Archive for August, 2002


Has Apple Computer Made it?

Gateway computer is now running advertisement/comparison to pitch its profile 4 line of slim desktop machines against Apple’s iMacs. Have you seen their TV ads? Does this mean iMacs are now a legitimate thread to wintel desktops? That is good news. Looking at the current Microsoft operating system and software licensing, maybe it is time […]

Letter, A4, Paper size

Is it merely an annoyance, inconvinience, or absolutely stupidity that the U.S. uses a different paper size standard then the rest of the world? How many times I print a document from our other offices and resulting in text on the wrong page, or loosing columns on a spreadsheet? If the U.S. want to get […]

My favorite Gel pen, part II

Finally, my favorite Gel pen, the Sahara that was only available in Japan is not available in the U.S. It is marketed under the Zebra brand, called the Sarasa Gel Retractable. Get one and try it. It writes wonderfully.

I got the right unit (phew)

Went back to look at the lofts this afternoon, and…. I was right about the unit selection. The 11 windows (layed out 2,3,2,2,2) really makes a difference. And the largest window does offer the unit half a view to the unobstructed viewpoint. I can see the pru and the John Hancock buildings. Not bad huh? […]

This is it!

Just around the corner from the first loft that I like is another development. I remembered looking at this place two years ago when they first started the project. Revising the specs from their website, it looks like it fits my requirement quite well. After my realtor made some inquiries, we are off to see […]

Negotiation

Unit on Market January for Y49,000.
Gone off market.
Relisted in July for X49,000, where X=Y-1
My offer: X10
Buyer B offer: similiar, probably X415
Seller counter both: X44
I counter offer X40
Buyer B offer: above X49
Buyer B got the unit.
Fair enough.
This unit was very close to idea, with one big exception — although it is a loft, the layout […]

Very expensive Dinner

Just went down to check out an neigborhood that is new to me but has a (actually two) interesting lofts that is available. Walked around. Had dinner. I am now sold in the area and are going to put an offer on one of these lofts. So this is one expensive dinner!

Dijkstra Passed away

Read the obituary at U of Texas at Austin. They are also putting all his EWD manuscripts online. These are must reads.
I remember at my first class at first year of computing science at Imperial, the professor said, learn to spell Dijkstra. Otherwise you will never pass any exams here. Dijkstra contributed so much pure […]

Scan you own groceries

I just discovered that my local Shaw’s supermarket implemented scan your own groceries. (Or maybe I just have not been to the supermarket for a while)? It’s pretty good. Scan your stuff. Slide your ATM card, bag your goods, and be done. Just talk to the machine. One less human encounter eliminated. Good? Bad?

Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg

A upcoming PPS Evenings at the Pops show, Fiddlers Three features Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg. Very interesting character. Don’t forget the Speaking in Strings documentary mentioned in an earlier post as well.
DVD , companion Music CD