analyse "what can I learn from this?" although I can still say "well at least I am a lot luckier compared to so and so".
After heaps of crying, anguish, counseling and grieving later, I think/hope that I am climbing out of the toilet bowl. Being an introvert it's hard to open up but I am happy that I got support when I do. Sometimes, if you don't ask, you don't know. Sure there are people who doesn't care, that is when you give them the flick.
So, trying to look above the water, and with suggestion from my friend, I should try to work abroad for a short time. I ended up telling my boss about my situation, and surprisingly he was very understanding, a lot more than I expected. He told me about his "almost the same" experience so I guess he can relate. It's not the job, it's everything else, and I need a break personally.
I always wanted to travel a bit, and check out museums, enjoy the the culture in another country. If there is a chance I would really like to visit countries like the middle east. Working abroad means that you don't have to find someone to go with you, plus you get $$$, and you get to meet new people/friends which is what I need right now. And you come back to the stable job.
It will be nice if it turns out this way though..
Now I understand why there are so many people who gets depression out from this. Thinking too much with no vent to ease the pain/pressure. If I don't know who my real friends are, maybe I would spiral into depression too. Some people are really lucky to have a very smooth road, I envy them.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Connecting Huawei E160e USB 3G modem to Optus 3G on Snow Leopard
I recently got a Huawei 3G modem from Optus for the 3G network, but sadly the application that came with the modem crashes every time I tried to run it.
I am posting this because I spent a very frustrating hour on the phone to Optus with the rep telling me that "Snow Leopard is not supported" and doesn't know much else. I'll be posting what I think of Snow Leopard later.
Some people can get it to work, I am going to post 2 ways that you can set this up (and also for my reference one day if I need to set this up again).
Method number 1:
Easiest - Instead of running the program on the USB Key, right click and select "Show Package Contents". The icon you see is a container.
Open the folder "Contents --> Resources --> MobilePartner.mpkg"
After installing, it will create a dock icon and you can now connect.
Easiest. You can stop here if you want to.
HOWEVER, my CPU was running 100% as long as that app was opened.... so I did this instead:
Method number 2:
This method is mentioned in a number of sites, but the E160e is quite weird. You can apply the same method to Windows XP, Vista and windows 7 (if you have it). I personally like this better because it's one less app to worry about.
You still need the drivers for the 3G modem, so the method number 1 still applies. You can get rid of the app though, you don't really need it, and I don't know why it chews up 80% memory of my 1st CPU core.
Go to System Preferences --> Network.
Click the + button.
Select Huawei Mobile-Modem driver (not Pcui), name your service to whatever you want, click OK.
In the Telephone number type *99#, click advanced. (if *99# doesn't work, try *99***1#)
In Vendor, select "generic",
In Model, select "GPRS (GSM/3G)"
In APN, type "connect". The APN is the Access Point Name for the modem. Without this name it cannot connect to the network.
DNS, WINS, PROXIES and PPP can all be left in default if you want.
The 3G SIM authenticates itself when it logs into the network, so no password necessary.
Click Apply, then click "connect".
NOTES: In the modem selection screen (advance tab), if you select "others", Huawei driver (path included), it WON'T WORK. Tired that for an hour today, I think because the APN was not in the terminal script (as the application failed to install). Unless you want to write your own (there are guides on the net that give you terminal scripts for Linux), stick with this one. The CID is always 1.
You can still check your usage on the following link:
https://memberservices.optuszoo.com.au/ms/ium/currentHsdpaUsage.htm
There is no need to login, as long as you are connected using your 3G USB dongle.
If you have "show modem status in the menu bar" ticked you can use it to connect instead of going to the Network preferences to connect.
If you have "show status while connecting" ticked, it will show status as "disconnecting....." forever until you reconnect to another network. That made me think whether the driver was buggy for a while... it's probably a new Snow Leopard feature :P but I find that annoying.
I am posting this because I spent a very frustrating hour on the phone to Optus with the rep telling me that "Snow Leopard is not supported" and doesn't know much else. I'll be posting what I think of Snow Leopard later.
Some people can get it to work, I am going to post 2 ways that you can set this up (and also for my reference one day if I need to set this up again).
Method number 1:
Easiest - Instead of running the program on the USB Key, right click and select "Show Package Contents". The icon you see is a container.
Open the folder "Contents --> Resources --> MobilePartner.mpkg"
After installing, it will create a dock icon and you can now connect.
Easiest. You can stop here if you want to.
HOWEVER, my CPU was running 100% as long as that app was opened.... so I did this instead:
Method number 2:
This method is mentioned in a number of sites, but the E160e is quite weird. You can apply the same method to Windows XP, Vista and windows 7 (if you have it). I personally like this better because it's one less app to worry about.
You still need the drivers for the 3G modem, so the method number 1 still applies. You can get rid of the app though, you don't really need it, and I don't know why it chews up 80% memory of my 1st CPU core.
Go to System Preferences --> Network.
Click the + button.
Select Huawei Mobile-Modem driver (not Pcui), name your service to whatever you want, click OK.
In the Telephone number type *99#, click advanced. (if *99# doesn't work, try *99***1#)In Vendor, select "generic",
In Model, select "GPRS (GSM/3G)"
In APN, type "connect". The APN is the Access Point Name for the modem. Without this name it cannot connect to the network.
DNS, WINS, PROXIES and PPP can all be left in default if you want.
The 3G SIM authenticates itself when it logs into the network, so no password necessary.
Click Apply, then click "connect".NOTES: In the modem selection screen (advance tab), if you select "others", Huawei driver (path included), it WON'T WORK. Tired that for an hour today, I think because the APN was not in the terminal script (as the application failed to install). Unless you want to write your own (there are guides on the net that give you terminal scripts for Linux), stick with this one. The CID is always 1.
You can still check your usage on the following link:
https://memberservices.optuszoo.com.au/ms/ium/currentHsdpaUsage.htm
There is no need to login, as long as you are connected using your 3G USB dongle.
If you have "show modem status in the menu bar" ticked you can use it to connect instead of going to the Network preferences to connect.
If you have "show status while connecting" ticked, it will show status as "disconnecting....." forever until you reconnect to another network. That made me think whether the driver was buggy for a while... it's probably a new Snow Leopard feature :P but I find that annoying.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Nan Tien Temple
Vege spring roll and drumstick - what an interesting snack for afternoon tea! Apparently in the cafe downstairs they are serving food, and because we went after lunch, we managed to fit dumplings and the spring rolls. Next time I have to check out the lunch there! (btw its still all vegeterian)!
Friday, August 07, 2009
Meet the Colleagues
Today is the 40th birthday of my colleague - and we planned a surprise birthday dinner for her. We went to Hugos on Manly and it was good, with full view of the wharf. Watching the ferries docking was fun, as tales of "well there were times that it failed to break and hit the barrier 10 feet from our table" and "amazing ferry trips" came out.
It was the 1st time that I talk with any of these guys. I worked in the building for 4 years now, and maybe because many guys are on shift it is very difficult to see everybody at once, and when we do see each other we are too busy to stop and chat anyway. A bit of alcohol later for some of the guys, and they start to talk.
It's sometimes quite weird that although we know about each other's existence, we don't know what the hell each other was doing. Swapping "what we do" took up an hour or so, but we naturally take the topic to something else as we are sick of talking about work heh. Naturally with a bunch of guys, the conversation topic always turn to "something gotta do with the toliets"...!
Doing something like this outside of work is interesting. On work grounds we are all quite guarded and we only hang around our own teams, so we'll never get to talk to anyone else. Thats our own fault I guess. With everyone being dad's age, and the nature of their work makes them anti social. When they loosen up and started talking, it's very interesting to listen to them :)
The food at Hugos is ok. Bit pricey but with the views, no complaints. I should check out their award winning pizza, but I opted for the Lamb instead.
It was the 1st time that I talk with any of these guys. I worked in the building for 4 years now, and maybe because many guys are on shift it is very difficult to see everybody at once, and when we do see each other we are too busy to stop and chat anyway. A bit of alcohol later for some of the guys, and they start to talk.
It's sometimes quite weird that although we know about each other's existence, we don't know what the hell each other was doing. Swapping "what we do" took up an hour or so, but we naturally take the topic to something else as we are sick of talking about work heh. Naturally with a bunch of guys, the conversation topic always turn to "something gotta do with the toliets"...!
Doing something like this outside of work is interesting. On work grounds we are all quite guarded and we only hang around our own teams, so we'll never get to talk to anyone else. Thats our own fault I guess. With everyone being dad's age, and the nature of their work makes them anti social. When they loosen up and started talking, it's very interesting to listen to them :)
The food at Hugos is ok. Bit pricey but with the views, no complaints. I should check out their award winning pizza, but I opted for the Lamb instead.
Monday, August 03, 2009
Evony, Tap defence, Flash element TD
As everyone knows, thanks to the iphone we have tap defence. As I don't own an Iphone, after having more than a few goes on my brother's iphone I was addicted just like other people out there. So I googled. I found flash game called "Desktop Tap defense" which was nice, but not as nice as Flash element TD (which is probably closest to the iphone version of tap defence).
Flash Element TD is great, but when you finish flash element TD1 in 1 hour you want to see change.
Then, I noticed a banner : EVONY!
I registered not really knowing what I am getting into, as the website didn't give us any screenshots of the game interface.
3 weeks later, I am on it more than 5 times a day.
Until... some dudes decided to continuously plunder my city because they have a bigger army. A bit like hit dice type of DnD games, it's all numbers and stats. The frustrating part of this game is, that it takes AGES to train up any army. I am talking about Days. It's painstakingly slow, and it test the patience of every player. One wrong move and you are gone. You might be able to last a bit longer if you spend money - this is a game that bets on player's impatience. I think you can only get so far not spending.
When you are raided again and again and there is nothing you can do about it - asking for help was inconvenient because, I think I am in a different timezone to my Alliance. You can't self recover as you lose all your resources and it doesn't recover in a day. Maybe the game designers want to make a change there? Have a limit to the number of raids you can do in a week. Having said that, if 100 people raid your city, you are gonners anyway.
While some people are really good, and great micromanagers and they do great, it will take more than this to keep an average newbie like me interested in Evony. But I am impressed at the design on it though, its a great effort - and I would never guess a flash game can do this.
Flash Element TD is great, but when you finish flash element TD1 in 1 hour you want to see change.
Then, I noticed a banner : EVONY!
I registered not really knowing what I am getting into, as the website didn't give us any screenshots of the game interface.
3 weeks later, I am on it more than 5 times a day.
Until... some dudes decided to continuously plunder my city because they have a bigger army. A bit like hit dice type of DnD games, it's all numbers and stats. The frustrating part of this game is, that it takes AGES to train up any army. I am talking about Days. It's painstakingly slow, and it test the patience of every player. One wrong move and you are gone. You might be able to last a bit longer if you spend money - this is a game that bets on player's impatience. I think you can only get so far not spending.
When you are raided again and again and there is nothing you can do about it - asking for help was inconvenient because, I think I am in a different timezone to my Alliance. You can't self recover as you lose all your resources and it doesn't recover in a day. Maybe the game designers want to make a change there? Have a limit to the number of raids you can do in a week. Having said that, if 100 people raid your city, you are gonners anyway.
While some people are really good, and great micromanagers and they do great, it will take more than this to keep an average newbie like me interested in Evony. But I am impressed at the design on it though, its a great effort - and I would never guess a flash game can do this.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Rip-off
It's not me. It's my neighbor and being an old lady, she was always the target of getting ripped off by people especially electricians, plummers and especially, computers.
I really felt sorry for her when she told me that her electrician charged her ahem... 250 dollars to change out 4 halogen lights and 1 transformer. That I can do for 25 bucks! There is no special tools required, so why is it so expensive?
Anyway, when she told me that the computer guy has to charge her 50 bucks to look at her internet problem, but not fixing it, I offered my help. 3 hours later, I found out her modem has a few issues. 2nd time I went over, her modem was also having problems. So I pulled out my contacts and see if my friend has some refurbished stuff that's good enough to use. Luckily for her, it was FREE. I have to say, I was really tempted to charge her something, but that would be immoral for me (since I am on my high horse) so I thanked my friend, and gave her the modem, set it up for her.
10 mins later, she's on. She's on Hellstra ADSL and she wasn't very convincing in telling them that it was a modem fault, and of course, it's 250 dollars.... that's half a computer AND a rippoff.
Now, I hope that this fix her problem permanently. As much as I like computers, spending hours trying to troubleshoot something isn't my ideal way to spend time. But I am happy that I helped her though.
I just hope that people are more reasonable and more honest, if you can't fix a problem, don't charge people so much for it!
I really felt sorry for her when she told me that her electrician charged her ahem... 250 dollars to change out 4 halogen lights and 1 transformer. That I can do for 25 bucks! There is no special tools required, so why is it so expensive?
Anyway, when she told me that the computer guy has to charge her 50 bucks to look at her internet problem, but not fixing it, I offered my help. 3 hours later, I found out her modem has a few issues. 2nd time I went over, her modem was also having problems. So I pulled out my contacts and see if my friend has some refurbished stuff that's good enough to use. Luckily for her, it was FREE. I have to say, I was really tempted to charge her something, but that would be immoral for me (since I am on my high horse) so I thanked my friend, and gave her the modem, set it up for her.
10 mins later, she's on. She's on Hellstra ADSL and she wasn't very convincing in telling them that it was a modem fault, and of course, it's 250 dollars.... that's half a computer AND a rippoff.
Now, I hope that this fix her problem permanently. As much as I like computers, spending hours trying to troubleshoot something isn't my ideal way to spend time. But I am happy that I helped her though.
I just hope that people are more reasonable and more honest, if you can't fix a problem, don't charge people so much for it!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Food Steamer
Bing Lee in the city was closing down and they are currently doing a sale till the 31/7/09. This is the 2nd time I went, the 1st time the salesman wasn't keen on selling. It's closer to closing date, so the prices dropped even lower. I always wanted a steamer to cook/heat food while I spend some time in the gym after work.
When I walked in, I saw this:
with a "REDUCED to $139 from $179.95!!" screaming at me with "BUY ME BUY ME!!!"
So I asked. "For you ma'am, $100." Ok.. I thought, but... the rice bowl was missing. So the salesman offered $85.
Feeling bold I asked "How about $70?" - After checking, I must be pretty close to the cost price and he agreed "you win :) $70 it is."
I walked out feeling pretty proud of myself. I was never a negotiator, but I felt that with stuff missing plus that it's the display model AND they are closing down, I should, and this was a good result! :)
When I walked in, I saw this:
So I asked. "For you ma'am, $100." Ok.. I thought, but... the rice bowl was missing. So the salesman offered $85.
Feeling bold I asked "How about $70?" - After checking, I must be pretty close to the cost price and he agreed "you win :) $70 it is."
I walked out feeling pretty proud of myself. I was never a negotiator, but I felt that with stuff missing plus that it's the display model AND they are closing down, I should, and this was a good result! :)
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