I feel like the reason why I stopped blogging is simply:
I made this a lot more complicated and serious than I had intended in these last few posts.
I remember when I had a lot of fun just blogging about something totally random.
2005-2007 I did these little picture blogs on Xanga. That was a fun concept but it was tedious.
I moved to Tumblr shortly after the last blog I made here and I didn't adjust well to it.
So here I am. Back again.
I gotta keep in mind from now on. If I blog. Keep it simple.
Apple & The iPhone Prototype
Whoever's fault it is, I'm pretty sure Steve Jobs also has someone to point at.Although it seems like ancient history, the story of the lost iPhone prototype has been one of the biggest buzzes this year.
To make a long story short (because this blog is opinionated after the facts), an Apple engineer lost his phone at a bar on March 18. For reasons beyond me, the person who found it did not turn it in (no surprise since its rare that someone would do that) and took it home.
The finder noticed something odd about this iPhone and took it out of its case. Turns out this iPhone isn't your ordinary iPhone 3G/S. Its more boxier, sleeker and has a camera built-into the face of it.
Here's where I think the crime lays, the finder sells this lost item to Tech-blogging site, Gizmodo and as a result, a journalist's home was raided and the source of all this. Apple.
Who's fault is this? Although the law is the law and they're holding the blogger responsible at first, this case runs deeper than just simple logic. I did leave out the fact that the finder did try to reach Apple and the engineer in order to return it (I'm confused as to why he would sell it off in the end) and Jason Chen (the victim) had agreed to return the iPhone back to Apple.
In the interest of fairness, I want to list out the rights and wrong's on EVERYONE who was involved. (a lot of what may be right or wrong is heavily opinionated by me)
Right:
- Seller tried to contact Apple
- Gizmodo editor, Jason Chen, wants to hand over the iPhone prototype back to Apple.
- (According to Apple) The engineer who had lost the prototype was not fired but his whereabouts, unknown to us.
- Legally, Apple has to issue a notice of return for the missing item and had it issued to Chen.
- Chen complies and agrees to hand it over.
- This iPhone prototype has a face camera. (That's pretty cool)
Wrong:
- The Seller did not turn in the missing item
- Apple representatives over the phone deny the seller any response when first contacted.
- Seller sells the iPhone to Gizmodo for money. (I think that constitutes as a crime)
- Gizmodo agrees to buy (according to law) "stolen property".
To make a long story short (because this blog is opinionated after the facts), an Apple engineer lost his phone at a bar on March 18. For reasons beyond me, the person who found it did not turn it in (no surprise since its rare that someone would do that) and took it home.
The finder noticed something odd about this iPhone and took it out of its case. Turns out this iPhone isn't your ordinary iPhone 3G/S. Its more boxier, sleeker and has a camera built-into the face of it.
Here's where I think the crime lays, the finder sells this lost item to Tech-blogging site, Gizmodo and as a result, a journalist's home was raided and the source of all this. Apple.
Who's fault is this? Although the law is the law and they're holding the blogger responsible at first, this case runs deeper than just simple logic. I did leave out the fact that the finder did try to reach Apple and the engineer in order to return it (I'm confused as to why he would sell it off in the end) and Jason Chen (the victim) had agreed to return the iPhone back to Apple.
In the interest of fairness, I want to list out the rights and wrong's on EVERYONE who was involved. (a lot of what may be right or wrong is heavily opinionated by me)
Right:
- Seller tried to contact Apple
- Gizmodo editor, Jason Chen, wants to hand over the iPhone prototype back to Apple.
- (According to Apple) The engineer who had lost the prototype was not fired but his whereabouts, unknown to us.
- Legally, Apple has to issue a notice of return for the missing item and had it issued to Chen.
- Chen complies and agrees to hand it over.
- This iPhone prototype has a face camera. (That's pretty cool)
Wrong:
- The Seller did not turn in the missing item
- Apple representatives over the phone deny the seller any response when first contacted.
- Seller sells the iPhone to Gizmodo for money. (I think that constitutes as a crime)
- Gizmodo agrees to buy (according to law) "stolen property".
- A SWAT team which was sourced by county police through Apple's security team raids the house of Jason Chen and confiscates his work possessions. (In my opinion, I believe that should've been illegal. Despite the fact that Chen was a mere blogger and the law protects journalists from being prosecuted and having their possessions taken in, Chen works under Gizmodo and is paid to blog. Not even freelance, I believe that should allow him to be considered a "journalist")
So I guess the big question is, who's to blame for the start of this?
Is it the seller who should have just "done the right thing?" by turning in the authorities?
Is it Apple for leaving such a top secret project to someone who wasn't at work?
Is it the engineer's fault for losing it?
Is it Gizmodo's fault for purchasing "stolen" property and exposing it to everyone?
It's clear who is to blame for everything that followed up (the raid, the ridicule, the exposure, the extensive legal works).
There is never a clear answer to this because the law barely solves moral issues. Think of Apple as the aggressor for pursuing all the people who were involved but think of the engineer whose young adult life is tarnished by Gizmodo's exposure. Then you have Jason Chen who gets his house raided from all this but he was just doing his job as a reporter, whether it was the right thing to do or the wrong thing to do, that's up to your opinion. The results that come out of this will take some time.
Personally, if this prototype will be the next iPhone, it will still generate enough buzz and even though it was leaked. I really want one.
Movie Review: Iron Man 2
OOOO, Double post for the night!Ok, I'm bored and I can't sleep.
Last Saturday, the guys and I went to watch the heavily-hyped Iron Man 2.
I remember how epic the first Iron Man movie was, really deep storyline to describe how Tony Stark went from an egotistical rich-boy engineer genius to an egotistical rich-boy engineer genius superhero in a badass suit of iron.
Now Iron Man 2 has a storyline, just not a deep one. Basic action movie with a revenge plot and tons of explosions. You meet the same awesome cast (minus Terrence Howard because he felt he was too expensive for the role) along with some new faces (Mickey Rourke and mmm....Scarlett Johanson).
We watched the regular movie instead of IMAX 2D because with a hype-monster movie like this, tickets get sold out just like Avatar.
Anyways, the movie shows Tony Stark's life as Iron Man after unveiling his identity and how one mad Russian who has a history with Stark's father wants revenge and retribution.
I really enjoyed how Tony Stark just rubs everything in everyone's faces. The movie itself didn't carry a serious tone like the first one but I guess they needed an awesome movie to kick off the summer right?
Let's go to my criteria:
Acting: 8, Large supporting cast with matching characters but Don Cheadle is no Terrence Howard. That's for sure.
Storyline: 6, Nothing original about it. Just a lot of action. No twists in the story, very straightforward. Throw in some laughs here and there.
Presentation: 9, It's not the story that is going to keep you in your seat but the awesome visuals. Very beautifully rendered stuff with some amazing scenery and sets. The visual production did not go cheap on it that's for sure.
Hype-Fulfillment: Yes. It's the sequel to one of the best superhero movies produced in the early 2000 era. A good amount of advertisement to suck you into buying a ticket.
Audio: 8, Loud explosions, clanks and clinks to transformation crisp and clear. The soundtrack was pretty good too. Throw in some AC/DC and out of nowhere you have an epic iron man fight with Robot Rock. Then throw in some 2Pac's California Love...that was a fun one.
Overall: 33(+1)/40: B. If superhero movies are tolerable to you and you're in for some good time action with a few laughs here and there to end your finals week or start off summer, go for it. It doesn't disappoint. If you want a more serious story, re-watch Iron Man 1 and you'll appreciate Iron Man 2.
Weird Dream: Pregnant Woman Gameshow
Ok, less serious stuff this time.So I was having a dream one night and it was bizarre.
I think this happened because I spent an hour thinking of ways to make money and it got implemented into my dream.
So I created and began hosting a game show.
The rules are simple:
6 pregnant ladies start off at the beginning of an obstacle course.
They must battle their way through various challenges and stuff.
First woman to reach the finish line and gives birth wins $60,000.
I know, that was the most sick and ridiculous dream or idea ever. I thought it was pretty funny at the start.
I remember telling Nelson all about it, and he gave me a lecture on abuse and laws that restrict pregnant woman from doing such things in order to protect them but, honestly...if I ever had the money and resources, would I ever do that? No.
But really, it was pretty funny to dream up.
Reflection Time
Well, judging by my last blog. It's been a while since I've posted something.
A lot has happened these past near-2 months. I guess I can say with some ease and a clear mind that I got in a car accident on March 7th near Baker Beach.
Although I'm blessed to not have been hurt, the bicyclist that struck my car who was going downhill did.
I'm pretty sure both sides had never wanted this to happen but because I didn't have the right of way (disregarding why he didn't make an effort to avoid this), I have to pay the price (or as of right now, my insurance).
I can't do much as of right now but I hope him a speedy recovery and that I meant no harm. This accident had caused me as much grief as it had probably done to him and his family.
I had learned a lot from these past couple of months. A lot of which were life changing and eye-opening.
So I list here things I'm going to want to pursuade for the remainder of this year.
- Financial security
- A special talent
- Better time management
- Develop further interest in school
- Not to be wasteful
- Find some way to help someone in need (donating to the needy)
- Find an opportunity to see the world
- Explore a new career
And here I list things I'm going to put aside for the sake of bettering myself.
- Dating someone who has too many expectations of me
- Dating someone who wants more out of me than the basics
- The urge to use my car when I don't have to
- Careless spending
- Minimize short-term interests and focus on the longrun
At the moment I'm juggling between taking quizes and writing this blog. (Not wanting to be repetitive)
I actually have a lot on my mind but I can relax more knowing this accident case may last for years but from what I've known since high school, time goes by fast.
One day, you're dreading to leave college, then you begin to miss high school. One day you lose a relationship, then you look back knowing you're better off now without her. You lose all your money to someone who doesn't even care about you, you laugh it off knowing you've spent less on yourself as a result.
I admit it, I'm a hopeless romantic, I can tend to like someone easily and (not a matter of arrogance) I'm pretty sure I can handle a relationship if given the chance but I guess I'm just as much demanding out of qualities in a girl than some girls expecting a guy to have a car or a job or whatever. I simply want someone who is willing to walk or take the bus to visit me. In other words, it would kill me to hear you want a ride to somewhere in the city.
But if my only options in my personal life was to have a car and an abundant amount of money in my bank account in order to meet the demands of a girl who wants a Gucci or an LV bag, then the world has one less bachelor.
A lot has happened these past near-2 months. I guess I can say with some ease and a clear mind that I got in a car accident on March 7th near Baker Beach.
Although I'm blessed to not have been hurt, the bicyclist that struck my car who was going downhill did.
I'm pretty sure both sides had never wanted this to happen but because I didn't have the right of way (disregarding why he didn't make an effort to avoid this), I have to pay the price (or as of right now, my insurance).
I can't do much as of right now but I hope him a speedy recovery and that I meant no harm. This accident had caused me as much grief as it had probably done to him and his family.
I had learned a lot from these past couple of months. A lot of which were life changing and eye-opening.
So I list here things I'm going to want to pursuade for the remainder of this year.
- Financial security
- A special talent
- Better time management
- Develop further interest in school
- Not to be wasteful
- Find some way to help someone in need (donating to the needy)
- Find an opportunity to see the world
- Explore a new career
And here I list things I'm going to put aside for the sake of bettering myself.
- Dating someone who has too many expectations of me
- Dating someone who wants more out of me than the basics
- The urge to use my car when I don't have to
- Careless spending
- Minimize short-term interests and focus on the longrun
At the moment I'm juggling between taking quizes and writing this blog. (Not wanting to be repetitive)
I actually have a lot on my mind but I can relax more knowing this accident case may last for years but from what I've known since high school, time goes by fast.
One day, you're dreading to leave college, then you begin to miss high school. One day you lose a relationship, then you look back knowing you're better off now without her. You lose all your money to someone who doesn't even care about you, you laugh it off knowing you've spent less on yourself as a result.
I admit it, I'm a hopeless romantic, I can tend to like someone easily and (not a matter of arrogance) I'm pretty sure I can handle a relationship if given the chance but I guess I'm just as much demanding out of qualities in a girl than some girls expecting a guy to have a car or a job or whatever. I simply want someone who is willing to walk or take the bus to visit me. In other words, it would kill me to hear you want a ride to somewhere in the city.
But if my only options in my personal life was to have a car and an abundant amount of money in my bank account in order to meet the demands of a girl who wants a Gucci or an LV bag, then the world has one less bachelor.
Beyond
For those that listened to some of their parents' old Chinese music (or a friends' parents' old Chinese music, that friend happens to be Chinese, Malaysian, Japanese), there's no doubt that they may have heard of the band, Beyond.I remember back in the mid-90's (vaguely), my dad would bust out his bootleg Beyond CD and play it in the car.
Songs like 光輝歲月 (Glorious Days), 大地 (Great Earth), Amani, 長城 (Great Wall), and the most notable song, 海闊天空 (Boundless Oceans, Vast Skies).
So I got tired of listening to Dave Wang (王傑) and his sad songs because I'm in better moods nowadays to not listen to them.
In fact, it was from watching a live cover of the song 海闊天空 that was done by Wang that I felt like listening to some Beyond.
Brief history lesson.
Beyond was a band that was formed by Wong Ka Kui (黃家駒) and Yip Sai Wing (葉世榮) back in the early 80's. At the time, popular Chinese music was dominated by love songs while rock music was more "underground" to the mainstream media.
Although not the only band to try to hit mainstream in Hong Kong, Beyond was the most successful of the bands. It was at the earlier stage of mainstream publicity that Paul Wong (黃貫中) joined the band as the lead guitarist and Ka Kui's younger brother, Steve Wong (黄家强) joined the band as the bassist. Ka Kui remained as the lead vocalist and guitar player as well as Sai Wing being the drummer.
After the big uphill struggle to garner publicity for the band, Beyond finally went to the top of the mountain among a sea of pop and love songs. It was with this popularity, that Beyond went to the third worlds to promote peace and harmony to the poor through their music. Beyond were also very vocal of South African suffrage and the works of Nelson Mandala.
In 1993, Beyond took their popularity to Japan where they began performing and making music in the Japanese language. This feat was stopped tragically in late June when Wong Ka Kui died after suffering from head injuries from a stage accident that lead to a coma and death.
The music world in Hong Kong and much of Asia were left to utter sadness and silence as news broke out and the immediate funeral which caused the shut down of many streets in Hong Kong.
Beyond continued without Ka Kui but (in my opinion) their music just wasn't the same without him. Although they made several albums afterwards, not many of the songs managed to capture the original and moving lyrics and vocals of the "glory days". Nowadays, the members of the band are pursuing new opportunities and ventures in music but come together once and while to perform.
Back to the blog:
For the past few days, I've been listening to some of the more unfamiliar tracks that I have in my collection and hopefully find more favorites to add to my list. It's a shame that Ka Kui has been gone for 16 years. Just think how different Hong Kong's musical landscape would be if he had been around. Given the power of their lyrics and songs, they may have had some presence in America had things been different.
Here's one of my new favorites. 抗戰二十年 (Combat for 20 years), a song that was once a Ka Kui demo but transformed into a full song and performed by the band.
