tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8593641101084374682024-02-08T13:51:29.410+13:00blog.azriel.imA recollection of thoughts and memories as they happenazrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425905496505247448noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859364110108437468.post-48559802803115320302018-11-04T21:07:00.001+13:002018-11-05T08:46:22.953+13:00A Social, Social Network<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Segoe UI", Arial, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 16px;">
Software defined human relationships are weak. They are persistent, but because of that, we become complacent and don’t work on the actual interpersonal relationship – the persistance of the software link removes the fear of losing contact.</div>
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Simultaneously, people almost always post on social media for themselves – reactions, upvotes, humble bragging, “I agree”, “I can relate”, or “I want you to hear my opinion / care about what I say”. While not amoral, we should encourage sharing <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">when it counts</em> – true charitable causes with tangible results such as Humans of New York.</div>
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Because of this, I propose a social network that encourages relationships and discourages narcissism through the following<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">1</span>:</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Connections:</strong></div>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">You may have up to 30 <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">connections</em>.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Any connection is automatically archived after 3 months since the last <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">meaningful communication</em> with each connection.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Meaningful communication is defined as:<ul style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">An instant messaging conversation with at least 7 messages within a day.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">A wifi match / bluetooth pairing / NFC <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">bump</em> of your phones with your connections.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">You will be prompted to communicate at 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, and the week before your connection is archived.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">You can revive connections from your connection archive.</li>
</ol>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Wall:</strong></div>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">There will not be any scrolling feed.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">There will be a board that allows a maximum of 20 minutes viewing per day.</li>
</ol>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Replies:</strong></div>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">No <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">reactions</em>. Comment or don’t.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Should they allow it, you may send a message to the other person. For example if you want to help their cause.</li>
</ol>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Ads:</strong></div>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">None.</li>
</ol>
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Perhaps then we’ll actually connect.</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">1</span> numbers can be tweaked</div>
azrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425905496505247448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859364110108437468.post-83641265029524415962018-01-01T14:03:00.000+13:002018-03-17T12:33:20.382+13:00Retrospect 2017<style>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0IYIXiJg0CrCjrj2qvFvKoEwP84hLIEZKHNe5wBXmM_85EYkfw-dHt0L0fKSO4ESlIqVScfMxz0dYGKyoFeInsarQs7d4JGanuvm2H0Lbw0dexe5hIAKHGjKjYQQiLzFSRDMko2fI4tz/s1600/2017_retrospect.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0IYIXiJg0CrCjrj2qvFvKoEwP84hLIEZKHNe5wBXmM_85EYkfw-dHt0L0fKSO4ESlIqVScfMxz0dYGKyoFeInsarQs7d4JGanuvm2H0Lbw0dexe5hIAKHGjKjYQQiLzFSRDMko2fI4tz/s1600/2017_retrospect.png" style="float: left; margin-right: 20px;" /></a><br />
This year my routine was not very different to last year — so the first half of the year was not super exciting, except for perhaps when the next door neighbour’s fence fell over:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOODdFJHNsIARBGLwnnMe2XhO1TiTKFH171mILItS7ICbbFjayu221vITAcPDWNW-g9w8dcJt7GjGCXSOMotBAyE7xVDOpsflY4pncxonBEOqdtDJ9loMe-MGZSOGqG38YMTEd0NW91UvT/s1600/2017_retrospect_fence_1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="989" data-original-width="742" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOODdFJHNsIARBGLwnnMe2XhO1TiTKFH171mILItS7ICbbFjayu221vITAcPDWNW-g9w8dcJt7GjGCXSOMotBAyE7xVDOpsflY4pncxonBEOqdtDJ9loMe-MGZSOGqG38YMTEd0NW91UvT/s320/2017_retrospect_fence_1.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.2) , 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.19); padding: 0px; width: 140px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzN2_ehucRgrBljO0_rUr4iL6YjlbEpJChBQxsNieZ9LiPY3pWicxFBcF2cB1dqqaa09KTtc0Ls86sGBCqVec4FpJjAg4ltRNAr91XXlupLKzdegmHbevZsKXHV8iPbuhjjADafULQrtV/s1600/2017_retrospect_fence_2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="989" data-original-width="742" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzN2_ehucRgrBljO0_rUr4iL6YjlbEpJChBQxsNieZ9LiPY3pWicxFBcF2cB1dqqaa09KTtc0Ls86sGBCqVec4FpJjAg4ltRNAr91XXlupLKzdegmHbevZsKXHV8iPbuhjjADafULQrtV/s320/2017_retrospect_fence_2.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.2) , 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.19); padding: 0px; width: 140px;" /></a><br />
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However, within that routine, I did a few different things, like finally contribute to open source repositories:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXxYDNyRrrVa83LSOyqCyDmLLysiuNAsvQS_pCEuApO4TM1TpXsRMB1NqaF36LYRp70oimNMsNAhF6Kk8D9zmlFOarb0vzUrhpZjQB_d2Flke1axoBcFdySumiReRGJRHRZC_0xXuXt0P/s1600/2017_retrospect_github_contributions.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" class="centred" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXxYDNyRrrVa83LSOyqCyDmLLysiuNAsvQS_pCEuApO4TM1TpXsRMB1NqaF36LYRp70oimNMsNAhF6Kk8D9zmlFOarb0vzUrhpZjQB_d2Flke1axoBcFdySumiReRGJRHRZC_0xXuXt0P/s320/2017_retrospect_github_contributions.png" style="border: 0px; box-shadow: 0 4px 8px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.2) , 0 6px 20px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.19); padding: 0px;" /></a><br />
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In the second half of the year, I was given a rare opportunity — a business trip to Europe with expenses covered by my workplace, Orion Health. Out of habit, I did a quick analysis of the pros/cons of whether I should take it, or not.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs2UZHF0FRA3mo5Y7vTAS5oEIlH4Sc8Mu80ElKzBBgZdQLSJINJUGw8rjrN5hvIc3YXUYapJzsDQU2x2o2x0a6bbJyuV5O96CFb9oenK0hIhTARNtg05jpEXah60H8nJyzGKZt-sU28Lj8/s1600/2017_retrospect_travel_pros_cons.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs2UZHF0FRA3mo5Y7vTAS5oEIlH4Sc8Mu80ElKzBBgZdQLSJINJUGw8rjrN5hvIc3YXUYapJzsDQU2x2o2x0a6bbJyuV5O96CFb9oenK0hIhTARNtg05jpEXah60H8nJyzGKZt-sU28Lj8/s320/2017_retrospect_travel_pros_cons.png" style="display: block; margin: auto; width: 280px;" /></a><br />
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In the end I went, and learnt to <a href="http://blog.azriel.im/2017/07/tea-brewing-level-software-engineer.html" target="_blank">make tea</a> and <a href="http://blog.azriel.im/2017/09/photography-level-pedant.html" target="_blank">take photos</a>. In comparison with <a href="http://blog.azriel.im/2016/12/retrospect-2016-end-well.html" target="_blank">last year</a>, this trip did alter my routine to allocate more time for chores, and introduced <i>Spanish</i> and <i>Exploration</i> as new activities.<br />
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And it was good.azrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425905496505247448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859364110108437468.post-71618819701345892722017-09-17T08:48:00.000+12:002017-09-17T09:20:44.209+12:00Photography Level: Pedant<blockquote style="border-left: 4px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); box-sizing: border-box; color: #777777; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px 15px;">
<div style="box-sizing: border-box;">
None of the photos in this blog post have been doctored, they are all straight from my semi-potato phone — Samsung Galaxy S5.</div>
</blockquote>
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Except for the previous post, I tend to be quite pedantic about the photos that I take. Here are the rules I try to follow when taking a photo:</div>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
The entirety of the object / area of focus should be in the frame.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvJjnRg57jZX_w5Go4CujM-v-uUeAKg4J0QnBi4TzVElJxPLScnUOfKKwMfjgQ70BtF74hiG4LrwhBYQx4ByyNCM7EWURmm8GK4LimD891wHnlfkE1MiTipqpvV83OgdfjP1ZCiC01Bj3/s1600/20170907103629101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvJjnRg57jZX_w5Go4CujM-v-uUeAKg4J0QnBi4TzVElJxPLScnUOfKKwMfjgQ70BtF74hiG4LrwhBYQx4ByyNCM7EWURmm8GK4LimD891wHnlfkE1MiTipqpvV83OgdfjP1ZCiC01Bj3/s200/20170907103629101.jpg" width="112" /></a></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
Make sure the shot contains the entirety of the object you are trying to take — it shouldn't have part of the object cut off around the edges. If it's a closer shot of an object, it's okay to have only the targeted area in the frame, but it still musn't cut off the object in an imbalanced manner.</div>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
Take an intentionally straight photo, or an intentionally slanted one; don't take a crooked / imbalanced photo.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXl6tBQTeSngufq7PhVGlcKUw4PJoNBQIH0puCcVUWp2r-5fQq3mq_ivEYq_9BoRtJKO7Xz9OEIayATRKr4DCQNvIesy9YbAtE2h8F9daIKglVPzVEIhvW-U1mRlvaeUPk8odwD0Vkewb/s1600/20170827100131140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXl6tBQTeSngufq7PhVGlcKUw4PJoNBQIH0puCcVUWp2r-5fQq3mq_ivEYq_9BoRtJKO7Xz9OEIayATRKr4DCQNvIesy9YbAtE2h8F9daIKglVPzVEIhvW-U1mRlvaeUPk8odwD0Vkewb/s200/20170827100131140.jpg" width="112" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIRNQZFQPZX08ZknMpc_vTZc_X4s51WMZ7y9jl2PHA6w9cP2sM7LkXcVm1gEJQlRC7bLilSyOMfzia8KrsOixd_T4nQHWKgXKas43L6PKLsDRStWs6IIlBd3F-j52srwFyrsFX7waWnoh/s1600/20170827100145745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIRNQZFQPZX08ZknMpc_vTZc_X4s51WMZ7y9jl2PHA6w9cP2sM7LkXcVm1gEJQlRC7bLilSyOMfzia8KrsOixd_T4nQHWKgXKas43L6PKLsDRStWs6IIlBd3F-j52srwFyrsFX7waWnoh/s200/20170827100145745.jpg" width="112" /></a></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
The photograph on the left was hurriedly taken, and you can see it already violates the first rule. On the right, the photograph is much straighter. Below is another example:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKaD6gnr5ha2HbBxwuUcuEOZXeQtgV8x9jWutHnJiERhdsikUZ5ltUSV3rzJyaastui5c7VQijIHgpVoiCjWoHDAeXSESVabtOSGTc4VWvKJpLjX_fdmmHmBPBnfHwYzlQW-a1rqjZEkx3/s1600/20170812071608604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKaD6gnr5ha2HbBxwuUcuEOZXeQtgV8x9jWutHnJiERhdsikUZ5ltUSV3rzJyaastui5c7VQijIHgpVoiCjWoHDAeXSESVabtOSGTc4VWvKJpLjX_fdmmHmBPBnfHwYzlQW-a1rqjZEkx3/s200/20170812071608604.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWamCGxqAYGFX6BIxdcYFN1X37jL3_W7xN6DVi6gVV0TKmFJ3XuZ0cHAlqRYwRGXZs491mWbwadPNi315G5_tHE1HHuDu7ZbNkMqIrCfnMI8e5NeiRd3WKHEzaarrTPDh1h2d9PShNqT8r/s1600/20170916121741074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWamCGxqAYGFX6BIxdcYFN1X37jL3_W7xN6DVi6gVV0TKmFJ3XuZ0cHAlqRYwRGXZs491mWbwadPNi315G5_tHE1HHuDu7ZbNkMqIrCfnMI8e5NeiRd3WKHEzaarrTPDh1h2d9PShNqT8r/s200/20170916121741074.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
The left photograph is <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">ever so slightly</em> imbalanced with a bit more of the left pillar in the photograph. The one on the right is intentionally slanted for the cathedral to fit in the photo.</div>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
Don't have parts of unimportant objects in the photo frame</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdpDy8iO4_WWf6-XBjHZrWnO9LPok2HISrXFAYK9LsKn8nD01qw07GgMbo7E1VvEu6VCHREXvNLfPJUtarv88biEC-XJXbEN7_UQj8f1jnCsvCHx_CXa8097H183F-VrJ2nnmqbYmpbZk/s1600/20170729143006728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdpDy8iO4_WWf6-XBjHZrWnO9LPok2HISrXFAYK9LsKn8nD01qw07GgMbo7E1VvEu6VCHREXvNLfPJUtarv88biEC-XJXbEN7_UQj8f1jnCsvCHx_CXa8097H183F-VrJ2nnmqbYmpbZk/s200/20170729143006728.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
This was taken in an exhibition. On the bottom right you can see there's a bit of a bucket, which prevents what would otherwise have been a clean shot.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTM6y5_PPiXApwyZnZ_HczkXotVKm-Cf9h2nXtBuGhCL4fTr4rJZ9_RKGixFog49ek8j1XJGovhQIN-dzum7KTBSSBTh12GKbQTAblk8paXaqPtwb8HsBgjBuTxc-tl7UbbHSd0W_WoLRu/s1600/20170907195125116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTM6y5_PPiXApwyZnZ_HczkXotVKm-Cf9h2nXtBuGhCL4fTr4rJZ9_RKGixFog49ek8j1XJGovhQIN-dzum7KTBSSBTh12GKbQTAblk8paXaqPtwb8HsBgjBuTxc-tl7UbbHSd0W_WoLRu/s200/20170907195125116.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
This is one of the hardest things to control when there's people around — they appear in the shot, usually around the bottom or side edges.</div>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
Have even padding around the sides of the object</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkC174DEq58uyua-c-8npmdVC7uFbGDHnUaoXFrTgIdrawaf_yV6VUE9CKtaKjivOQTdDBOzpjol9gpue9Hk69YfXRdoc_jzY9ODLiIyp74DWEUOwL_KQV5D3HfaLEyIyZexzzfUK1tcX/s1600/20170902183542454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkC174DEq58uyua-c-8npmdVC7uFbGDHnUaoXFrTgIdrawaf_yV6VUE9CKtaKjivOQTdDBOzpjol9gpue9Hk69YfXRdoc_jzY9ODLiIyp74DWEUOwL_KQV5D3HfaLEyIyZexzzfUK1tcX/s200/20170902183542454.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkG_p7mM7q_klxAjkwqu7yj4L8wYf4v_njxIAOmOvt6saoCHmxwSVGOF-IqeaRhPM3X_QekWZWuMbpIPxbIFeqB0nqTjoaycU_5PuLG39E99QteD_A80I8kC-fj0Y_U8nDji0UOZQZI5sn/s1600/20170902183120658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkG_p7mM7q_klxAjkwqu7yj4L8wYf4v_njxIAOmOvt6saoCHmxwSVGOF-IqeaRhPM3X_QekWZWuMbpIPxbIFeqB0nqTjoaycU_5PuLG39E99QteD_A80I8kC-fj0Y_U8nDji0UOZQZI5sn/s320/20170902183120658.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
In the left photograph, the bottom right of the notebook is quite close to the edge of the frame compared to the left, and is actually slightly cut off. The photograph on the right is balanced with enough blank space on each side</div>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
Don't include unnecessary shadow.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
This is especially hard when taking close up shots with a light source you can't move, and usually the angle of the shot changes. The photographs in the previous rule are more forward facing rather than top-down, to avoid the shadow of my hand / my phone.</div>
</li>
</ol>
<h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-size: 1.2em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0.3em;">
<a aria-hidden="true" class="anchor" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=859364110108437468#autophography" id="user-content-autophography" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #4078c0; display: inline-block; padding-right: 2px; text-decoration-line: none;"><span aria-hidden="true" class="octicon octicon-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; display: inline-block; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1; vertical-align: middle; visibility: hidden;"></span></a>Autophotography</h2>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 16px;">
I really dislike selfie shots (is that officially a word now?), because to me it promotes narcissism<sup style="box-sizing: border-box;">1</sup>. However I don't mind photos with oneself in it, as a keepsake. Part of me wonders, where did it go — the time where we wouldn't hesitate to ask a stranger to help us take a photograph.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 16px;">
Anyway, I've been going places and sometimes I do want to take photographs with myself in them. Here's my take on how to do that:</div>
<ol style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
Find the frame.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
This is pretty much use your eyes to find a spot that matches all the previous rules. You can also just take your camera and aim it somewhere to see what you will be taking. Also, make sure to check with your camera in the position that you will be setting it — don't hold up your camera when aiming, put it as close to wherever it's going to be sitting when it takes the photograph.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Tip:</strong> If you can see part of an object in the direction you want to take the photograph, then your camera can probably see it.</div>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
Make sure it's safe to leave your phone / camera unattended.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
I tend to go places that are deserted, or I go places early in the morning, so "safe" for me means no one's around. If you're going to a place where people pass by frequently, you probably are better off asking someone to a photograph for you, or don't travel alone. Note that strangers probably won't adhere to the pedantry above.</div>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
Ready, steady, go!</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
Given you've set your phone / camera in timer, then tap it to focus on the spot, start the clock, then run! Just remember that to get a <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">good</em> shot you may have to do this multiple times, especially if the photograph should be taken mid-action, like a jump shot.</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 16px;">
Here are some shots I'm quite happy with:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9B0_XohNWsJkgE9yYAsyXq1DUFJW7YT3hO9GY2bSEbClu4kj6aTDuhcUrddoD_I4ViwOk09EKh8vP7d31x-SgUouPCaHlDc1l1-6ZCVDb_Yaw1BuuBv3etKR0lzTWle5qztlvco_aZ3_k/s1600/20170910134201258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9B0_XohNWsJkgE9yYAsyXq1DUFJW7YT3hO9GY2bSEbClu4kj6aTDuhcUrddoD_I4ViwOk09EKh8vP7d31x-SgUouPCaHlDc1l1-6ZCVDb_Yaw1BuuBv3etKR0lzTWle5qztlvco_aZ3_k/s200/20170910134201258.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1yNmpI6CT1BYbWcn_uKlVlI3gFDAhTgj7l2Qb450T1CMzAyxRcib3zhlzYQd4sO19oFLBe1AHs2_6loZgeV1XVAJIX6PJ11RNnB6-HHtBBgN1_aPO-u1rvh97h8eZOc6B8x9jwvOBC5s/s1600/20170914072622788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1yNmpI6CT1BYbWcn_uKlVlI3gFDAhTgj7l2Qb450T1CMzAyxRcib3zhlzYQd4sO19oFLBe1AHs2_6loZgeV1XVAJIX6PJ11RNnB6-HHtBBgN1_aPO-u1rvh97h8eZOc6B8x9jwvOBC5s/s200/20170914072622788.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjui7qhoeeiaQ8edPxvy72xVxiZ9IuTSL3Tn2l0Y7AyEBvacuBjzefMhruy9OHs_3pDk7fz09dvqpp9BVemc7nSIA3nuLwkGfaZ5ciZwwQ7jBDxytv-czh6M4B7XeDC0PPz7HwlRzTco-lr/s1600/20170916081148427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjui7qhoeeiaQ8edPxvy72xVxiZ9IuTSL3Tn2l0Y7AyEBvacuBjzefMhruy9OHs_3pDk7fz09dvqpp9BVemc7nSIA3nuLwkGfaZ5ciZwwQ7jBDxytv-czh6M4B7XeDC0PPz7HwlRzTco-lr/s320/20170916081148427.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<sup style="box-sizing: border-box;">1</sup> I find this to be a trap for myself to embrace pride; perhaps that's why I'm so against it</div>
<hr style="background: rgb(231, 231, 231); border: 0px none; box-sizing: content-box; color: #333333; height: 4px; margin: 16px 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px;" />
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 16px;">
So, if you ask me to take a photo, I shall try to make it good; but if I ask you to take a picture, you now know how to please me <g-emoji alias="blush" fallback-src="https://assets-cdn.github.com/images/icons/emoji/unicode/1f60a.png" ios-version="6.0" style="box-sizing: border-box;">😊</g-emoji></div>
azrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425905496505247448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859364110108437468.post-18211522871060904502017-07-29T08:56:00.001+12:002017-07-29T09:06:08.206+12:00Tea Brewing Level: Software Engineer<b>Problem:</b><br />
Poorly designed electric jug. Cannot make tea.<br />
<br />
<b>Description:</b><br />
Electric jug base wire is too short to be practically useful.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1UD_soYL_OaH3ObaEkmkwFpHz5e1YKGo_S4yFAXSwiaFGExbxnQTwTKTQ4cTCC7tjHdAn8OiQZcnme_ypvvd5UBfbEPgCxVlJwN5o6eW-Yv0g7cIZhgeSqNXkmjDiCnvpX3uOEJKoMFC/s1600/20170727072033170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1UD_soYL_OaH3ObaEkmkwFpHz5e1YKGo_S4yFAXSwiaFGExbxnQTwTKTQ4cTCC7tjHdAn8OiQZcnme_ypvvd5UBfbEPgCxVlJwN5o6eW-Yv0g7cIZhgeSqNXkmjDiCnvpX3uOEJKoMFC/s400/20170727072033170.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Short-term fix, aka the band-aid:</b><br />
Use the closest object available that raises the electric jug base to the level of the socket.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_4AsDxvTFhZeaKi9uuvzEEd2qCGxKyQDJyadU0gYGSV9aRTeCofRC3GFA2f3ho9w652PCoXt7d9YqKDTLZK-H_Ywp5MImmDuKIk-nbs2JWc11x38vY3fFy-PnYsuBbzrZEu96Y0d-tAx/s1600/20170727072144501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_4AsDxvTFhZeaKi9uuvzEEd2qCGxKyQDJyadU0gYGSV9aRTeCofRC3GFA2f3ho9w652PCoXt7d9YqKDTLZK-H_Ywp5MImmDuKIk-nbs2JWc11x38vY3fFy-PnYsuBbzrZEu96Y0d-tAx/s400/20170727072144501.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Issue with fix:</b><br />
This is the tea box. It is annoying to have to remove the electric jug and base each time you want to get another packet of tea. Annoying = Bad.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVvso_vdwithFCj6kswjKU02YR0lOdN3yvCy-vySGXJ3zchRofRZ59GNhpKkXua2UIVRh_DAF3sZb-2Kqb35MvTW1uNNAasqzwNwyH7dQjCKoI9o0S_vKjxiHSeOFhyAflL4Bn73Mzspk/s1600/20170727073322588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVvso_vdwithFCj6kswjKU02YR0lOdN3yvCy-vySGXJ3zchRofRZ59GNhpKkXua2UIVRh_DAF3sZb-2Kqb35MvTW1uNNAasqzwNwyH7dQjCKoI9o0S_vKjxiHSeOFhyAflL4Bn73Mzspk/s400/20170727073322588.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Long-term fix:</b><br />
Need to get the electric jug base to be flat on the table. Objects available:<br />
<ul>
<li>1x AUS/NZ to UK adaptor</li>
<li>1x Universal to universal adaptor</li>
<li>1x AUS/NZ multiplug (longer cable)</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnk48-Q9YiujzBQNJXWKa4lzubqDMVkAYJJDhZ2kDmGAlHBa2X5j3sc655_gBdBz4ZAfsLwp6Muy0XuSlwFCQAIlEC0_n-jtAgIQ5lZPQGPv8ZRKdXRRS_32bPFoSdmXAyC9PnDlxGFLs5/s1600/20170727072553313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnk48-Q9YiujzBQNJXWKa4lzubqDMVkAYJJDhZ2kDmGAlHBa2X5j3sc655_gBdBz4ZAfsLwp6Muy0XuSlwFCQAIlEC0_n-jtAgIQ5lZPQGPv8ZRKdXRRS_32bPFoSdmXAyC9PnDlxGFLs5/s400/20170727072553313.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Design and determine interaction between components:<br />
<ol>
<li>UK Socket</li>
<li>AUS/NZ to UK adaptor</li>
<li>AUS/NZ multiplug</li>
<li>Universal to universal adaptor, configured as UK to AUS/NZ adaptor</li>
<li>Electric jug base plug (UK)</li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcb4jlWjA3ekZhRrZLORF-4HylGv1V8rZTXOdfcVzHYFZEk_TJZ6EyKqFPeKgFkrTvbQnSZn8fc0rktUPdI1dBoBHp-Byqw9NW8I88bJHxqN85Flhyphenhyphennt_id1VReuNwL6YVwulF-dnW-Wi/s1600/20170728205326172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcb4jlWjA3ekZhRrZLORF-4HylGv1V8rZTXOdfcVzHYFZEk_TJZ6EyKqFPeKgFkrTvbQnSZn8fc0rktUPdI1dBoBHp-Byqw9NW8I88bJHxqN85Flhyphenhyphennt_id1VReuNwL6YVwulF-dnW-Wi/s400/20170728205326172.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Conclusion:</b><br />
Enjoy tea.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaSnv2B6_G_kRMckrrWy8QUinE812HWITZpuP_YxkG8inrCKsaux1AmWSxMUW32PUdNdpG3TauFKm7wwOYTAySJN5OW9NXbkvDPRWUJ-6e8Xa1gTLrL9lQafzMXb6BxOk9tzUVR3VTtlY/s1600/20170728214605687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaSnv2B6_G_kRMckrrWy8QUinE812HWITZpuP_YxkG8inrCKsaux1AmWSxMUW32PUdNdpG3TauFKm7wwOYTAySJN5OW9NXbkvDPRWUJ-6e8Xa1gTLrL9lQafzMXb6BxOk9tzUVR3VTtlY/s400/20170728214605687.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Enjoy more tea.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6re_mhRfuKuJ6m_CuxsFq8lHCZOg4a8V2K06LW8K2iTlr4yVM4VyVi95jkVXTtOtI0ZD4pkcX8JjiTv-w69UjFXeXtLe3yC3Pv_zjb3ke6ZknCd5Hs5zob_C3d1UzQSJCA4tmDijdQcW/s1600/20170728214726568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6re_mhRfuKuJ6m_CuxsFq8lHCZOg4a8V2K06LW8K2iTlr4yVM4VyVi95jkVXTtOtI0ZD4pkcX8JjiTv-w69UjFXeXtLe3yC3Pv_zjb3ke6ZknCd5Hs5zob_C3d1UzQSJCA4tmDijdQcW/s400/20170728214726568.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
MOAAAR!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySwIxUfTsBfCaeybE6HlWFtbrBUJDZboDfFW9L_G5Mu309AC7Veqr4PZXxFvU6c0O7iTJ2ky_h4Y4kPq7mt6bPMInDBgmRwMZzbNza78m92v-M1z1mS0zGW8ABZInzZ4A9Sr05xL5MOFc/s1600/20170728214809782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySwIxUfTsBfCaeybE6HlWFtbrBUJDZboDfFW9L_G5Mu309AC7Veqr4PZXxFvU6c0O7iTJ2ky_h4Y4kPq7mt6bPMInDBgmRwMZzbNza78m92v-M1z1mS0zGW8ABZInzZ4A9Sr05xL5MOFc/s400/20170728214809782.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Flip over electric jug base.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTr-fooGYB98KV6h5TpRb4Lc7ay8D15tLwwEwAjWywnGY2V-klXv2knxUHNY8hM9BmUxpA_GzGZe9VqhxdhadJM5XbnuGxlz6i01rA9P-3I-H042Sr99SOyp0TqGM4sw43dIrcFyTwUS9/s1600/20170727073107252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTr-fooGYB98KV6h5TpRb4Lc7ay8D15tLwwEwAjWywnGY2V-klXv2knxUHNY8hM9BmUxpA_GzGZe9VqhxdhadJM5XbnuGxlz6i01rA9P-3I-H042Sr99SOyp0TqGM4sw43dIrcFyTwUS9/s400/20170727073107252.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Extend cable.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFr8ZZO0-rWlXCEnJxIdPVm56Rk6IP33Kmj95q-CKkx2hBOjm8mk49mrJWUH7dXPlxsdE4xzbjwu9HBZTpiKviKPHVYyCzmTqfGlGjsXeeWAfU5J5UT7VVKr4XMeEHCUzmLD6cT4loUAfS/s1600/20170727073157803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFr8ZZO0-rWlXCEnJxIdPVm56Rk6IP33Kmj95q-CKkx2hBOjm8mk49mrJWUH7dXPlxsdE4xzbjwu9HBZTpiKviKPHVYyCzmTqfGlGjsXeeWAfU5J5UT7VVKr4XMeEHCUzmLD6cT4loUAfS/s400/20170727073157803.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Throw away implementation.<br />
<br />
Restart.<br />
<div>
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azrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425905496505247448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859364110108437468.post-66077265160645529642016-12-31T16:20:00.002+13:002018-03-17T12:34:41.670+13:00Retrospect 2016 - End Well<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0N5WGhuC-3FTWneHTwEkR7n4XrwRkuT4GxAqUCEJx8YA75cbWpN14f-BZCT_688qwpuDd02zfcdQfExp9wRAms8pepwSTIAL2wu2ygk_KrA-nTl0iPxayA9cfwgpIakMi0aPi0JT9b-a/s1600/2016_jiffy_time.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0N5WGhuC-3FTWneHTwEkR7n4XrwRkuT4GxAqUCEJx8YA75cbWpN14f-BZCT_688qwpuDd02zfcdQfExp9wRAms8pepwSTIAL2wu2ygk_KrA-nTl0iPxayA9cfwgpIakMi0aPi0JT9b-a/s1600/2016_jiffy_time.png" /></a></div>
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It is good to start well, but it is even better to end well.</div>
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Following on from last year, under some sort of master plan to end well, I made a list of what I should prioritize:</div>
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<ol style="list-style-position: inside;">
<li>Be a better christian</li>
<li>Make a game</li>
<li>Play the piano</li>
<li>Stay fit</li>
<li>Draw</li>
<li>Speak Japanese / Play Japanese songs</li>
</ol>
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In actuality, I put more effort into items 2 through 6 than into being a better christian. It's quite a pitiful effort if I can only scrape together half a day in a year to spend with the maker of time. Some consolation is that I make coffee at church once a month, and can sometimes draw some latte art.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNkFvEVVoH_Xsdd0FdPPrzaqbddKVFrXGWMkwE-DiPuYqVgwL7a3TTNsv44W9GyFUmGuM7keNmhqcHgiTfIaSb5sUCkBHgNsykQ4uQ3ARGm-laZibOGSdJ9M5aEbxUBTykdqD2WSk8pzX6/s1600/20161228_latte_art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline-block;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNkFvEVVoH_Xsdd0FdPPrzaqbddKVFrXGWMkwE-DiPuYqVgwL7a3TTNsv44W9GyFUmGuM7keNmhqcHgiTfIaSb5sUCkBHgNsykQ4uQ3ARGm-laZibOGSdJ9M5aEbxUBTykdqD2WSk8pzX6/s200/20161228_latte_art.jpg" style="display: inline-block;" width="250" /></a></div>
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In making a game, I started again (again, again, again). Yeap, found the 99th way that doesn't work. After going through C++ dependency management using maven, biicode, and conan, I settled on Rust. I managed to make a program that can talk to different endpoints:</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='250' height='180' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzVw8SXRb1X15NuMAFcHGrF5PBl1nV_65kLRTMkH_BD5xngEbBN5YQVIJ4jX-FIUgnfj2DrLGLmJaQU1I6V3w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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For piano, I've been practicing Five for Fighting's 100 Years, and Tenth Avenue North's By Your Side and Fighting For You. Perhaps one day I can use this for priority one.</div>
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In fitness, I joined work's Ultimate Frisbee team. It was the first time I played in a team sport, and it is far more exciting than long distance running. Still, a good run and workout feels good, and I keep that up at least once a week.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ARjIp2BBaeR0MUaBwT2eQQkj0yWYc85URUWDWGrZ18YD7-5AFtR2OrOXBu7zFF90gtGMA6wMftwwl6LUSCISNY8aN-8Ql8azQyW2fW0Vw-_r5aNgtuk7SXoycG9K5Hpmdsm09w5QSKwK/s1600/20161231_ultimate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline-block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ARjIp2BBaeR0MUaBwT2eQQkj0yWYc85URUWDWGrZ18YD7-5AFtR2OrOXBu7zFF90gtGMA6wMftwwl6LUSCISNY8aN-8Ql8azQyW2fW0Vw-_r5aNgtuk7SXoycG9K5Hpmdsm09w5QSKwK/s200/20161231_ultimate.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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On paper, there's always a chance to make someone's day better. Check out this year's cards at <a href="http://cards.azriel.im/search?updated-min=2016-01-01T00:00:00%2B13:00&updated-max=2017-01-01T00:00:00%2B13:00&max-results=34">cards.azriel.im</a>:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZz186ImAoPTtQ1v9W7ZHNq89H90q8PX-q9xOqaqHEJPc_Fn6y6PQIfXAq7zXT6ETNQYzgz7CCNmWtmrsQSoGlLuJcJnzI1pCGSdx6Z-DfFX2C67qQTRMAzNLhDFXqyJnvMJivUIgV4fl/s1600/20161228+shantanu+ambigram+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline-block;"><img border="0" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZz186ImAoPTtQ1v9W7ZHNq89H90q8PX-q9xOqaqHEJPc_Fn6y6PQIfXAq7zXT6ETNQYzgz7CCNmWtmrsQSoGlLuJcJnzI1pCGSdx6Z-DfFX2C67qQTRMAzNLhDFXqyJnvMJivUIgV4fl/s320/20161228+shantanu+ambigram+2.jpg" style="display: inline-block;" width="250" /></a></div>
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Japanese is still a desire at arm's distance. I did spend a steady amount of time on it during work lunches in the earlier half of the year, but somehow didn't manage to keep it up. Maybe later. We'll see.</div>
azrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425905496505247448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859364110108437468.post-87053877787746874132016-06-12T21:42:00.000+12:002016-06-12T21:42:18.139+12:00Ambigram Tutorial<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Segoe UI", Arial, freesans, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.6px; margin-bottom: 16px;">
Someone asked how I make ambigrams, so here are the steps I use to draw them:</div>
<ol style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Segoe UI", Arial, freesans, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.6px; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
Pick a person's name, and write it down.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpd_5RCXf45QoyFfo_kgd1gH5nGe8szVEdmYa10B83NwVSBphniu1Twh2xF1iub7WtRnUAEnxU7c49a44omf67aAE9lOTnrv2-9DGX3emcPksv0MBrORFh3juL_VAOZzn3zMqigcHY50ZY/s1600/20160612201939162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpd_5RCXf45QoyFfo_kgd1gH5nGe8szVEdmYa10B83NwVSBphniu1Twh2xF1iub7WtRnUAEnxU7c49a44omf67aAE9lOTnrv2-9DGX3emcPksv0MBrORFh3juL_VAOZzn3zMqigcHY50ZY/s200/20160612201939162.jpg" width="111" /></a></div>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
Come up with the skeleton or "wire-frame" of the ambigram.</div>
<ol style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: lower-roman; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
First, write the name below itself to find the corresponding rotated letter. You can also use uppercase instead of lowercase as it may be a more suitable fit for the skeleton:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichuP-jcRfRl5EBxCwAGRc5V7IQc58-JrXHSquWyq-8WMObDJMv16CNZYSZ1wAKWXxyG3C3hYRnmNR839ix4dyGPYkwcE8G__iwAMV6fi0F_mEexoTP_U0PS5HKqQJfD_MDsrvb4EZBUs_/s1600/20160612202058865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichuP-jcRfRl5EBxCwAGRc5V7IQc58-JrXHSquWyq-8WMObDJMv16CNZYSZ1wAKWXxyG3C3hYRnmNR839ix4dyGPYkwcE8G__iwAMV6fi0F_mEexoTP_U0PS5HKqQJfD_MDsrvb4EZBUs_/s200/20160612202058865.jpg" width="112" /></a></div>
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</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
Next, write the name, rotate the page, and write the name over itself, trying to find strokes or lines that match up with each other. This can be quite difficult, as not all letters are balanced. For example, "i" is written within one vertical line, whereas "m" has 3 vertical lines.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VFfjCPTUE_pmv4XFf3mrYWTItKUi2LTSlilnk1RG7J-DJbLswiQfnCDfifUH0Va8CH1znWZ9mfhPdiRASaO9Y3rneJSHeijV2I21vuynLSLObntW1TXed7qX_EpqsjlDx9Hb39ARgcy1/s1600/20160612202749394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VFfjCPTUE_pmv4XFf3mrYWTItKUi2LTSlilnk1RG7J-DJbLswiQfnCDfifUH0Va8CH1znWZ9mfhPdiRASaO9Y3rneJSHeijV2I21vuynLSLObntW1TXed7qX_EpqsjlDx9Hb39ARgcy1/s200/20160612202749394.jpg" width="112" /></a></div>
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</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
Then, try and write the first half of the name. For each letter or stroke, you have to try and make it rotationally symmetric with the corresponding end letter.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
If the name has an odd number of letters, include the middle one.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxuyY0GWXDv-wgq2A2sDcQUuhnc4WbZVIw-tcRZYgI3Io4QSw1bikGAZ8h6Y7dkWXO9_f32kqbBq_Mh4yntJ_QCkUx7nj-HU5Iu83h5IhFJ2MztEfqOQm7SWawsnSf-otvB-bWfpB8sMc/s1600/20160612202954489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxuyY0GWXDv-wgq2A2sDcQUuhnc4WbZVIw-tcRZYgI3Io4QSw1bikGAZ8h6Y7dkWXO9_f32kqbBq_Mh4yntJ_QCkUx7nj-HU5Iu83h5IhFJ2MztEfqOQm7SWawsnSf-otvB-bWfpB8sMc/s200/20160612202954489.jpg" width="112" /></a></div>
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<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
You only have to do the first half, because you can rotate the page and get the second half.</div>
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You may want to do this a few times to make it fit the letters better.</div>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
Apply a font onto the skeleton.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
I used <a href="http://www.1001freefonts.com/dark_crystal.font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #4078c0; text-decoration: none;">Dark Crystal</a> and <a href="http://www.fontspace.com/font-emporium/gas-huffer-phat" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #4078c0; text-decoration: none;">Gas Huffer Phat</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCHLo4gclBBHNri0Qw792g7QbtBpZTxng3zQrqvn_LTkoE4kh-h_jluhdYok5ZT7JMEyu59A0OQzkOfhwya0HgVb21wFQbfzEX7MF62EzJegIio1B8WvOAwjEotJ9YlOlYat5XpUG32xf/s1600/20160612203652809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCHLo4gclBBHNri0Qw792g7QbtBpZTxng3zQrqvn_LTkoE4kh-h_jluhdYok5ZT7JMEyu59A0OQzkOfhwya0HgVb21wFQbfzEX7MF62EzJegIio1B8WvOAwjEotJ9YlOlYat5XpUG32xf/s200/20160612203652809.jpg" width="112" /></a></div>
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<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
Just kidding. I just searched for fonts that that looked like what I had drawn.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
But for this step it really is just trial and error in scribbling around, and settling on what looks good. You can google for inspiration from different font styles, or what used to do is open Microsoft Word, type the name in font size 72, and preview it in different fonts.</div>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
Transfer the ambigram to a card.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
This step is where you're actually touching the final product, so you want to do it well.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Start from the middle.</strong> Unless you have a robotic arm (and sometimes not even then), the second half of the ambigram you drew in step 3 most likely doesn't look the same as the first half. So on the final product, start from the middle, and draw outwards towards the left and right, rotating the card constantly to do the same stroke on each side.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
Here is the one I did for Mukti a while back (sorry Justin! not enough time right now to do yours):</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMEnOxWW0yJfJcUemYnbMa6zNDnLE1N3wOYSnhYjQFeP9-VfqoAf-Z3aGm2l8K05jb4sHHci12FM9kjj76LCl3H11mj3vx8zZ3CaCpXazg-1-Dde0vxyvKQX5_4OMBtn7grzqu9XpaljD/s1600/20140925+ambigram+-+mukti+sketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMEnOxWW0yJfJcUemYnbMa6zNDnLE1N3wOYSnhYjQFeP9-VfqoAf-Z3aGm2l8K05jb4sHHci12FM9kjj76LCl3H11mj3vx8zZ3CaCpXazg-1-Dde0vxyvKQX5_4OMBtn7grzqu9XpaljD/s200/20140925+ambigram+-+mukti+sketch.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
Colour and decorate the ambigram.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
Good colouring and decorations can make it easier to read the ambigram. Truth is, most of the ones I make, except for the person it is for, most people still have to guess and ask what the ambigram says. But I think that's okay, as perhaps that is why art is understood in different ways.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
There are two styles I have used for a while:</div>
<ul style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Hollow Outline:</strong> This lets you colour the inside. I tend to go with 3 to 4 shades of a main colour for the ambigram for the gradient effect, plus a highlight colour using glitter or other gem-type objects.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Solid Thin:</strong> The ambigram itself is a solid silver, and around it I'll use one or two shades of a highlight colour.</li>
</ul>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
Those aren't rules, just styles I've been using for a while.</div>
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Here are some ambigrams with the corresponding drafts:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7D_FNjgdwgwY6YZJ_OdIvtZY0LbwBqkvUN7vsZBHXvW_l1VKdZfpeeVnVttGOMu6Zj0rORgv8qoZIcEdJpKR6b8-8I6h37hwxrShsKil7fX-iXq7Hz2AOYS3CgBOG0t0vXYPE19zE4Qgn/s1600/20160612195523873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7D_FNjgdwgwY6YZJ_OdIvtZY0LbwBqkvUN7vsZBHXvW_l1VKdZfpeeVnVttGOMu6Zj0rORgv8qoZIcEdJpKR6b8-8I6h37hwxrShsKil7fX-iXq7Hz2AOYS3CgBOG0t0vXYPE19zE4Qgn/s200/20160612195523873.jpg" width="112" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCtakJJbK6s56Kg-MWUwOeSRFF_BR4UYZCRFjBLtchxn8Q8Enp9DJ0tjcpLfNRQ5f59xVWJgJ_BKx7o7eUzk5H5ueIfOKfPryx9IqFkhL-Z5T04a_hUwKX_kvqm-EwytWW2Tt0EAK-j2s/s1600/20160521+gareth+ambigram+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCtakJJbK6s56Kg-MWUwOeSRFF_BR4UYZCRFjBLtchxn8Q8Enp9DJ0tjcpLfNRQ5f59xVWJgJ_BKx7o7eUzk5H5ueIfOKfPryx9IqFkhL-Z5T04a_hUwKX_kvqm-EwytWW2Tt0EAK-j2s/s200/20160521+gareth+ambigram+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kaVQUW6JWgC53JZMg24XW2KEsiER_ctWIbZ_F1TMD66ecudH0kuHkCUEDd5-2zHmpddor9XcYiAcGwEgG8PySTKbs7mXcB_WQ1ZmAHsZEKDnjbiPo-VeVCgLjVN0mMz-6DjpbIZ-gz54/s1600/20160612195608961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kaVQUW6JWgC53JZMg24XW2KEsiER_ctWIbZ_F1TMD66ecudH0kuHkCUEDd5-2zHmpddor9XcYiAcGwEgG8PySTKbs7mXcB_WQ1ZmAHsZEKDnjbiPo-VeVCgLjVN0mMz-6DjpbIZ-gz54/s200/20160612195608961.jpg" width="112" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5xNAUVd0AgoWdq1CF6F_aSiImafFzEtN6jO14UNyVwWjItvowaJwL5vbfWi6Zmcg38LCVsa4RSIPqoNlVfocROelvktkZRgndGMDo1p0q4xayhm5t3NvAmnsrlmogQcu54h7orNm25PM/s1600/20140925+ambigram+-+mukti+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: 25.6px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5xNAUVd0AgoWdq1CF6F_aSiImafFzEtN6jO14UNyVwWjItvowaJwL5vbfWi6Zmcg38LCVsa4RSIPqoNlVfocROelvktkZRgndGMDo1p0q4xayhm5t3NvAmnsrlmogQcu54h7orNm25PM/s200/20140925+ambigram+-+mukti+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;">
You can find more on my <a href="http://cards.azriel.im/search/label/ambigram" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #4078c0; text-decoration: none;">cards blog</a>.</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Segoe UI", Arial, freesans, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.6px;">
Enjoy</div>
azrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425905496505247448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859364110108437468.post-4255875136540860002016-03-26T16:47:00.003+13:002016-03-26T16:47:38.330+13:00Brain Dump<br />
<div>
Little questionnaire to figure out your priorities</div>
<ol>
<li>If the world ended in the following time_period (see below), what would you do in the next hour?<br /><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;"><i>What do I care about? What is my final legacy?</i></span></li>
<ul>
<li><b>1 Hour:</b></li>
<li><b>7 Days:</b></li>
<li><b>3 Years:</b></li>
<li><b>20 Years:</b></li>
<li><b>100 Years:</b></li>
</ul>
<li>If you had the following amount to spend, and 1 month to live, how would you spend it?<br /><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;"><i>Comfort? First I must survive</i></span></li>
<ul>
<li><b>$100:</b></li>
<li><b>$1,000:</b></li>
<li><b>$10,000:</b></li>
<li><b>$100,000:</b></li>
<li><b>$1,000,000:</b></li>
</ul>
<li>If you could only see / talk to the following number of people for the rest of your life, who would you choose?<br /><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;"><i>My life revolves because of them</i></span><br /><ul>
<li><b>1 Person:</b></li>
<li><b>3 People:</b></li>
<li><b>10 People:</b></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>If you could master the following number of skills, what skills would you pick?<br /><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;"><i>With these abilities, I give or gain from the world</i></span><br /><ul>
<li><b>1 skill:</b></li>
<li><b>3 skills:</b></li>
<li><b>5 skills:</b></li>
<li><b>7 skills:</b></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>If you were to only remember the following number of events, and forget all other memories, which ones would you remember?<br /><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;"><i>I awaken, my mind hazy, and only these events form my identity</i></span><br /><ul>
<li><b>1 memory:</b></li>
<li><b>2 memories:</b></li>
<li><b>3 memories:</b></li>
<li><b>4 memories:</b></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
azrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425905496505247448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859364110108437468.post-57241265176464015272015-12-31T16:36:00.000+13:002016-12-31T08:21:24.697+13:00Retrospect 2015 - Satisfied?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyvrxxwR9U1wcoc2e8pbxUQqCe0jfPu56JggzztqVqFpTeOCk_wjTLd4DtbIKYGZin_PlSwE9DmPk3TyTrbMo8oXNOyE42Dj4Zm9G-lDHSuvnITPXrUlGqDC3bLR3Kgcy-saKm1ocQFaO/s1600/2015_jiffy_time.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyvrxxwR9U1wcoc2e8pbxUQqCe0jfPu56JggzztqVqFpTeOCk_wjTLd4DtbIKYGZin_PlSwE9DmPk3TyTrbMo8oXNOyE42Dj4Zm9G-lDHSuvnITPXrUlGqDC3bLR3Kgcy-saKm1ocQFaO/s1600/2015_jiffy_time.png" /></a></div>
Always question yourself. Did you say you were going to do something? Have you done it?<br />
<br />
Results, not plans, make the difference. So how did you do this year?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://blog.azriel.im/2014/12/retrospect.html" target="_blank">Last year</a> there were two; this is 2015:<br />
<ul>
<li>4 hour marathon finish - <a href="https://secure.tiktok.biz/results/view/aucklandmarathon/2015/03720" target="_blank">98%</a></li>
<li>Maintain card making skills - <a href="http://cards.azriel.im/" target="_blank">90%</a></li>
<li>Piano playing - 70% <span style="color: #999999;">(scroll down)</span></li>
<li>Comfortable in Chinese - 5%</li>
<li>Playable demo of game - 0% <span style="color: #999999;">(okay, around 200 hours of the 320 hours had to be thrown away, but I learnt a lot)</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">All percentages are my own evaluation of the level I aimed for this year.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's somewhat alright. I would prefer to have made that <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>4 hour mark</b></span>, but not reaching it is a good way to keep away from boasting.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Card making</span></b> wasn't a difficult goal - mostly just keep practising so that you don't lose it. I liked the way some of the ambigrams turned out:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9hASNuwXJ6EFAvRusFqZcLqjiTuvB-gPOssKRY96gmTBQmrB5sSBsvjdR_LYervFRdntpxlgui49IYbs3Rn4_yt5HD4Tuqg1gHqCOaNEMjeak-u-H4LJ3EQdw7qDWLQMILqD6-9hkKyb/s1600/20150921+kimberley+ambigram+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline block; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9hASNuwXJ6EFAvRusFqZcLqjiTuvB-gPOssKRY96gmTBQmrB5sSBsvjdR_LYervFRdntpxlgui49IYbs3Rn4_yt5HD4Tuqg1gHqCOaNEMjeak-u-H4LJ3EQdw7qDWLQMILqD6-9hkKyb/s200/20150921+kimberley+ambigram+2.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
<div>
What I enjoyed most was <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">piano playing</span></b>. Not so much the practising - that part's always tedious - but you have to do the part you don't like to get to the part you like.</div>
<div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/100g0ihGdKg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="226" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/100g0ihGdKg?feature=player_embedded" style="display: inline block;" width="272"></iframe><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #e69138;">Chinese</span></b> is still a work in progress. I actually would enjoy Japanese more - I watched quite a bit of anime this year - but Chinese would be more useful at work.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/T3dhrTV1LzE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="226" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T3dhrTV1LzE?feature=player_embedded" style="display: inline block;" width="272"></iframe><br />
<br />
In terms of <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>developing my game</b></span>, the tool I was relying on for dependency management had to be discontinued, and so the time spent learning and converting all the code to use it isn't very useful anymore. However, I learnt a lot, so it's not completely wasted.<br />
<br />
Done with this year? Yes.<br />
<br />
Satisfied? No.<br />
<br />
Ready for next year? Yes.</div>
<div>
</div>
azrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425905496505247448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859364110108437468.post-48886685965642671502015-12-06T20:13:00.000+13:002015-12-08T17:04:42.445+13:00謙卑如果謙卑是不吹噓自己的地位和成就,要是想談論這些主题,行嗎?如果是他人提出的,我們應該如何應對呢?我們應該稱之為正常,低调,還是避免談話?<br />
<br />
人們天生喜歡讚美有成就或善良的人。享受他人的表彰或獎勵行嗎?聖經含有許多相關這些問题的段落。<br />
耶穌没有擺出神的地位誇口,但是他也没否認它。當他確認地位時,他的回答短。路加福音第22回70至71句說:<br />
<blockquote>
他們說:“那麼你是神的兒子嗎?”耶穌說:“你們說了,我是。”<br />
他們說:“我們還需要甚麼見證呢?我們親自聽見他所說的話了。”</blockquote>
關於善意,馬太福音6回1至2句說:<br />
<blockquote>
施捨不可張揚<br />
你們小心,不要在眾人面前行你們的義,讓他們看見;如果這樣,就得不到你們天父的賞賜。因此你施捨的時候,不可到處張揚,好像偽君子在會堂和街上所作得一樣,以博取眾人的稱讚。我實在告訴你們,他們已經得了他們的賞賜。</blockquote>
我們没有義務匿名,但是需要記取所有的榮譽應該給與主。馬太福音5回16句說:<br />
<blockquote>
照樣,你們的光也應當照在人前,讓他們看見你的好行為,又頌讚你們在天上的父。</blockquote>
然而擺出謙卑的行為很難,因為我們渴望獲得他人的榮譽。<br />
<br />azrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425905496505247448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859364110108437468.post-23780552507777360652015-10-09T21:38:00.002+13:002015-10-09T21:41:30.790+13:00Friday Stories and UnroutineMy Fridays start on Thursday - I decide what I'd like to do, and occasionally that means sleeping earlier the night before to get up early and go.<br />
<br />
Today was different. I lost a bag containing my wallet the night before, and hence didn't have my driver's license. Consequently I asked Cindy for a ride to work, which was not much later than my usual time. Going later, I saw a truck that looked like the optimus prime truck:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZj0OH28uZlEh_SG_l-3Kf0Oci7mbuqnsPMqiUxsRR0__4IgIlOatQGcgDAInvVKdQCxAUz8MVRe5yoLbTZb6COUAYCXJ91iee3os5w81HyATYkBCbwreQgmXf6X0WOhM8b2ykUVBQX2gv/s1600/optimus+prime+truck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZj0OH28uZlEh_SG_l-3Kf0Oci7mbuqnsPMqiUxsRR0__4IgIlOatQGcgDAInvVKdQCxAUz8MVRe5yoLbTZb6COUAYCXJ91iee3os5w81HyATYkBCbwreQgmXf6X0WOhM8b2ykUVBQX2gv/s400/optimus+prime+truck.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is googled. I didn't manage to take a photo of the actual unfortunately</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When I reached work, I found that my bag was kept behind the company cafe counter. Thankful that it was safe, and nothing was missing, I retrieved it and went for a run. This time it was shorter, as I started out later and returned earlier than usual. I planned to map Shaun's name, and had set a time as Sherry was coming along. A while later, this was written across the field:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkNTYl0jkr6-6TlXCAGIp2_csjebLx_W2_caWcxXH4ApEPeCJTSXc1p5M0MlilWr7nu5yaog2bTejQ2EAbJ4iIQcL62W5gocPPNDcTFmvxcG8e1ecAAZOPcslo-wwQa0VeE2AK1Z5z9lK/s1600/mapping-shaun.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkNTYl0jkr6-6TlXCAGIp2_csjebLx_W2_caWcxXH4ApEPeCJTSXc1p5M0MlilWr7nu5yaog2bTejQ2EAbJ4iIQcL62W5gocPPNDcTFmvxcG8e1ecAAZOPcslo-wwQa0VeE2AK1Z5z9lK/s400/mapping-shaun.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I felt this time the mapping came out pretty consistent and accurate. Initially I thought the size was good (when choosing how big to map the 'S'), but it was somewhat big enough to make the 'n' go onto the road. At least it was an inner road, rather than a main.<br />
<br />
Time lapse.<br />
<br />
After work, I went to the office toilet. Upon closing the cubicle door, the handle fell off. I couldn't open it from the inside, and when someone tried opening from the outside, that handle fell off as well. Trapped for a moment, I was somewhat amused. Someone went to get some pliers to turn the inner workings of the door, but we managed to get the door open just as they got back.<br />
<br />
I had a few bottles of cider to end the day. Not usually able to do that because I drive most of the time.<br />
<br />
Unroutine is fun, in doses.azrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425905496505247448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859364110108437468.post-56196721523657347112015-08-02T18:00:00.000+12:002015-08-02T18:00:10.219+12:005 centimetres per second5 centimetres per second. If that's the amount you can gain each day, would you take it?<br />
<br />
It's been 31 weeks since the beginning of this year. If you started something new this year, by now you should hopefully have made the leap from total beginner to initiate. If you gave around 3.5 hours a week, you would have around 100 hours experience, which, on a simplified scale is 1% <a href="http://blog.azriel.im/2014/09/on-mastery.html" target="_blank">mastery</a>.<br />
<br />
I'm taking part in the Auckland Marathon again this year, with a target completion time of 4 hours or less. That would be a one-up over last year's time. If you'd like to donate, here's my fundraising page this year: <a href="http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/azrielh/" target="_blank">[fundraiseonline] azrielh</a>.<br />
<br />
I haven't managed 100 hours of piano this year - I have around 71 hours - but I managed to come up with this after about 50 takes orz:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/szmeRsh6u-E/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="320" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/szmeRsh6u-E?feature=player_embedded" width="480"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 0.8em;">(previous progress post: <a href="http://blog.azriel.im/2015/03/checkpoint.html" target="_blank">[blog] checkpoint</a>)</span></div>
<br />
I acknowledge the mistakes; 20 weeks should be enough to make them go away.<br />
<br />
Anyway, just so you know, 5 centimetres per second may not sound like much, but it's a lot over time.<br />
<br />
<br />azrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425905496505247448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859364110108437468.post-50225601717233472072015-07-13T20:20:00.001+12:002015-07-13T20:20:11.790+12:00Opportunities MissedOpportunities missed remain such. Whether it be a missed shot in the game, a might-have-been <a href="http://www.lessthanone.com/" target="_blank">soul mate</a>, a dream job, or an unattained achievement, when it's lost it is gone.<br />
<br />
If you have missed an opportunity, rest and recover, but at some point you should stop dwelling on the past. You don't have to accept it as fair, but you have to switch focus to what you can do to move forward.<br />
<br />
You can do anything, but not everything. Careful use of time lets you do more, but time remains a limited resource. Determination and discipline can create or invite new opportunities. Therefore, whenever you choose, consider the opportunities that each path offers, the ones you can defer, and the ones you will miss. As early as possible, take on the things you will regret not having done.<br />
<br />
Decide quickly, but not in haste. Indecision equates to idleness, and that itself may lose you the opportunity. Learn from not just your own experience, but on the understanding of others.<br />
<br />
When you have chosen, commit. An agile approach is to re-evaluate with new information the goal that you are chasing. This does not mean to keep <a href="http://blog.azriel.im/2015/04/reminder-try-something-new-and-then-stay.html" target="_blank">switching targets</a> and never producing anything useful. It means adapting the way you approach the same goal - assuming you chose an appropriate one.<br />
<br />
Finally, take death as an ending and starting point.<br />
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azrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425905496505247448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859364110108437468.post-60918903084253419332015-05-12T21:41:00.002+12:002015-05-12T21:41:53.964+12:00Eyes on the PrizeUntil the next <a href="http://blog.azriel.im/2014/12/retrospect.html" target="_blank">retrospect</a>:<br />
<ol>
<li>Remember what your <a href="http://blog.azriel.im/2013/06/on-goals.html" target="_blank">goals</a> are.</li>
<li>If you don't have any, <a href="http://blog.azriel.im/2015/04/reminder-try-something-new-and-then-stay.html" target="_blank">find one, and stick with it</a>.</li>
<li>Keep track of <a href="http://blog.azriel.im/2015/03/checkpoint.html" target="_blank">progress</a> to make sure you are <a href="http://blog.azriel.im/2014/09/on-mastery.html" target="_blank">on target</a>.</li>
</ol>
<div>
Eyes on the prize</div>
azrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425905496505247448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859364110108437468.post-61513456975524433542015-04-20T20:55:00.000+12:002015-04-20T20:55:07.245+12:00Reminder: Try Something New, And Then StayOften people say, if you don't like what you are doing, try something new. The contrasting principle is, if you keep switching, you will not likely attain mastery in any particular skill. Neither perspective is wrong on its own; each has its trade-offs. Typically we lean towards one of the two extremes.<br />
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Frequently changing what you practice does not make you a polymath. If you switch skills each time you lose interest in that particular skill, you will never realize your full potential. 10% proficiency in 10 separate skills does not make you 100% competent in any task.<br />
<br />
Sticking with a particular skill can be as costly as frequently changing skills. If you maintain only a limited skillset to a high level of proficiency, then you have limited your capability to a specific field. If that skillset loses its necessity or value, then you are in an unfavourable position.<br />
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For those of us in the former group, the important thing is to learn to stick with a skill. Be it patience, motivation, discipline, or whatever other feasible method that works, stay with a particular skill, and don't switch until you have become competent enough for it to be useful.<br />
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The rest of us should learn to be more flexible, and be prepared to adapt to new ways of completing tasks. If you don't adapt, it will be difficult for you and/or those around you when change is necessary.azrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425905496505247448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859364110108437468.post-65136985717184395082015-03-07T12:15:00.001+13:002015-03-07T12:22:32.257+13:00CheckpointTwo months into 2015. Has anyone been far even as decided to go and look back at their resolutions? How much progress has been made? Are you on track to meet the goals you set out to attain?<br />
<br />
One of my goals is to learn to play the piano well. I started late in November 2014, and have been practising quasi-regularly, averaging around 3 hours each week. This shows is where I'm at:<br />
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<iframe width="465" height="399" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/EzlCwu6jhNU/0.jpg" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/EzlCwu6jhNU?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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This is the result of approximately 33 hours of practice, and it took around 20 takes to record this video - previous takes always had mistakes. Although playing at this level is far below what others believe when they hear anyone say "I can play the piano", it is a phase <i>every</i> piano player had to go through to become <i>good</i>.<br />
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Whenever someone demonstrates amazing skill, there is a tendency for us to feel as though "I wish I could do that". But not many of us try, at least not for long enough.<br />
<br />
The barrier to entry may be that "I don't want to sound stupid", "I don't feel motivated", or whatever else. Perhaps that is why children are in a better state of mind and life to acquire skills. They don't believe they sound stupid when playing scales* for half an hour, multiple times a week. They practice for that long because they are disciplined to do so (typically by their parents). How many twenty-plus-year-olds are willing to begin at that very basic level? Without someone else to discipline (read: enforce) us to practice, how many of us still do?<br />
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Checkpoint.<br />
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* playing scales are the equivalent of singing "do re mi fa so la ti do"<br />
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<span style="color: #999999;">post script: I started by playing scales, and I still play scales as warm-up every time I practice. I don't always feel motivated; that is why discipline is important.</span>azrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425905496505247448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859364110108437468.post-38166613858527992182014-12-28T09:30:00.000+13:002014-12-28T09:32:32.911+13:00RetrospectNew years' resolutions - idealistic plans of potential that often-times do not come to fruition. These are for people who crave attention. Do not be so proud to boast about what has not yet happened. That was my view.<br />
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Plans are good, but follow through with them. Eat healthier. Exercise more. Complain less. Read more. Procrastinate less. Learn a new skill. Catch up with past friends. How many times have these been made, and how many became habits, and eventually character?<br />
<br />
This is my 2014 retrospect:<br />
<ul>
<li>Became more skilled at making <a href="http://cards.azriel.im/search/label/ambigram" target="_blank">cards</a></li>
<li>Completed a <a href="http://runkeeper.com/user/azriel91/activity/463156762" target="_blank">marathon</a></li>
</ul>
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Just two for this year. Hadn't completed anything else to a point which I'd consider significant.</div>
azrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425905496505247448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859364110108437468.post-1298109751243473142014-10-20T15:40:00.000+13:002014-10-21T09:42:47.001+13:00Friendship Levels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Everybody else</b><br />
You are a complete stranger, I will do my best not to get in your way.<br />
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<b>Mostly Stranger</b><br />
This is when I know of you - your name, and potentially some of your traits and skills. I will acknowledge your presence, but will likely still avoid you.<br />
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<b>Simple Friend</b><br />
I have interacted with you enough and I like/respect you. Will say "hi".<br />
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<b>Regular Friend</b><br />
I am comfortable enough around you to speak my mind.<br />
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<b>Good Friend</b><br />
I will go out of my way to help you - you can break my schedule.<br />
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<b>Close Friend</b><br />
I may share secrets with you. You can change my routine.<br />
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<br />
I dislike having a lot of simple/regular friends - I'd like you to be at least a good friend, or not a friend at all - I don't like half efforts, so if you're a simple friend, I'd like us to either keep growing our friendship until it's solid, or we shouldn't have started in the first place.<br />
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To move up in the levels of friendship, typically you'd have to be present in my life in my daily routine - the quickest friendships to build are the ones with the people within proximity; I will not go far out of my way for a stranger to turn them into a friend - there are enough people around me to grow and maintain friendships.azrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425905496505247448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859364110108437468.post-34406762992403074422014-09-04T20:00:00.001+12:002016-12-31T08:39:32.807+13:00On Mastery<span style="color: #999999;">The capability to accomplish a task is ability.</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">The capability to accomplish a task easily is mastery.</span><br />
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When we see a great feat accomplished, we sometimes think, "I'd like to have that level of skill, that wealth of success, or that record of achievements." For the majority, it is but a passing thought. Of those who take action, many stay comfortable with just the basics. A lesser group keep going, and become professionals. Rarer still are the ones who attain mastery.<br />
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What makes this phenomenon happen is usually not the lack of consideration or knowledge for what is needed to improve, but the irregularity of practice. Irregularity can be measured in terms of frequency, effort, duration, technique, and recovery. The following list briefly covers each of these points:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Frequency</b> - How often we practice. Practicing frequently will help us retain familiarity with the skill, and make progress instead of backsliding.</li>
<li><b>Effort</b> - How hard we try. To advance in a skill, we must make the effort to exceed our existing capability.</li>
<li><b>Duration</b> - How long we go for. Each session we practice must be long enough such that we actually increase the proficiency of our skill.</li>
<li><b>Technique</b> - How we execute the task. Our practiced method of execution will be our natural reflex when performing it outside of practice, so make sure this is correct.</li>
<li><b>Recovery</b> - Whether we have an adequate break. Sufficient rest allows we to recover and let what we have learnt sink in, so that we are better prepared for the next session.</li>
</ul>
<br />
How can we achieve mastery? Through perseverance. Perseverance keeps us from inaction, from half-heartedness, from giving up. It keeps us consistent. In the adage, "good things come to those who wait", to wait is not to be idle; it is to continue practicing and improving, and in time, the good that we strive for will come.<br />
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The action we practice will be the habit we form. In order to achieve full mastery of a skill, the action we repetitively practice must be optimal. If someone has already established a successful technique, learn from them. When experimenting with a new technique, evaluate its effectiveness regularly so that it is either refined further or discarded early - conserve energy.<br />
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Attain mastery, it is needed in this world.azrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425905496505247448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859364110108437468.post-77923137650906111392014-07-27T21:21:00.001+12:002014-07-27T21:41:56.082+12:00On Workplace EqualityImagine yourself playing a Real Time Strategy (RTS) game, such as Starcraft. Your mission is to destroy enemy bases. You start off with a main base and 4 drones (or miners). You can either command these 4 drones to "attack" other players' main bases, or you can tell them to retrieve minerals.<br />
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Obviously asking your drones to attack an enemy's base is not very effective - the damage that each drone does is minimal, and can be considered negligible. On the other hand, they can retrieve minerals, which you can use to construct different buildings, and subsequently units that have specialized purposes.<br />
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Of these special purpose units, scouts are designed to expand your map vision, and discover suitable enemy bases to attack. Battle-centric units are designed to deal damage to those bases. Healers are designed to work closely with the battle-centric units by keeping them going. Transport units provide the infrastructure to accomplish operations efficiently.<br />
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In the midst of a game, all units must work together to achieve success. Without a scout to discover the enemy bases or new locations to retrieve minerals, valuable time will be wasted with your units parading the map. Battle units are the (oftentimes) sacrificial units that handle the serious action. Healers keep them going as they encounter resistance when marching into enemy territory. When structures are damaged, only drones have the ability to repair these, making them essential for survival. Transport units carry drones, battle units, and healers to desired locations to expand your base or attack.<br />
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To win, all enemy bases must be destroyed, while holding your own. But do you value all of your units equally? If you lose the function of any one group, can you really be confident you will win?<br />
<br />azrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425905496505247448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859364110108437468.post-59349077405151516692014-07-19T15:30:00.000+12:002014-07-19T15:30:07.278+12:00On WritingWriting. The articulation of words to capture attention and incite imagination. But when is an essay a story? What makes a quotation timeless? Why is a love letter beautiful?<br />
<br />
Empathy. When a person relates to the message. When a reader feels in touch with a persona. When a writer has accurately penned thought and emotion into type and script. How is this accomplished effectively through mere words and phrases?<br />
<br />
Flow. It is important to maintain fluency throughout the article; disjoint sentences and paragraphs will quickly close the mind and hinder understanding. Start with a topic that interests your readers. Lead them through related concepts, each laying down a foundation for the next. Establishing a smooth flow is essential to keeping your readers focused, but there is more than just eloquence that brings a note to life.<br />
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Variety. Exercise a combination of short and long sentences to achieve "sound bites" - phrases that resonate in the reader's mind. Avoid using a term multiple times if possible - this can create distractions and break fluidity of the text. Different terms with synonymous meanings juxtaposed is a pleasure to read.<br />
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Impact. The memorability of a piece of writing can be enhanced through writing techniques. Switch between active and passive voice. Break the rules. Use repetition intentionally for effect. Repeat a word when its definition superceeds the meaning of the full sentence. Repeat a sentence when it makes a crucial point. Never repeat a paragraph.<br />
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Revise. Step back and take in your work with fresh eyes. What is the topic? Does it flow? Is it coherent? Will it be remembered? Can it be improved? How does it end? Ask these questions as you revisit and refine your composition.<br />
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Conclude. Whether it be a cliffhanger, a twist, or a resolution, conclude. Leave your readers with the feeling of satisfaction of a good read, and inspiration to try something new. As always, practice makes perfect.<br />
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azrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425905496505247448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859364110108437468.post-33707085876681835292014-07-13T14:00:00.000+12:002014-07-13T14:00:00.855+12:00On RunningI began my ascent into running in March 2011, in my final year of university. I signed up to the university gym with a friend (Chris) at the beginning of the semester, determined to get fit. On my first go at the treadmills, I remember setting the speed to 7.0, not understanding what it meant. For 20 minutes I kept at that pace, then exited the gym and thought, "that was a good run".<br />
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Three years on, I am a consistent runner. Not a superhuman, but I can run at a decent speed of 12.0 km/h for an hour. The speed at the treadmill, I realize that it meant 7.0 km/h. My walking speed now is around 5.5 km/h. I reflect upon those first steps, and I laugh at the notion that I walk nearly as fast as I used to run. If life is a game, I would comfortably say I've leveled up.<br />
<br />
Apart from keeping fit, my resolve to run is fueled by multiple factors. I enjoy the adrenalin rush I experience while running, and the sense of security and confidence that if running is a required action for survival, I am prepared. In addition, I take pride in being able to say I have run <a href="http://runkeeper.com/user/azriel91/profile" target="_blank">a thousand miles</a>, like the song.<br />
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This year I'm joining the Auckland marathon to extend my limits, and while I'm at it, I'm fundraising for the Heart Foundation. If you like, you can <a href="http://www.heartracer.org.nz/azrielh/" target="_blank">make a donation</a> in support.<br />
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<br />azrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425905496505247448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859364110108437468.post-34605890980564241632014-07-12T17:30:00.000+12:002014-07-12T17:30:07.284+12:00Things Take Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At the beginning, we start out with our bits and pieces. Make sure you don't only plan for the outer shell, if the core function isn't there, it isn't going to be useful, so plan this early as well.</div>
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We need to break down what we want to do, and divide the work up into sizable units.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtj0TillusdcJwYswtMHlcVSmn7I7hSoEfS10uK1bxrBTTkjH-KFirMcwcdMnKiJJq4xa3fFvzA1UKgdzz967tbIvV62To11dv1zbVu1eDWT_iYG07Jy8Yl0r3SqkUw1Fkvubm9hWAyxD/s1600/20140602+2+divided+and+lined.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtj0TillusdcJwYswtMHlcVSmn7I7hSoEfS10uK1bxrBTTkjH-KFirMcwcdMnKiJJq4xa3fFvzA1UKgdzz967tbIvV62To11dv1zbVu1eDWT_iYG07Jy8Yl0r3SqkUw1Fkvubm9hWAyxD/s1600/20140602+2+divided+and+lined.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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Then we have to shape each into its required form.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0GQoEVDMqg4mnc3gl5Bj1sFXP4_8n95pka_hoExcvbYG2zOs4mF54I2xiHiJllopb9jp2-SKbbarwUkvXc69NRuxrZtNXMVxL0cnRzJBqbJ6uwuWJy1rywzIOpTPyInyYQvMYUJ1EPaKL/s1600/20140602+3+cut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0GQoEVDMqg4mnc3gl5Bj1sFXP4_8n95pka_hoExcvbYG2zOs4mF54I2xiHiJllopb9jp2-SKbbarwUkvXc69NRuxrZtNXMVxL0cnRzJBqbJ6uwuWJy1rywzIOpTPyInyYQvMYUJ1EPaKL/s1600/20140602+3+cut.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgMxA_569fW_xplDGFLKPLNcT-7atxb67nnKZkPh087pPddTpl_kkFF3x4W-a75X7ya2u9pdHOaX02BWNMwwpaPtL4X2AZdryiEV6Ls7UPaw7-SFmfXjNEH697fzloQUL-rb8Bqv1uD8F/s1600/20140602+4+glued.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgMxA_569fW_xplDGFLKPLNcT-7atxb67nnKZkPh087pPddTpl_kkFF3x4W-a75X7ya2u9pdHOaX02BWNMwwpaPtL4X2AZdryiEV6Ls7UPaw7-SFmfXjNEH697fzloQUL-rb8Bqv1uD8F/s1600/20140602+4+glued.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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Polish your work with some decorations, this gives it the flare that makes it stand out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi479SRhpwCnJcs3K6UtVh3iX2yBnXmSnuVHVSnehJvkmiI8Chfa35NVa_VAYC-jjE4q7tAT_Y1ubvCTyeNUAtf9TiieHPziF3hcSqs4oxuVOfW2XQplD7rWk9b7NydEIEXIFtS_ByJk77/s1600/20140602+6+envelopes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi479SRhpwCnJcs3K6UtVh3iX2yBnXmSnuVHVSnehJvkmiI8Chfa35NVa_VAYC-jjE4q7tAT_Y1ubvCTyeNUAtf9TiieHPziF3hcSqs4oxuVOfW2XQplD7rWk9b7NydEIEXIFtS_ByJk77/s1600/20140602+6+envelopes.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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Make sure each one is stellar on its own.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTE-hwTGaSbgDfe79riEirG9LevuLzBaAVnalEFWi4E7xOh-6bCloVQPG_yEu1_CxNC9fBIx6_E-p7x1ysUbXton5AUYsYvWa6TLnFP5youq91RqBwGR6Uq2er5ts4EEEVBUk-Qb1y9cz/s1600/20140602+7a+one+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTE-hwTGaSbgDfe79riEirG9LevuLzBaAVnalEFWi4E7xOh-6bCloVQPG_yEu1_CxNC9fBIx6_E-p7x1ysUbXton5AUYsYvWa6TLnFP5youq91RqBwGR6Uq2er5ts4EEEVBUk-Qb1y9cz/s1600/20140602+7a+one+finished.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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<div>
When the parts are all whole, complete the sum.</div>
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<div>
Things take time. Keep going until they are done.</div>
azrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425905496505247448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859364110108437468.post-14043390581371969552014-06-07T18:16:00.001+12:002014-06-07T18:16:31.949+12:00On FriendshipI would compare friendship to building a fire between two people. The stronger the friendship, the greater the flame. But all fires need fuel - if it is not fed, it will eventually subside and grow cold. Likewise, if two people do not keep in contact with each other, their friendship will fade.<br />
<br />
How do you start a fire? The moment a stranger greets another, a spark flies. Over time, producing enough sparks will set off a flame with a steady glow. Such a fire is easily kept alive when the two have a close proximity to the flame. Once the distance grows, keeping the fire going requires more effort.<br />
<br />
As with multiple friendships, each of us will have multiple fires to feed. Running between these fires uses energy. Given that every person has their limits, not every flame will be able to be fed. As such, the other party would have to take a turn at fanning the flame to keep it burning. If neither is able to keep it up, then they become strangers again.<br />
<br />
With this in mind, striking a match when there is no base for the spark to live on would be wasted effort. At the opposite end of the spectrum, it would not be a waste to ignite a crate of fireworks doused with petrol on top of a volcano to save a friend from making irreversible adverse decisions.<br />
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So, I've got a box of sparklers, anyone wanna play?azrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425905496505247448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859364110108437468.post-10499937809282908562013-11-15T00:01:00.002+13:002013-11-15T00:01:25.045+13:00Software Engineering Basics<span style="color: #999999;">Note: The target readers of this post are people who are first heading into the software industry. I wrote it because these are what I did not know when I entered my first job.</span><br />
<br />
I have worked at Orion Health for just shy of two years, and here are a list of things that I find to be useful knowledge. Some of these concepts are trivial and are understood in minutes, but I hadn't heard of them in university so I'm noting them down here.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Code Reviews</h3>
Unlike university, at work, after you write code and want to check it in, you <i>should</i> get it reviewed (where I work this is a <b>must</b>). This is where someone else looks over the code you have changed, decides whether or not it is alright, and then allows or denies you the commit. This lets you have a second pair of eyes look over your code to check if what you have done is:<br />
<ul>
<li>well designed/written (clean code is really valuable)</li>
<li>correct (you should have tests, but you may also have missed certain cases)</li>
<li>does not contain anything malicious</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Build Server</h3>
When working on a project, source artifacts have to be transformed into their built artifacts before they are used. Your source artifacts may be code, rich graphic formats, and so on. The built artifacts may be jars, static/shared libraries, executables, rendered graphics. A build server is a server dedicated to run <i>builds</i>.<br />
<br />
A build is an automated process that is configured to retrieve the source artifacts (typically from a repository), run commands to build the relevant artifacts, and potentially run tests against them. Larger builds may deploy the built artifacts into a deployment environment. Builds can be scheduled to run periodically, whenever there is a change in the source artifacts (perhaps through repository polling), or manually.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Deployment Environment</h3>
A deployment environment is somewhere you put the output artifacts as they would be in the real world. This is just a computer that is set up as you would expect it to be on anyone's computer when they are using the software. For application developers, you may have multiple computers set up - each with a different version of an operating system (windows xp, vista, 7, 8; mac os; ubuntu), and you would try out your application to see if it works on each environment. For web developers, you may use multiple browsers of different versions to see if things look and behave correctly.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Tests</h3>
Tests are extremely useful. In university it seems pointless writing the expected output of your code given some input, but at that level, things are much easier than at work.<br />
<br />
The faster a test can run, the quicker you get feedback, and fast feedback is highly valued. Tests may be unit tests which run against small sections of code, integration tests which test the interaction between modules, or system integration tests, which test the functionality of a fully deployed system.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Dependency Management</h3>
Software has versions. That's why there are software updates. If you are an application developer, you may be writing version A of your application, and you may be depending on version X of a library. After you release version A of your application, you start working on version B, C, D and so on.<br />
<br />
One day someone discovers that there is a bug in library version X. Suppose in application version C you start depending on version Y of the library. This means that anyone with version A or B of your application must update to at least version C in order to have the bugfix.<br />
<br />
This of course gets complicated when your software is made up of 10 layers of libraries depending on other libraries.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Support</h3>
Support is the part of work where you help someone turn on their computer. This role may also include:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>helping someone configure the software correctly</li>
<li>figure out why the software isn't working</li>
<li>telling someone your software doesn't do what they want</li>
</ul>
<br />
Typically this is the part of work that lets you experience how the users of your software are actually using it.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Issue Tracking</h3>
Issue tracking is a system which lets you track work. This may track bugs in your software, new features, documentation requests, and so on. See <a href="https://bugs.eclipse.org/bugs/show_bug.cgi?id=398509">this eclipse bug</a> for an example of a bug ticket using the Bugzilla issue tracking software.<br />
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<hr />
<br />
There's more, but judging from my own attention span, a second post is more useful.<br />
<br />
<br />
azrielazrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425905496505247448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-859364110108437468.post-89729431566792013872013-06-14T00:33:00.002+12:002013-06-14T00:48:18.470+12:00On GoalsEvery one needs the basic necessities to live. A common and generic path is to find a job and live. But is the career that you take strictly in line with what you choose as your goals? Paraphrasing, disregarding all the routine life tasks, what do you wish to accomplish as your own? What are you doing with the time that you can call your own? Do these two align?<br />
<br />
Here is a picture of what a week may look like for me:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLzb1g0O5RSLkbedOroRAMeF4ZMb7kzWbq_35NhVz_J-nSE8zs6UZLUKMK0VcsC4fz8leSkWHsdPx4DQ_CwFcIQTdgAHUgXEeSzEjJsTk__5Lk9z5thksBDN5QhdP1azkZDC39ms6lgQa/s1600/schedule.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLzb1g0O5RSLkbedOroRAMeF4ZMb7kzWbq_35NhVz_J-nSE8zs6UZLUKMK0VcsC4fz8leSkWHsdPx4DQ_CwFcIQTdgAHUgXEeSzEjJsTk__5Lk9z5thksBDN5QhdP1azkZDC39ms6lgQa/s640/schedule.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;">look out for a future post on time</span>
<br />
<br />
It is obvious the majority of my time is dedicated to work, but of the time I have outside of work and necessary happenings, my <a href="http://heroquest-silver.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">HeroQuest</a> project and exercising both show up as regular activities. These are the actions I take to achieve two of my goals:
<br />
<ul>
<li>create a game that is recognized globally</li>
<li>keep fit</li>
</ul>
<br />
Understand that I did not take up software engineering to realize someone else's dream. I chose it to build my own. It is true that I have the option of working on the heroquest project full time. However, it is not a time-critical goal, and by working in an established software house, I have gained far more skills than I would have otherwise.<br />
<br />
My point is that outside of my job, I have established goals, and am actively pursuing them. If all I do outside of work is relax, then my life would purely be defined by work. It is not negative, but working for someone else does not turn my own aspirations into reality.<br />
<br />
If you do not already have a goal, or are not taking any actions to actually bring it to life, then please do so. The effort is worth it.<br />
<br />
<br />
azriel
azrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01425905496505247448noreply@blogger.com1