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| adding support to my weblog |
| 07.30.04 (7:43 am) [edit] |
3 cheers for tBlog!!!
I started this blog as a companion to my non-existent website. I would like to add more stuff on my blog like permanent pictures and other links, but thats just not possible. So I have started working on a site, something should be up and running by mid-August hopefully, considering I don't give up on it first.
Could have started my own blog too, but then I would run outta online-space pretty soon as am going for a free account on FreeWebs. I think they are certainly better than Geocites' free web hosting options. :P
Decided to build this site from scratch, been looking at free sample templates to come up with some ideas. A good thing about the Freewebs HTML editor is that you can immediately see the effects your code has on your site in the same editing window, simply neat!
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| learners permit: episode 2 |
| 07.28.04 (3:24 pm) [edit] |
The Ninja is back again, today we made a second attempt to acquire my learners permit so that one day I may drive a car, so that another day I may have sufficient skills to pilot a mecha. [hmm that didn't sound my age or ninja like]
Anyways this time we decided to infiltrate another DMV branch in NY, [specific location once again classified]. The enemy agents working here didn't seem hostile, almost as if a brief period of truce had been declared. Or so we thought.
We joined the line for the Information Desk and blended in with fellow New Yorkers. Thanks to intelligence collected on an earlier trip to this location of the DMV, when we needed to pick up a new set of license plates for my brother, we knew several areas where one could pick one's nose in comfort without the thought of being secretly recorded or watched. :roll:
The female agent at the Information desk was quite beautiful looking and am sure just as deadly, for a few moments even I - the ninja, was distracted by those deep, innocent eyes. I steeled myself and explained my purpose of visit, she didn't smile but directed us to the appropriate line where we would face our trials.
Here we stood and waited, wondering if we would succeed in our mission today. Many were sent away, for lack of sufficient papers that didn't make up enough points to be accepted. 6 points...6 points was all we needed and that I had, I was sure to pack the right documents this time, I had learnt much from my previous trip.
On approaching this higher ranking female agent, I carefully placed my application form on the desk and stated my purpose, she immediately asked for some ID, I smoothly placed my college ID [bearing an ugly mugshot] and [information witheld], she asked for further papers, I obliged grinning, certain I would not be turned away this time, but no...
It seems due to rising security measures, I require another piece of document that I had deemed unimportant and failed to pack...:x Perhaps this week or the next I shall attempt again to acquire my learners permit...
You can read episode 1 here.
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| vacationing in N.Korea? |
| 07.27.04 (6:01 am) [edit] |
Just read this article on the BBC News site, this morning. This article gives you a good idea on the internal state of N.Korea. Some time back I had watched a news documentary of people being brainwashed (literally) and disappearing over there. The documentary featured people who had managed to escape from N.Korea and were relating their experiences of imprisonment and death threats received by their families.
There was this young man who was kidnapped from his home and imprisoned, he said his captors became friendly with him and he was gradually brainwashed into believing S.Koreans are the enemies of the state and all those who speak or act against the government are less than human beings. He said, he believed all this to such an extent that when he tortured political prisoners in their cells he felt no sympathy for them whatsoever. :(
On holiday in North Korea
By Kate McGeown
BBC News Online
Grey apartment blocks, bugged hotel rooms, an erratic electricity supply and rumours of a secret nuclear arsenal - North Korea is not everyone's idea of a perfect holiday destination.
But plenty of South Koreans signed up for their first chance to visit the North's capital Pyongyang this week, and they are not the only tourists trekking to this isolated communist state.
In fact, according to Robert Willoughby - the author of the Bradt travel guide to North Korea - there has never been a better time to go.
"The number of things to see and do is growing all the time," he told BBC News Online.
There is no denying that a visit to North Korea is both expensive and difficult to organise.
And the situation is unlikely to improve any time soon, thanks to the country's almost pariah-like status within the international community.
But 1,500 Western tourists still visit every year, together with thousands more from Asia, and according to Mr Willoughby the country's isolation is the very reason they go.
'Stalinist theme park'
Pyongyang is the obvious first stop on any tour of North Korea.
Its many statues and monuments - most of them dedicated to the now-deceased "Eternal President" Kim Il-sung - are a must-see.
In fact they literally must be seen, as the compulsory guides who accompany all foreign tourists are certain to include them in the itinerary.
The grand statue of Kim on Mansu Hill is likely to be first on the list.
Tourists are expected to buy a wreath to place at the foot of the statue, and doff their hats in respect, Mr Willoughby said.
The Juche Tower is another key attraction. The tower honours Kim's concept of Juche, or self-reliance, which became the country's guiding philosophy.
Many tourists are also taken to the Mangyongdae Schoolchildren's Palace, where children sing and dance in honour of Kim Il-sung and his son, the current leader Kim Jong-il.
Pyongyang is very modern in some respects, but completely alien in others, said Mr Willoughby.
"There's absolutely no reference to the outside world - no adverts, no symbols," he said.
"At night, because of the energy shortages, there are no lights and it's absolutely silent. You can hear babies crying from the other side of the river."
It's not Torremolinos yet ... but there's no place like it.
- Nicholas Bonner, Koryo Travel.
Reporter Ben Anderson, who travelled to North Korea for the BBC Four series Holidays in the Axis of Evil, said the country was strange to the point of being surreal.
He described it as a "Stalinist theme park", complete with a different version of historical events to the rest of the world.
"It must be very tough for the South Koreans, as most of what you see is about the North Koreans winning the war," he told BBC News Online. (The Korean War actually ended in a stalemate.)
The two Kims are treated as virtual gods, and dominate every aspect of North Korean life.
"On a visit to a co-operative farm, we were even shown the 'Great Leader's Pomegranate Tree'," Mr Anderson said.
He also visited the International Friendship Museum, which is devoted to gifts given to the two leaders.
Among the more eccentric items on display are a warthog from Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe, a limousine from China's Chairman Mao and a stuffed crocodile from Romania's Nicolae Ceausescu.
Even the hotels and restaurants provide a new and strange experience.
"There is a road called Restaurant Street, which has several food outlets, all of which are empty," he said.
"There are no menus, as you get what there is in stock. The best restaurant in town served us a burger with a fried egg."
'Last bastion of communism'
If a visit to North Korea proves somewhat bizarre, the entry procedure should give a few clues as to what lies ahead.
"Few people are actually refused entry, unless they are a spy, a journalist or an American," said Ben Anderson.
The passenger's passport details are required in advance, as well as their curriculum vitae and a letter from their workplace.
But according to Nicholas Bonner, from Koryo Travel, which specialises in trips to North Korea, most Westerners wanting to visit the country are prepared for the extensive paperwork.
"A lot of them have read up about the place beforehand. They want to go and see the last bastion of communism," he said.
A few, however, go for more unusual reasons.
"We've had people who want to see the country's rollercoasters, and others who want to tour Pyongyang's revolving restaurants," he said.
But the number of people prepared to travel to this isolated nation is still relatively few, Mr Bonner conceded.
"It's not Torremolinos yet," he said, "but there's no place like it."
Many of the images used in this article are courtesy of Robert Willoughby or Koryo Tours.
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| learners permit: episode 1 |
| 07.26.04 (1:15 pm) [edit] |
Went to the DMV center in NY [specific location classified] to apply for my learners permit. Most of you probably know you have to take with you various documents verifying your age, identity and so on.
Well in my case today, the lady at the counter seemed to be happy with everything, including my college ID [which I think is the worst pix of myself, I clearly resemble the terminator]. But she was completely unsatisfied with a little certain detail...[which cannot be disclosed], she then went and conspired with another seemingly pleasant looking lady [bah! looks are deceptive], who I think is the head of their little evil operation. I was told to return when I could provide further information about my covert activities...
I shall attempt to acquire this permit once more perhaps within this week. Must carry out the weeky de-frag of my HDD now. Must watch some movies too, brother rented 3 DVDs yesterday.
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| another email scam |
| 07.23.04 (8:22 pm) [edit] |
Why waste time and money trying to win the Lotto, when kind people from overseas are so generous to share their wealth...
This arrived in me email box.
Date: Fri, 23 Jul 2004 17:34:40 +0400
From: "Wang Qin" Add to Address Book
To: w_qin911@bindubai.com
Subject: check it and get back to me
REPLY TO: wangq@web-mail.com.ar
FROM THE DESK OF:
MR.WANG QIN
HANG SENG BANK LTD.
DES VOEUX RD.BRANCH
CENTRAL HONG KONG
HONG KONG.
I am Mr.Wang Qin, credit officer of Hang Seng Bank
Ltd. I have an urgent and very confidential business
proposition for you.
On June 6, 2002, a British Oil consultant/contractor
with the Chinese Solid Minerals Corporation, Mr. Smith
Lawrence made a numbered time (Fixed) Deposit for
twelve calendar months, valued at US$28,000,000.00
(Twenty-eight Million Dollars only) in my branch. Upon
maturity,I sent a routine notification to his
forwarding address but got no reply. After a month, we
sent a reminder and finally we discovered from his
contract employers, the Hong Kong Solid Minerals
Corporation that Mr. Smith Lawrence died from an
automobile accident. On further investigation, I found
out that he died without making a WILL, and all
attempts to trace his next of kin was fruitless.
I therefore made further investigation and discovered
that Mr. Smith Lawrence did not declare any kin or
relations in all his official documents, including his
Bank Deposit paperwork in my Bank. This sum of
US$28,000,000.00 is still sitting in my Bank and the
interest is being rolled over with the principal sum
at the end of each year. No one will ever come forward
to claim it. According to Laws of Hong Kong, at the
expiration of 5 (five) years, the money will revert to
the ownership of
the Hong Kong Government if nobody applies to claim
the fund.
Consequently, my proposal is that I will like you as a
foreigner to stand in as the next of kin to Mr. Smith
Lawrence so that the fruits of this old man's labor
will not get into the hands of some corrupt government
officials.This is simple, I will like you to provide
immediately your full names and address,phone and fax numbers so that
the
attorney will prepare the necessary documents and
affidavits that will put you in place as the next of
kin. We shall employ the services of an attorney for
drafting and notarization of the WILL and to obtain
the necessary documents and letter of
probate/administration in your favor for the transfer.
A bank account in any part of the world that you will
provide will then facilitate the transfer of this
money to you as the beneficiary/next of kin.
The money will be paid into your account for us to
share in the ratio of 70% for me and 25% for you and
5% for Expenses Incurred in the course of the
transaction.
There is no risk at all as all the paperwork for this
transaction will be done by the attorney and with my
position as the credit officer guarantees the
successful execution of this transaction. If you are
interested, please reply immediately to my email box.
Upon your response, I shall then provide you with more
details and relevant documents that will help you
understand the transaction.
Please send me your confidential telephone and fax
numbers for easy communication.
You should observe utmost confidentiality, and rest
assured that this transaction would be most profitable
for both of us because I shall require your assistance
to invest my share in your country.
Awaiting your urgent reply.
Thanks and regards.
Mr.Wang Qin.
NOTE: YOU MUST REPLY TO THE EMAIL ADDRESS STATED ABOVE IF
YOU'RE INTERESTED.
Msg sent via BinDubai Mail System - http://www.bindubai.com
NOTE OF CAUTION: This is an international scam on a large scale, emails are sent from non-existent companies mostly claiming to be from Nigeria, Kenya and Europe, this Hong Kong one is a first for me [chuckles].
There was a news report on BBC TV where a man in Europe responded to one of these emails and immediately began receiving a bundle of official looking bank papers complete with notary seals and the works.
He was even contacted by phone by a so called bank agent. Well in the end, sad to say, he lost I think an amount of 30,000 - 50,000 euros. The agent evaded the trap set by the police. This televised report ended with a note claiming it's a large ring of operators, so be wary.
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| winged dogs |
| 07.15.04 (3:03 pm) [edit] |
Since I couldn't think of anything else to post today. And since I like posting random stuff sometimes...here is...
[LINE]
"Extra! Extra! Read all about it, man attacked by winged dogs !!"
Related post by fellow enthusiast Recon =http://www.tblog.com/template..." target="_blank"here.
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| rock, paper, scissors...a game of chance |
| 07.13.04 (2:48 pm) [edit] |
I decided such a good post must not vanish in the archives.
Saw this on Recon's blog and well was laughing hard. Please pay careful attention to the pictures and captions, very creative work.
Saddam:
I've got an idea! Let's play a game of Rock Paper Scissors!
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| mundane entry |
| 07.10.04 (5:00 pm) [edit] |
Did a little tweaking on this page using html, I really had fun doing that :D
Purchased a 4 set CD ROM on Instant Play Guitar, LOL. If I really instant play guitar and am confident of my skills, I'll post about that here. :wink:
In other news a few days back on noticing that my Russian military timepiece wasn't working properly, on account of having dropped it once. I was infected with watch fever again...I don't know why but I simply love watches, all kinds except ladies watches. The only thing to marvel about them is the fact that, the components in it are designed to be smaller. While watching the sci-fi TV series Stargate I often find myself looking at the wristwatches worn by the various characters when the plot gets boring, thinking to myself, Hmm, thats a fancy looking watch, must be Special Ops issused...It certainly resembles a Suunto. Somehow with great rationalising and after much thought and net-surfing I decided to purchase a watch only when the battery of my 5-yr old? Armitron digital watch dies.
The one that I had decided to buy is about $47,from Casio - analog and digital, pretty resonable no? Considering its solar powered and never needs a battery change.
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| I must be losing my mind... |
| 07.06.04 (7:12 pm) [edit] |
I saw the following entries in the recent posts column on July.06.2004 and I don't know what to make of it. Is it just a coincidence but such unreal likeness of [b]first posts[/b] and even the [b]individual homepage[/b]? Am begining to wonder...
[LINE]
You, readers be the judge and let me know what you think.
A) Group of friends (I soo hope it's this one)
B) Spammers
C) Some company hoping to advertise
D) People luring young kids on the net...(am sorry but I trust no one)
E) Other (state your assumption)
Kanahirano
Tomohito
Mayu
Minako
Kanako
[LINE]
I am sincerely hoping am wrong about this...I do not wish to cause trouble for any new comers, I always say the more the merrier, but this is...well see for yourself, same date of signing up, same first post style, same homepage design, same style username on Yahoo! Geocities, the kind I get spam email from.
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| Web Browsers 2 |
| 07.05.04 (4:05 pm) [edit] |
Found some more info on Google News today regarding security issues for Internet Exlporer users.
Here's the latest scoop, Need Another Browser?
Noticed the URL although correct now leads you to a different page...so here's the original article.
[LINE]
(CBS) Last week, there were two separate reports of flaws in Microsoft Internet Explorer that could jeopardize your security.
One flaw made it possible for pop-up windows to install programs on your machine that could steal banking records.
Another flaw, in both Explorer and a Microsoft web server program, made it possible for a hacker to implant malicious code in an otherwise legitimate Web site that could, once again, steal your data.
Microsoft, of course, says it’s doing everything possible to eliminate these problems. As it has in the past, the company put out a fix that patches these particular problems. Microsoft has also said it will soon release a free upgrade to Windows that, according to the company, is more secure.
In the meantime, the U.S. government's Computer Emergency Readiness Team, or Cert published a warning that included, among other suggestions, the advice to “use a different browser" -- suggesting that PC users look to sources other than Microsoft for a web browser.
Fortunately, there are other sources. There are several alternative browsers including Opera and my favorite, Mozilla Firefox.
Firefox is a free browser from the Mozilla Foundation firefox, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting “open source” software. Unlike Microsoft’s proprietary software, open source programs can be analyzed and modified by any qualified programmer. They can also be “extended,” which means it’s possible for creative people to enhance Firefox and other Mozilla software by extensions or plug-ins that add functionality.
In addition to Firefox, Mozilla also offers an excellent free e-mail program called Thunderbird that challenges Microsoft Outlook, which like other Microsoft programs, dominates the category.
Unlike Microsoft, the Mozilla Foundation is committed to fully supporting not just Windows, but both the Linux and Macintosh OS X operating systems for all of its programs. There are typically nearly identical versions of Mozilla programs for all three operating systems, and extensions written for one operating system automatically work on the others.
Aside from the fact that it’s safer than Internet Explorer (it is possible for a virus or hacker to attack Firefox, but it’s less likely), it also has some features that you won’t find in Explorer.
My favorite is tabbed browsing. With Explorer, you either replace the page you’re viewing with a totally different page, or you can open up a link in a new window, which basically opens another copy of Explorer. That’s OK, but if you open too many windows, things can quickly qet confusing, making it difficult to navigate between windows.
With Firefox, you also have the option of opening a new window, but the preferred procedure is to use tabs which appear at the top of the screen.
As I work right now, I have Google in one tab, CBSNews.com in another and my own home page Pcanswer in a third. I can jump from page to page a lot faster and easier than if I were trying to navigate through Explorer’s windows.
Another great feature of Firefox is that it eliminates those annoying pop-up windows. There are programs you can add to Explorer that do this, but it’s nice to run a browser that just does it by default.
If you want to view a pop-up window, you have that option, but in most cases, you’ll be glad you don’t have to.
One drawback of Firefox and other browsers not based on Microsoft Internet Explorer is that there are a few Web pages that just won’t work. That’s because some pages insist on using Microsoft proprietary technology. One of those, not surprisingly, is Microsoft’s own Windows Update Page that is used to update your Windows software. Movielink.com, a site that lets you download movies, also doesn’t work right, but most well-behaved sites work just fine.
Firefox is a bit of a work in progress. The current version (0.9.1) is still in its testing phase, though I find it to be stable enough for regular work. In fact, even in its test phase, it appears to be more stable than Microsoft Internet Explorer.
By Larry Magid
©MMIV, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.
[LINE]
Related post here: Web Browser
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| do you have a double? |
| 07.01.04 (11:45 am) [edit] |
Hello, hello.
Just read this and thought you readers would find it interesting. Been busy catching up on reading all the books that I have been purchasing and collecting over the years. Also been designing a module for the D&D game [b]Neverwinter Nights[/b] Anyone seen <[b]Spiderman2[/b]> yet ?
[LINE]
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Chatbox
Posts
SNES gaming on PC
SEGA Genesis gaming on PC
Strange Happenings on tBlog
Web Browsers Security
Azumanga Daioh (review)
Cowboy Bebop (review)
Rock, Paper, Scissors
The Way Of The Ninja
Simple fact: masturbation
Others
Beautiful Sand Artforms
They are listening
Last Exile (review)
Remote viewing for 2012
FatalFrame II (review)
Song with potential advice
Nanaca Crash **
World
Slavery still exists
Vacationing in N.Korea
Falun Dafa in China
Tragedy in Bhopal
Radio Stations
BBC World Service (Win98,XP)
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