Wednesday, January 04, 2012
Real Steel [film]
幾個月前看的電影，當時沒來寫。嗯，印象中是熱血又溫馨。
記得最清楚的反而時同行朋友看完後竟然覺得這不是 happy ending，因為比賽結果不如預期，沒拿到錢。還有影片在擂台上結束，沒有交代後續和細節。我覺得恰恰相反，結束的剛好，再演下去就有點太刻意說清細節。而這完全是 happy ending 呀！小男孩希望爸爸做的就是："I want you to fight for me. That's all I ever wanted." 而在擂台慢動作的那一段就已經達到了。
LC rates: 4 stars
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Skiing (indoor)
I've just realized this blog entry has been saved as a draft for weeks and it isn't published...
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Friends and I went skiing in Snowplanet recently. My only skiing experience before this was a trip to Mt Ruapehu two years ago. That time, I felt it took a lot of effort and time just to have a short time on the mountain. I found it difficult to move on the snow. I wasn't sure if I wanted to go skiing again.
This time, we cut most of the hassle. We went to Snowplanet, an indoor skiing and snowboarding venue north of Auckland. No 6-hour drive to the ski town, yay! We purely went there for skiing this time. It's a smaller and more controlled environment than the mountain. Maybe that was why I found it easier to ski this time. I still didn't have good control over the downhill motion. But the slopes were quite smooth and short so I reached the bottom without falling most of the time.
We then watched an All Blacks game in the restaurant and occasionally watch other people on the side of the window ski and snowboard.
In the end, I skied more this time than on the mountain. However, I still find skiing to be a lot of hassle. All the gear is cumbersome. It's quite expensive too. So I guess I'll stay with other activities which I can wear light clothes under the sun. Maybe I'll try snowboarding next time. But I'd say it won't be sometime soon. If I do go up the mountain, I'll probably admire the scenery rather than spending an hour just to rent all the gear.
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Friends and I went skiing in Snowplanet recently. My only skiing experience before this was a trip to Mt Ruapehu two years ago. That time, I felt it took a lot of effort and time just to have a short time on the mountain. I found it difficult to move on the snow. I wasn't sure if I wanted to go skiing again.
This time, we cut most of the hassle. We went to Snowplanet, an indoor skiing and snowboarding venue north of Auckland. No 6-hour drive to the ski town, yay! We purely went there for skiing this time. It's a smaller and more controlled environment than the mountain. Maybe that was why I found it easier to ski this time. I still didn't have good control over the downhill motion. But the slopes were quite smooth and short so I reached the bottom without falling most of the time.
We then watched an All Blacks game in the restaurant and occasionally watch other people on the side of the window ski and snowboard.
In the end, I skied more this time than on the mountain. However, I still find skiing to be a lot of hassle. All the gear is cumbersome. It's quite expensive too. So I guess I'll stay with other activities which I can wear light clothes under the sun. Maybe I'll try snowboarding next time. But I'd say it won't be sometime soon. If I do go up the mountain, I'll probably admire the scenery rather than spending an hour just to rent all the gear.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
隨筆 2011-10-20
Blog 空了幾週，因為在做別的事。現在更覺得時間是重要資源，所以先做重要、想做的事，看橄欖球賽去。哈！
當然也是開始上班後，一些時間在做受薪工作，下班時間為自己的生活工作也要分配時間。
可能要想想要挑哪些寫，不然我腦中東西一堆，全部 dump 出來會花太多時間。
不過偶而還是該寫一寫，這像是閱讀、跑步、曬太陽一樣，是我的休閒，不一定常做，偶而來一下也開心。
當然也是開始上班後，一些時間在做受薪工作，下班時間為自己的生活工作也要分配時間。
可能要想想要挑哪些寫，不然我腦中東西一堆，全部 dump 出來會花太多時間。
不過偶而還是該寫一寫，這像是閱讀、跑步、曬太陽一樣，是我的休閒，不一定常做，偶而來一下也開心。
Sunday, September 18, 2011
上班第三週
本週繼續上幾堂課，有關架構、工具等等。更重要的是，我們七個新人開始做一個不緊急的 project ，(緊急、重要的東西不會交給新人練習。) 多少有在實際應用，在做真的工作了。
其中一個新人四處問同事要不要抽菸，因為沒有別的同事抽菸！沒人陪他。
週五有 All Blacks 的比賽，所以大家穿了一身黑來支持。
目前都不錯，只是有時候到下午精神會很差，要調整作息、運動、飲食，看看精神會不會好一點。
通勤時間每天總共約三十分，讚，再早一點上班看看交通會不會更通暢。
其中一個新人四處問同事要不要抽菸，因為沒有別的同事抽菸！沒人陪他。
週五有 All Blacks 的比賽，所以大家穿了一身黑來支持。
目前都不錯，只是有時候到下午精神會很差，要調整作息、運動、飲食，看看精神會不會好一點。
通勤時間每天總共約三十分，讚，再早一點上班看看交通會不會更通暢。
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
上班第二週
第二週上的課比第一週還多。最難的部分是要在自己的電腦上佈署公司的軟體、架環境。
世界盃橄欖球賽周五開幕，辦公室每個小區大約四到六人一組，抽籤選一個參賽隊伍，然後要在週五把自己的小區佈置為自己代表的國家。我們抽到俄羅斯，正好主管曾經去過俄羅斯，有一些紀念品，結果弄得像是以前的蘇聯而不是現代的樣子。
週五為了讓大家去參加開幕的各種慶祝活動，提早到三點下班。不過奧克蘭交通大亂，有些人想進市中心還是碰到問題。
Subway 和 bakery 各吃幾次。然後每次 Andy 找我一起吃飯，我上的課就會延長，無法準時。
世界盃橄欖球賽周五開幕，辦公室每個小區大約四到六人一組，抽籤選一個參賽隊伍，然後要在週五把自己的小區佈置為自己代表的國家。我們抽到俄羅斯，正好主管曾經去過俄羅斯，有一些紀念品，結果弄得像是以前的蘇聯而不是現代的樣子。
週五為了讓大家去參加開幕的各種慶祝活動，提早到三點下班。不過奧克蘭交通大亂，有些人想進市中心還是碰到問題。
Subway 和 bakery 各吃幾次。然後每次 Andy 找我一起吃飯，我上的課就會延長，無法準時。
Sunday, September 04, 2011
上班第一週
星期五第一天報到，再加上後來工作一週，共上班六天。包括我總共有七個新人，目前主要上一些課程，了解公司的人事、運作、產品、客戶。
目前感覺公司很注重人和溝通，不斷鼓勵新人問問題。每個新人有分配一個學長、學姊，有疑問可以問。每週還要跟上司和學長 review 一下進度和狀況。
我們這個辦公室都是研發人員，穿的很休閒。空調溫暖，我穿短袖 polo 衫、長褲、休閒鞋。
離家近我真的很高興。開車上班最塞的一次也沒超過半小時。順暢的時候大約十五分。
目前都很好。早起也還算適應，雖然偶而感覺很睏。午餐目前外食，待搞清楚環境後有時會帶午餐吧！
Sunday, August 28, 2011
找工作的進度
記錄一下找工作的進度。是給自己的紀錄所以有些長。
從七月中開始說起，看到 A 公司在人力銀行網站登了廣告，看起來還挺有趣，還說可以在Facebook 線上做個很短的性向測驗，看看你適不適合在他們公司工作。我做的結果，不適合。這什麼嘛？
不過我還是寄出正式的申請，反正不行就算了。廣告上說應徵會經過四個階段，還真長，能通過的機會可能不大吧。沒關係，有看到另一家 P 公司在公司網站寫著招募研發人員，寫的很籠統，但是我覺得很有機會，因為領域和我之前在台灣工作的公司類似，而且還寫說會一些外國語言是優勢，中文是其中一項，而他們也積極想進中文市場。我覺得在奧克蘭的所有軟體公司裡，這是我最有機會進的一家。
結果 A 公司回信，要先做一個線上的測驗，最先有邏輯測驗和數學應用題共一小時，再來性向測驗是問了七十幾題，後面還有一堆雜項比較不重要的測驗。我在家裡做，網路有時候很慢，總共花了我大概三個小時，讓我感覺其實是在考驗耐心。
之前的 Facebook 測驗根本不準，A 公司找我進行下一階段。這次，人事部門的小姐打電話給我談談，了解一下我的背景和經驗。我跟她感覺好像就是在聊天，雖然她的確問了我一些關於我之前求學、工作、甚至移民的事，我不懂他們用什麼方式來判斷通過與否，反正我就是誠懇地聊天囉。
為了準備應徵 P 公司，特地翻了以前工作的紀錄，看看自己以前做了些什麼，也研究 P 公司到底做些什麼，跟前公司有哪些類似。我修改履歷表，也花了功夫寫一篇不一樣的 cover letter ， 特別寫得比較深入，凸顯我有相關的經驗。好不容易把這亮麗的一篇寄出去。
八月初，A 公司找我進行第三階段，到了第三階段總算要進到他們的辦公室，要去當場重做第一階段的線上測驗的第一個小時的部分，避免前次是作弊通過的。考試之後要和人事部門經理面試。另一邊，P 公司也回信說去他們公司跟研發部的最高主管面試，變成我連續兩天去兩家公司面試。我認為 P 公司比較有機會，雖然後來研究一下發覺他們公司的方向和我之前公司做的很不同，幾乎像是學術研究，雖然表面都是同一個主題。不論如何，我覺得我之前的經驗比較有可能被看重，而且這家的應徵流程也直接多了。
週四在 A 公司，重新考試沒問題，跟人事部經理又是聊天，聊得更深，談了我的過去和為什麼選這個職位，他也解釋了這個公司的研發團隊大家的合作方式。週五在 P 公司，明顯得話不投機，他們找的比較像是人工智慧、data mining 方面的博士，主管她本身就是。我這個想應徵品管測試的人並不符合。嗯，你們徵才廣告沒這樣寫，所以我來了嘛。
原本覺得機會比較低的 A 公司居然繼續找我去，這次第四階段去和兩個研發部門的主管面試，先是拿一個應用軟體的畫面來模擬討論如何測試畫面上的功能，之後又是聊天，大家都好奇我為什麼應徵測試人員而不是程式開發人員，也要我說說我履歷上換了幾次的工作職位和學位。結束前也趕著問我一些好像他們面試時固定要問的問題，我只記得有問我為什麼選擇他們公司，我說離家近！哈！
到這個時候，我自己覺得我是已經表現我是有能力做測試人員，就不知道他們覺得我個性適不適合。他們每次面試都強調他們要找個性符合他們公司的人，尤其測試人員要挑出錯誤，又不要和寫程式的人員起衝突。就看他們的決定囉，我能做的都做完了。
八月中，人事部門的小姐打電話來說他們要做 reference check，要兩個推薦人。結果我又有事做了，因為我的其中一個推薦人是我碩士論文的指導教授，他出國了，年底才回來，無法電話聯絡，要再找另一個推薦人 。一番折騰後發現，副指導教授也同時出國大半年。還好在 Tessie 也要出國的幾天前，我找了 Tessie 當了我的推薦人。之前我們做中文電台上的交通安全宣導節目她是我們的隊長，所以就這樣請她幫忙。其實這可能是最好的結果，似乎他們還談了滿多，因為Tessie 很認識我所以能講得夠廣泛夠清楚，應該很有說服力，Tessie 又很會應對所以一定也都推薦優點，真的是幫了大忙！
我被錄取了，我去 A 公司上班了。
我媽留了這張紙條給我：
從七月中開始說起，看到 A 公司在人力銀行網站登了廣告，看起來還挺有趣，還說可以在Facebook 線上做個很短的性向測驗，看看你適不適合在他們公司工作。我做的結果，不適合。這什麼嘛？
不過我還是寄出正式的申請，反正不行就算了。廣告上說應徵會經過四個階段，還真長，能通過的機會可能不大吧。沒關係，有看到另一家 P 公司在公司網站寫著招募研發人員，寫的很籠統，但是我覺得很有機會，因為領域和我之前在台灣工作的公司類似，而且還寫說會一些外國語言是優勢，中文是其中一項，而他們也積極想進中文市場。我覺得在奧克蘭的所有軟體公司裡，這是我最有機會進的一家。
結果 A 公司回信，要先做一個線上的測驗，最先有邏輯測驗和數學應用題共一小時，再來性向測驗是問了七十幾題，後面還有一堆雜項比較不重要的測驗。我在家裡做，網路有時候很慢，總共花了我大概三個小時，讓我感覺其實是在考驗耐心。
之前的 Facebook 測驗根本不準，A 公司找我進行下一階段。這次，人事部門的小姐打電話給我談談，了解一下我的背景和經驗。我跟她感覺好像就是在聊天，雖然她的確問了我一些關於我之前求學、工作、甚至移民的事，我不懂他們用什麼方式來判斷通過與否，反正我就是誠懇地聊天囉。
為了準備應徵 P 公司，特地翻了以前工作的紀錄，看看自己以前做了些什麼，也研究 P 公司到底做些什麼，跟前公司有哪些類似。我修改履歷表，也花了功夫寫一篇不一樣的 cover letter ， 特別寫得比較深入，凸顯我有相關的經驗。好不容易把這亮麗的一篇寄出去。
八月初，A 公司找我進行第三階段，到了第三階段總算要進到他們的辦公室，要去當場重做第一階段的線上測驗的第一個小時的部分，避免前次是作弊通過的。考試之後要和人事部門經理面試。另一邊，P 公司也回信說去他們公司跟研發部的最高主管面試，變成我連續兩天去兩家公司面試。我認為 P 公司比較有機會，雖然後來研究一下發覺他們公司的方向和我之前公司做的很不同，幾乎像是學術研究，雖然表面都是同一個主題。不論如何，我覺得我之前的經驗比較有可能被看重，而且這家的應徵流程也直接多了。
週四在 A 公司，重新考試沒問題，跟人事部經理又是聊天，聊得更深，談了我的過去和為什麼選這個職位，他也解釋了這個公司的研發團隊大家的合作方式。週五在 P 公司，明顯得話不投機，他們找的比較像是人工智慧、data mining 方面的博士，主管她本身就是。我這個想應徵品管測試的人並不符合。嗯，你們徵才廣告沒這樣寫，所以我來了嘛。
原本覺得機會比較低的 A 公司居然繼續找我去，這次第四階段去和兩個研發部門的主管面試，先是拿一個應用軟體的畫面來模擬討論如何測試畫面上的功能，之後又是聊天，大家都好奇我為什麼應徵測試人員而不是程式開發人員，也要我說說我履歷上換了幾次的工作職位和學位。結束前也趕著問我一些好像他們面試時固定要問的問題，我只記得有問我為什麼選擇他們公司，我說離家近！哈！
到這個時候，我自己覺得我是已經表現我是有能力做測試人員，就不知道他們覺得我個性適不適合。他們每次面試都強調他們要找個性符合他們公司的人，尤其測試人員要挑出錯誤，又不要和寫程式的人員起衝突。就看他們的決定囉，我能做的都做完了。
八月中，人事部門的小姐打電話來說他們要做 reference check，要兩個推薦人。結果我又有事做了，因為我的其中一個推薦人是我碩士論文的指導教授，他出國了，年底才回來，無法電話聯絡，要再找另一個推薦人 。一番折騰後發現，副指導教授也同時出國大半年。還好在 Tessie 也要出國的幾天前，我找了 Tessie 當了我的推薦人。之前我們做中文電台上的交通安全宣導節目她是我們的隊長，所以就這樣請她幫忙。其實這可能是最好的結果，似乎他們還談了滿多，因為Tessie 很認識我所以能講得夠廣泛夠清楚，應該很有說服力，Tessie 又很會應對所以一定也都推薦優點，真的是幫了大忙！
我被錄取了，我去 A 公司上班了。
我媽留了這張紙條給我：
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Trail Running Extravaganza. Riverhead Forest
Ray and I went to a trail running event called Trail Running Extravaganza on Saturday 20th August. It was at Riverhead Forest. Ray ran the 9km medium course. I ran the 4km short course.
The trail was muddy at places. There were a few times that my feet were stuck to the mud and I had to pull them out with a lot of effort. In fact, Ray said that he once pulled his leg up and found his foot was out of the shoe and the shoe was stuck in the mud. Our shoes were covered and soaked with mud when we finished the run. [I should put a picture here. I will post it later]
The track I ran is shown on the map in this link.
It was a fun event instead of a competitive event. A theme was to dress up in 80s retro outfit. Some participants did dress up. There were a few men wearing the short shorts, not the type for running. I think they were called stubbies shorts. The runner who got the most attention was a lady who wore a vibrant two-piece. She looked great and she won the best retro outfit prize. And she ran the shortest time for all participants of the 9km course. Ray says now he doesn't believe in having the best gears. The lady is a proof that you can wear an outfit that's not designed for running and still run faster than everybody else. :)
The trail was muddy at places. There were a few times that my feet were stuck to the mud and I had to pull them out with a lot of effort. In fact, Ray said that he once pulled his leg up and found his foot was out of the shoe and the shoe was stuck in the mud. Our shoes were covered and soaked with mud when we finished the run. [I should put a picture here. I will post it later]
The track I ran is shown on the map in this link.
It was a fun event instead of a competitive event. A theme was to dress up in 80s retro outfit. Some participants did dress up. There were a few men wearing the short shorts, not the type for running. I think they were called stubbies shorts. The runner who got the most attention was a lady who wore a vibrant two-piece. She looked great and she won the best retro outfit prize. And she ran the shortest time for all participants of the 9km course. Ray says now he doesn't believe in having the best gears. The lady is a proof that you can wear an outfit that's not designed for running and still run faster than everybody else. :)
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Aotea 廣場的台灣夜市
前兩天週五週六在 Aotea Square 有個台灣的夜市。現在這些亞洲食物在奧克蘭已經比較常見，沒那麼稀奇了。週五下午去逛的時候我看到最特別的事情是居然是 Hone Harawira ，他是離開毛利黨然後自己組了 Mana 黨的那位國會議員。他穿著一件寫著 Lincoln University 的外套，在攤位區域走，看起來純粹是路過，來這邊看看。有個毛利人看到他，表情驚訝，伸出手跟他握手，講了兩句話之後 Hone 繼續前進。我去問了那個毛利人剛才那人是不是 Harawira 議員，他說就是。我還滿好奇，Harawira 常常表達強烈有民族主義的意見，一直招激進的毛利人的民意，不知道他對於這個場景有什麼感覺。廣場有個毛利名字，是歐洲人建造的，而亞洲人在上面擺攤賣飲食。
這次活動有一小區的台灣童玩，有夜市的打彈珠和射氣球，有捏麵人和扯鈴。最特別的有放了幾尊布袋戲偶，可惜沒有人表演布袋戲。
六點鐘的時候有個紐西蘭的台灣年輕人的樂團表演，一開始先唱了三首比較柔的音樂，原來是吉他手和貝斯手遲到，也許這也是表現台灣文化的一部分？團員到齊以後開始唱搖滾的歌，海角七號那首「無樂不作」。
後來晚上是跟朋友們逛到覺得天氣好冷，結果去隔壁的 Starbucks 喝一杯熱咖啡，坐著和朋友聊天。沒有遮蔽、沒有座位和要排隊會驅散我這種對吃東西很懶惰的人呀。
這次活動有一小區的台灣童玩，有夜市的打彈珠和射氣球，有捏麵人和扯鈴。最特別的有放了幾尊布袋戲偶，可惜沒有人表演布袋戲。
六點鐘的時候有個紐西蘭的台灣年輕人的樂團表演，一開始先唱了三首比較柔的音樂，原來是吉他手和貝斯手遲到，也許這也是表現台灣文化的一部分？團員到齊以後開始唱搖滾的歌，海角七號那首「無樂不作」。
後來晚上是跟朋友們逛到覺得天氣好冷，結果去隔壁的 Starbucks 喝一杯熱咖啡，坐著和朋友聊天。沒有遮蔽、沒有座位和要排隊會驅散我這種對吃東西很懶惰的人呀。
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Go Karting
I went go karting with friends on Sunday. That was my first time kart racing. The steering is different from a normal car. As Ray said, it doesn't have power steering. So it takes more effort to turn. I didn't realize that in the beginning so I bumped into the side of the track in the first lap. Another difference is that it is able to turn much more sharply than a normal car. So it's actually possible to accelerate towards a corner and turn without stepping on the brake much. And it goes faster than I expected. The outdoor extension of the track has a long straight section. I drove really fast there. It was rather bumpy to drive the kart, though.
Apparently I got my best lap time early in the race. It might be because I hadn't figured out that you need to step hard on the brake to decelerate. Also, there was once I was taken by Jest. Then I followed behind him. He was quick around the corners and I didn't manoeuvre well and I drove directly into the fence. My knee hit the kart and it hurt. After that, I drove quite cautiously for a few laps. Maybe that's why my later laps were slower.
I got third place out of six drivers. Not bad, as I don't see myself as a fast or sophisticated driver. The result showed that Jest was the fastest. Although he probably was more skillful as this was the third time he did kart racing this year, we thought he was inconsiderate/沒品 in the manner to get the win. He often bumped other people's karts. He also kept speeding and overtaking when the staff put on the yellow light to signal an incident and required the driver to slow down. Or maybe we're just sour losers :P
That was exciting and fun. However, it was expensive. Luckily we had vouchers so we paid $25 for 20 minutes of racing. The original price was $55, which we probably wouldn't have gone for it.
Apparently I got my best lap time early in the race. It might be because I hadn't figured out that you need to step hard on the brake to decelerate. Also, there was once I was taken by Jest. Then I followed behind him. He was quick around the corners and I didn't manoeuvre well and I drove directly into the fence. My knee hit the kart and it hurt. After that, I drove quite cautiously for a few laps. Maybe that's why my later laps were slower.
I got third place out of six drivers. Not bad, as I don't see myself as a fast or sophisticated driver. The result showed that Jest was the fastest. Although he probably was more skillful as this was the third time he did kart racing this year, we thought he was inconsiderate/沒品 in the manner to get the win. He often bumped other people's karts. He also kept speeding and overtaking when the staff put on the yellow light to signal an incident and required the driver to slow down. Or maybe we're just sour losers :P
That was exciting and fun. However, it was expensive. Luckily we had vouchers so we paid $25 for 20 minutes of racing. The original price was $55, which we probably wouldn't have gone for it.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Matakana Day Trip
We had a day trip in Matakana on 6 August, 2011. We went to Matakana Farmers Market in the morning.
I'm not into buying food from stalls. Nevertheless, I ate a very sugary crepe after waiting for 15 minutes or so. Then I bought a bottle of feijoa & apple juice after tasting a small glass of it. We then went into some shops selling exquisite goods. One that particularly interested me was a stationery shop. There was a man drawing a fairly large piece of paper with a pen. The lines of the drawing looks like they're printed instead of drawn. The man stopped and talked to customers when they were standing besides him and gazing at his work. I think that's quite a special job. He keeps alternating between drawing and explaining.
When we were about to leave the town centre, we walked past this sign and I suggested that people could plank there. Maybe I shouldn't mention that?
Ray got on it and a guy came out of nowhere and posed for the picture. He then told us that he'd plank another way.
After I took the photo, he crossed the road and got back in the car in the petrol station where his mate was waiting. Then they drove away. So he really came over solely for planking with Ray. hehe.
We went to Brick Bay Vineyard and had lunch there. The lunch was a few platters of 下酒菜. We had a bottle of white wine with it. I don't have a photo of that. I was hungry and I just wanted to eat. The food tasted nice but it wasn't filling. So I was light headed because of the alcohol in my still quite empty stomach.
There is a sculpture trail in the vineyard. Friends walked and I staggered (exaggeration) the trail after lunch. There were a few cute ones but not many big spectacular sculptures.
After we left the vineyard, we drove to Warkworth and had a short walk along the river. Then we went back to North Shore.
I'm not into buying food from stalls. Nevertheless, I ate a very sugary crepe after waiting for 15 minutes or so. Then I bought a bottle of feijoa & apple juice after tasting a small glass of it. We then went into some shops selling exquisite goods. One that particularly interested me was a stationery shop. There was a man drawing a fairly large piece of paper with a pen. The lines of the drawing looks like they're printed instead of drawn. The man stopped and talked to customers when they were standing besides him and gazing at his work. I think that's quite a special job. He keeps alternating between drawing and explaining.
When we were about to leave the town centre, we walked past this sign and I suggested that people could plank there. Maybe I shouldn't mention that?
Ray got on it and a guy came out of nowhere and posed for the picture. He then told us that he'd plank another way.
After I took the photo, he crossed the road and got back in the car in the petrol station where his mate was waiting. Then they drove away. So he really came over solely for planking with Ray. hehe.
We went to Brick Bay Vineyard and had lunch there. The lunch was a few platters of 下酒菜. We had a bottle of white wine with it. I don't have a photo of that. I was hungry and I just wanted to eat. The food tasted nice but it wasn't filling. So I was light headed because of the alcohol in my still quite empty stomach.
There is a sculpture trail in the vineyard. Friends walked and I staggered (exaggeration) the trail after lunch. There were a few cute ones but not many big spectacular sculptures.
 |
| Ray checks what card is at the bottom. |
After we left the vineyard, we drove to Warkworth and had a short walk along the river. Then we went back to North Shore.
Wednesday, August 03, 2011
Captain America: The First Avenger [film]
Retro, simple and enjoyable
Nice retro setting. I like the romance between the leads. It's also fun to watch Tommy Lee Jones and Stanley Tucci's characters. The story is quite simple. It's fun and enjoyable. Plenty of action with good pace. Not too fast or has too many explosions like some other movies :P
LC rates: 4 stars
看過電影才讀以下的意見
Ray 你不用去健身房了，學 Captain America 可以速成，不過你可能會長到比姚明還高。
盾牌可攻可守超好用，像迴旋鏢總會飛回來或彈回來。
二戰時期的科技比現在還進步，一堆光束槍把人瞬間炸成灰。
我其實還滿喜歡 Captain America 當藝人。(唱一首「唸你」吧)
Hugo Weaving 又演看不到臉的角色，至少這次不像 V 怪客那次完全沒露臉。
這種電影裡，科學家太容易死啦！
這種電影裡，主角的好朋友太容易死啦！自從好朋友再度出現，我就擔心他撐不到結局，果然提早收工。
結局是法櫃奇兵？
Captain America 硬闖正門與一堆敵人纏鬥被捉住，結果隊友用繩索輕鬆破窗而入？
Captain America 到處硬闖，堡壘、基地、飛機都蠻力攻進去。
LC rates: 4 stars
看過電影才讀以下的意見
Ray 你不用去健身房了，學 Captain America 可以速成，不過你可能會長到比姚明還高。
盾牌可攻可守超好用，像迴旋鏢總會飛回來或彈回來。
二戰時期的科技比現在還進步，一堆光束槍把人瞬間炸成灰。
我其實還滿喜歡 Captain America 當藝人。(唱一首「唸你」吧)
Hugo Weaving 又演看不到臉的角色，至少這次不像 V 怪客那次完全沒露臉。
這種電影裡，科學家太容易死啦！
這種電影裡，主角的好朋友太容易死啦！自從好朋友再度出現，我就擔心他撐不到結局，果然提早收工。
結局是法櫃奇兵？
Captain America 硬闖正門與一堆敵人纏鬥被捉住，結果隊友用繩索輕鬆破窗而入？
Captain America 到處硬闖，堡壘、基地、飛機都蠻力攻進去。
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Squash, Food, Coffee
OK, I blog it with a bit of the style of twitter/microblogging, and some location "check-ins".
Played squash at the National Squash Centre in Unitec. I'd only played twice before in UoA and that was years ago. It's a much quicker game than I remembered. It was good that there were 5 of us so we could take turns to rest. Maybe I just hadn't played a racquet sport for sometime so I wasn't used to quick bursts of movement.
Dinner at Canton Cafe in Kingsland. It's an old restaurant but it's the only time I've been there. Several dishes tasted quite similar. The portion was quite large and filling. Good for ending the hunger after the squash game.
Had a flat white at Circus Circus in Mt Eden. A cosy place.
Played squash at the National Squash Centre in Unitec. I'd only played twice before in UoA and that was years ago. It's a much quicker game than I remembered. It was good that there were 5 of us so we could take turns to rest. Maybe I just hadn't played a racquet sport for sometime so I wasn't used to quick bursts of movement.
Dinner at Canton Cafe in Kingsland. It's an old restaurant but it's the only time I've been there. Several dishes tasted quite similar. The portion was quite large and filling. Good for ending the hunger after the squash game.
Had a flat white at Circus Circus in Mt Eden. A cosy place.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Notes
AA Traffic - Roadwatch
http://maps.aa.co.nz/traffic/roadwatch
Map with information on congestion, incidents, roadworks etc.
Mapnificent. Auckland
http://www.mapnificent.net/auckland/
A map to estimate how far you can go by public transport within a certain time.
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Txt a phone number to 300 to find out whether the number is on the same network. It's a free service. This works on 2degrees and Vodafone NZ. Not sure about Telecom. Numbers can be ported between networks nowadays so the 021 or 022 prefixes don't always match the networks.
http://maps.aa.co.nz/traffic/roadwatch
Map with information on congestion, incidents, roadworks etc.
Mapnificent. Auckland
http://www.mapnificent.net/auckland/
A map to estimate how far you can go by public transport within a certain time.
----
Txt a phone number to 300 to find out whether the number is on the same network. It's a free service. This works on 2degrees and Vodafone NZ. Not sure about Telecom. Numbers can be ported between networks nowadays so the 021 or 022 prefixes don't always match the networks.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
The Reluctant Infidel [film]
The Reluctant Infidel (在有些地區命名為 The Infidel) 是個有關宗教、種族的英國喜劇片。好像不算主流電影，在播藝術電影的戲院才有放映。
電影演一個中年男子是不怎麼虔誠的回教徒，有一天他發現自己是被收養的，而且自己的生父母是猶太人！身份錯亂。一方面想學著當猶太人去見生父；另一方面兒子要結婚，他要表現成虔誠的回教徒給基本教義派的親家公看。
整片一直在搞笑。我自己是覺得比較淺的身份混亂的橋段滿好笑的。可惜的是我對回教和猶太教不熟悉，有一些跟這兩個宗教相關的特定符號和刻板印象的笑點我就不太懂了。
LC rates: 3 stars
電影演一個中年男子是不怎麼虔誠的回教徒，有一天他發現自己是被收養的，而且自己的生父母是猶太人！身份錯亂。一方面想學著當猶太人去見生父；另一方面兒子要結婚，他要表現成虔誠的回教徒給基本教義派的親家公看。
整片一直在搞笑。我自己是覺得比較淺的身份混亂的橋段滿好笑的。可惜的是我對回教和猶太教不熟悉，有一些跟這兩個宗教相關的特定符號和刻板印象的笑點我就不太懂了。
LC rates: 3 stars
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 2) [film]
Finally it all ends
After a somewhat slow part 1, part 2 is very eventful just like it is in the book. A lot of things happen. Hogwarts turns into a battleground. People die, probably more than you expect from a "children's book". Secrets are revealed. It's hectic. I guess non-fans probably don't understand bits and pieces in this fast-paced finale. Nevertheless, it's a satisfying conclusion to the film series.
Again, the strong element of the film is that it visually presents the magical world. There's the shield they weave around Hogwart, the deep vault of Gringott, the hidden storage room, and the battle between the good and the evil.
Finding the Horcruxes are relatively easy to understand. Interestingly, Harry has the ability to hear and sense the Horcruxes when he's near them. He doesn't have that ability in the book. In the original story, Dumbledore told Harry the objects that were likely to be Horcruxes.
The fights between Harry and Voldemort are harder to understand. The outcome is clear. But it's hard to explain what exactly happens and why.
The film adaptation and the books
Maybe the Harry Potter story as a whole is unsuitable to be adapted as eight 2-hour films. Maybe a 60-hour TV series would be better ;-) In the film series, a lot of the backstories are absent. The books have more stories about the older generation, including Harry's parents, Sirius and Remus. Voldemort's upbringing is detailed in Half-Blooded Prince. And we learn about Dumbledore's less honourable past in Deathly Hallows. The person who gets the most backstory explained in the films is Snape.
Some themes and emotional struggles that I really enjoy in the books are not shown in the films, either. There simply isn't room for that. It's also harder to present those visually than the writing Harry's thoughts in precise words. There is the theme of race relations between wizards, muggles, (house) elves, goblins, giants and creatures in the Dark Forest. Some are mentioned in the movies but most are not deeply explored. In Half-Blooded Prince, Dumbledore's lessons to Harry includes an element to mentally prepare Harry to voluntarily fight against Voldemort. I was really impacted by that part when I read it, but it was left out of the movie. Those are some of the good parts of the story in my opinion. You have to read the books to find them, though.
Random talk
- The basilisk's teeth are so handy.
- Neville with a sword is pretty helpful too.
- A good question from my friend: Why is the Room of Requirements full of old furniture?
- I like the scene with the fire in the Room of Requirements.
- Bellatrix's final duel looked too short. She was the second biggest villain but it didn't feel like a big thing.
- Who are those people that are on the evil side but are not Death Eaters?
- FYI. Luna and Neville are not a couple. I think that's what Rowling said.
- It's the end!
- Where's Dudley?
LC rates: 4 stars
After a somewhat slow part 1, part 2 is very eventful just like it is in the book. A lot of things happen. Hogwarts turns into a battleground. People die, probably more than you expect from a "children's book". Secrets are revealed. It's hectic. I guess non-fans probably don't understand bits and pieces in this fast-paced finale. Nevertheless, it's a satisfying conclusion to the film series.
Again, the strong element of the film is that it visually presents the magical world. There's the shield they weave around Hogwart, the deep vault of Gringott, the hidden storage room, and the battle between the good and the evil.
Finding the Horcruxes are relatively easy to understand. Interestingly, Harry has the ability to hear and sense the Horcruxes when he's near them. He doesn't have that ability in the book. In the original story, Dumbledore told Harry the objects that were likely to be Horcruxes.
The fights between Harry and Voldemort are harder to understand. The outcome is clear. But it's hard to explain what exactly happens and why.
The film adaptation and the books
Maybe the Harry Potter story as a whole is unsuitable to be adapted as eight 2-hour films. Maybe a 60-hour TV series would be better ;-) In the film series, a lot of the backstories are absent. The books have more stories about the older generation, including Harry's parents, Sirius and Remus. Voldemort's upbringing is detailed in Half-Blooded Prince. And we learn about Dumbledore's less honourable past in Deathly Hallows. The person who gets the most backstory explained in the films is Snape.
Some themes and emotional struggles that I really enjoy in the books are not shown in the films, either. There simply isn't room for that. It's also harder to present those visually than the writing Harry's thoughts in precise words. There is the theme of race relations between wizards, muggles, (house) elves, goblins, giants and creatures in the Dark Forest. Some are mentioned in the movies but most are not deeply explored. In Half-Blooded Prince, Dumbledore's lessons to Harry includes an element to mentally prepare Harry to voluntarily fight against Voldemort. I was really impacted by that part when I read it, but it was left out of the movie. Those are some of the good parts of the story in my opinion. You have to read the books to find them, though.
Random talk
- The basilisk's teeth are so handy.
- Neville with a sword is pretty helpful too.
- A good question from my friend: Why is the Room of Requirements full of old furniture?
- I like the scene with the fire in the Room of Requirements.
- Bellatrix's final duel looked too short. She was the second biggest villain but it didn't feel like a big thing.
- Who are those people that are on the evil side but are not Death Eaters?
- FYI. Luna and Neville are not a couple. I think that's what Rowling said.
- It's the end!
- Where's Dudley?
LC rates: 4 stars
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1) [film]
I read the book and felt that the first half of the 7th book was rather slow. I'd hoped that they put more stuff in the part 1 film but they didn't. So the film has the same feeling of "I see them going to places but they don't seem to get anywhere".
I don't think anybody who hasn't watched the previous movies can understand what's going on in this movie. In fact, I wonder if people who haven't read the book would enjoy it.
The Good:
It visually present the world of magic. It's more vivid than reading.
The Bad:
Even though it's more than 2 hours long and it only deals with the first half of the book, it still feels it's compressed. I guess it's because the book is complicated in the first place. So the story is very condensed.
There are so many rules, spells, and objects in the magical world that are unusual to us. It is hard to understand everything that happens unless you've read the book thoroughly or you have really good memory and watched all the previous films carefully.
And then by the end, it feels unfinished. Because it is really setting up for part 2.
The WTF moment:
Harry and Hermione dancing in the tent… What was that about? No, it isn't in the book.
LC rates: 2 stars
I don't think anybody who hasn't watched the previous movies can understand what's going on in this movie. In fact, I wonder if people who haven't read the book would enjoy it.
The Good:
It visually present the world of magic. It's more vivid than reading.
The Bad:
Even though it's more than 2 hours long and it only deals with the first half of the book, it still feels it's compressed. I guess it's because the book is complicated in the first place. So the story is very condensed.
There are so many rules, spells, and objects in the magical world that are unusual to us. It is hard to understand everything that happens unless you've read the book thoroughly or you have really good memory and watched all the previous films carefully.
And then by the end, it feels unfinished. Because it is really setting up for part 2.
The WTF moment:
Harry and Hermione dancing in the tent… What was that about? No, it isn't in the book.
LC rates: 2 stars
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Cube [film]
Most people probably have never heard of the film Cube. I read its synopsis many years ago and I was interested. It's like this. Six people wake up and find themselves in a giant maze. The maze consists of many interconnecting rooms. Each room is a cube that has a door on each of the six faces. The doors lead to other rooms. The trapped people include a policeman, a doctor and a mathematics student, etc. They have to cooperate to find a way out. They also have to avoid the death traps in some rooms and try to keep their head cool. Yup, that looks like a geeky sci-fi movie that has some brainwork involved.
It's not a mainstream film so I don't see it on TV or see it mentioned. Surprisingly, I saw the sequel of Cube on TV in Taiwan. The sequel "Cube 2: Hypercube" is one of the worst films I've ever watched. It makes no sense at all. I easily give it my lowest rating: 0 star.
Anyway, I rented the original Cube movie and see if it satisfies my geeky curiosity. Although I'm not a fan after watching it, I find it engaging and interesting. The puzzle solving is geeky enough. The mathematics make sense (I think) and the correct decoding can lead them a escape route. The characters also surprise me when they reveal their hidden sides over time.
I am disappointed of the ending, though. It comes out of nowhere. I feel the twist is just there to make it more shocking. However, I feel that the story is less believable because of it.
LC rates: 3 stars
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A note on Cube 2: The original Cube focuses on figuring out how to escape and the conflicts between the trapped people. Cube 2 focuses on presenting unusual rooms and death traps. The puzzle has no significance and makes no sense even when the story ends. It just kills people again and again. The movie is so terrible and disappointing that I'll always remember it.
Films with numbers in the title
I've written my thoughts on Super 8, District 9, and 500 Days of Summer. I was going to write about 3 Idiots next but I haven't watched it. Never mind. I'll just break the streak of films with numbers in the title and talk about what I've watched.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Salesperson at My Door
A salesperson came to my door recently. I've got some thoughts as I reflect on this event:
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Originally I wrote out what the salesperson was selling in detail. Then I thought it wasn't necessary. So I put it here as an "appendix". So I don't throw away my writing… :P (Although a lesson from Project Runway is that editing is critical.)
A salesperson came to my door recently. He first told me that Vodafone has upgraded the lines in this neighbourhood and they'll upgrade our modem. This confused me. We didn't use Vodafone for our ADSL Internet. Anyway, he tried to sell me a Vodafone Internet plan. He kept emphasizing the new modem. That rubbed me the wrong way. He wanted me to sign up right that moment. I told him that Orcon had a cheaper deal for the same data cap. Then he said if I wanted to sign up Orcon, he can do it too. He doesn't represent just one Internet company. Apparently he can get customers for a variety of companies. What?! It was weird.
Anyway, he kept trying to make me sign up something. I got irritated after 15 minutes or so. I was just about to go out when he came to our door. I told him that I can get all these information myself. I haven't made a decision to switch ISP. I don't want somebody to come to my door and push me to make a decision this moment.
Eventually we settled on that I'd think about it for a day. He would come back the next day. But he didn't.
- Several times after I refused him, he asked me "what's your concern?", "what's on your mind?" I think that's a pretty good sales tactic. Whatever I say, he can then respond to my answer and suggest why his service is better.
- On the other hand, I probably should answer as little as possible. Maybe just say I'm happy with what we use now.
- I stayed firm and didn't succumb to pressure. I told him that I can get all these information myself. I haven't made a decision to switch ISP. I don't want somebody to come to my door and push me to make a decision this moment. Good on me. 我好欺負可是我更摳，不要來叫我付錢。
- Mum answered the door first and she let him took a step inside the door. That made it a bit more difficult to make him leave. Otherwise I'd just shut the door.
- It's a pity that I wasn't rude to him. I should learn some swear words that I can yell out but won't get me sued. It's a chance to direct all my anger in life towards the guy without feeling guilty. :P
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Originally I wrote out what the salesperson was selling in detail. Then I thought it wasn't necessary. So I put it here as an "appendix". So I don't throw away my writing… :P (Although a lesson from Project Runway is that editing is critical.)
A salesperson came to my door recently. He first told me that Vodafone has upgraded the lines in this neighbourhood and they'll upgrade our modem. This confused me. We didn't use Vodafone for our ADSL Internet. Anyway, he tried to sell me a Vodafone Internet plan. He kept emphasizing the new modem. That rubbed me the wrong way. He wanted me to sign up right that moment. I told him that Orcon had a cheaper deal for the same data cap. Then he said if I wanted to sign up Orcon, he can do it too. He doesn't represent just one Internet company. Apparently he can get customers for a variety of companies. What?! It was weird.
Anyway, he kept trying to make me sign up something. I got irritated after 15 minutes or so. I was just about to go out when he came to our door. I told him that I can get all these information myself. I haven't made a decision to switch ISP. I don't want somebody to come to my door and push me to make a decision this moment.
Eventually we settled on that I'd think about it for a day. He would come back the next day. But he didn't.
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