Kid's Programming Language

Pong once asked me how he can create games for people to play (e.g. those online ones)? Errr... Frankly, I don't know how to do it exactly but I told him it'll definitely be useful to pick up some programming knowledge first, then progress from there.

So when it comes to deciding which one to learn... oops! Which one?
VBA for Excel? -- Useful but uh, not good for developing games.
C? -- Probably simple enough to pick up the basics.
VC++? -- Too difficult.
Actually, I ponder over VB and Java.
Hmm... *headache*... and how can you make them interesting to learn?

BUT frankly, the 'serious' books I own really have no attention-grabbing "projects" inside which can generate interest in kids. The thickness and tons of words are sufficient to put them off (that's why he never touch my programming books). Also, experience tells me that one will usually not attempt to pick up a programming language unless you have a use for it.

I found the Kid's Programming Language (KPL) just now... It says:

KPL makes it easy for kids to learn computer programming. KPL makes it fun, too, by making it especially easy to program computer games, with cool graphics and sound. The emphasis on games is based on the belief that learning is best when learning is fun...

WOW! LOOKS LIKE THE PERFECT CHOICE!
What's more, it is available for free!
You just need to have a computer running Microsoft Windows.

I looked through the documentation briefly (it's still in its early stages btw) - it shouldn't be too difficult to pick up for Pong. But it's difficult to tell since I've programming background. As for user-friendliness of GUI, ease to program, its learning curve for kids, its limitations, bugs, etc... I'll evaluate and comment after Pong put his hands on it.

But still, well done to the KPL developers for coming up with something like this. I'm sure it'll be a hit soon. Seriously, I'm looking forward to KPL v2. Why? Because it includes a "wrapper" around the new DirectX code which allows KPL-easy 3D programming. Cool... hmm, some how I'm attracted even though I'm a Kid no more.

Amazing... This is a 3D scene, including an avatar that can move, turn, jump, climb and fly. The scene includes 3 explorable castle models. And it all works with 130 or so simple KPL instructions.

Hmm, it never crossed my mind that I could one day be developing my own 3D game...

Logic9 no more...

Deadline over...
how on earth did it register in my mind that the deadline is today?


Deadline (28th May) + 2 days extension when it should be
Deadline (26th May) + 2 days extension... so was it this?!


By the way, did I tell you that my timing was reset because of the stupid 00:00:00 timer bug?


Also good lah, this few days I'm too "brain-drained"... discussion after discussion... patience-testing discussions btw... especially 'testing' on top of PMS. Urgh!

L.O.S.T.

Initially I'm clear...
After the discussion...











HELP!!! I AM LOST...

L.A.M.E.

I find the two NUS Business Sch's commercials (Commercial 1 & Commercial 2) very lame.

I wonder who are the ones behind these.

***

The politics Ch** siblings are requesting for donations to support their legal defence.
Funnie, really funnie lor...
You get into deep shit and you wanted us to donate $ to help?
Help you create more mess & trouble?
Just don't be a smart-a**, stay out of trouble - or better still, just stay out of politics.

***

Just now, a kiasu lady was standing so very close behind me until my normal action of putting down my left hand is enough to spill some of the milo in her cup. (I emphasized 'normal' because my elbow was not even jutted out... not sure if you understood. Never mind.). Sometimes I don't even feel like apologising for something like this. I felt like she was the one who bumped into me and not the other way round. Not sure why, I still said "sorry" (it just went out like a SOP). I was just wondering why people can't wait patiently for their turn in the queue... (imagine those mrt commuters when the train arrives). The best part is... she "TSK" at me some more... I can't believe it !?! If it's a car accident, it's the behind who's at fault lor... you didn't break mah, follow so close for what?

Weekend plans...

I haven't been since the spots worsen.
Cos the skin specialist said sweat will definitely make it more itchy.

And I missed too...

And my hair is getting frizzier each day...
Not so jialat like the pic but I buay tahan liao.

I wanted to go for rebonding
... to get the fuss-free straightness that I like. ;p

Kaaboom

Kaaboom… Kaaboom…

The two side-by-side volcanoes erupted violently this morning,
spewing endless “smoke and black ashes” at each other.
A volcanologist has, beforehand, commented in a blog post about a possible eruption,
though the degree of explosion is way beyond expectation.
The magma formed over time beneath is too viscous for gases to escape easily.
The pressure built-up, as a result, becomes too great.

Major destruction done.
Really jialat. How?

Will that place have its 'peace' restored anytime soon?
Will that place be the same again or will it cease to exist?

Btw, some of those involved are at a complete loss at the drastic turn of event.
What should they do? Haiz...

Sometimes, the safest place can also be dangerous...

Don't Assume...

Don't ASSUME...
For you may make an ASS out of U and ME

Crappy

You know you are in a crappy mood when

• Someone greeted you with a cheerful "Good Morning" and you wished you could reply "What's so good about it?"


• Someone said "嘿, 你好！" and you almost wanted to blurt out "你又怎么知道我好？"


• Someone asked "怎么样了？" and you just return "这样咯！"


• Someone called you "Eh" (sounded like the alphabet 'A') and you conveniently correct them right there and then "叫我 B"


• etc...

When I'm crappy...
I just try to minimize talking...
Or schedule brain.exe to execute before mouth.exe...
That way, it's 'safer'.

What's the fuss... oops!

[TODAYonline // Voices // Thursday, February 9, 2006]
Cycling track or obstacle course?
Pedestrian bridges along park connector give cyclists a back-breaking experience

Letter from Elke Eskes-Frey

I grew up in an environmentally-conscious nation where people cycle not only to exercise, but also to commute and save energy — even if they have two cars at home. So, perhaps I was spoilt to think that I have rights on the road as a cyclist.

I don't cycle here because of drivers who hoot or push me off the road. I tried in the beginning, but soon found that I am too exposed to the risk of sudden death on the street, and am barely tolerated on the sidewalk. Until recently, I had not found any cycle track outside a park, which made it impossible to cycle with pleasure from one point to another.

But then, a stroke of luck: I picked up a map that informed me of the Government's plan to build a park connector network that will span over 300km once completed for
pedestrians and cyclists alike.

I dusted off my bike and went to explore the already-completed Kallang and Whampoa connector. I could see myself riding, long hair blowing in the wind, along parks and canals.

But I ended up finding myself carrying the bike on my back, up and down one pedestrian bridge after another, finally reaching the Toa Payoh bridge with its six flights of stairs (or was it only five?).

My hair got covered in sweat and car fumes and could not even dry out in the short cycling stretches between the crossings.

Don't get me wrong — the ride was fun and educational. I learned about the concept of having numerous "No riding on bicycle" or "Get off bicycle" signs on a cycle track!

And I now know that Singapore's new park connector "caters to cyclists who prefer longer distances" — and especially to those who prefer carrying their beloved bike around for even longer ones.

******************
Happened to see this article again...
Having gone through the "obstacles" course once...
Now I know why I shouldn't have thought about this back then...
"What's the fuss... only a few bridges..."

The "tiny mouse" on my right upper arm almost wanted to go on strike on the way back.
Yo... you know what...
Our gahmen is thoughtful... just wanted to help us exercise our arms in the process.
My foot!... (... ask for better pedals for improved traction).

******************

《蓝石头》-几米 The Blue Stone

A new 'member' of my 几米's collection...

Nice... ;p


话说几米这次的石头是蓝色的
或许一般人对蓝色的印象是忧伤，是冷淡...
如果你心中若可以有一个放置石头的位置
这颗石头想是什么色彩呢?

Hopefully

The adopted approach is just not right.

I knew it. He didn't recognised it. So I couldn't help it.

Somewhat trapped in his encircling ideas that he called our own.

It slowed things down to the point of waning progress.

These ideas, unfortunately, are beautiful in the eyes of only a handful of beholders.

Now godsend assistance, so they say, unfolded before us, albeit for only three months.

Not sure how true. I choose to believe.

Something probably could be done to create the miracles that we badly needed.

Well...




------------------------------
Unconsciously, multiple blind spots were not taken
care of and these created great opportunities for
enemy’s ambush in the upcoming war(s), if any.
------------------------------

Wanted to catch these...

Contemplating a movie marathon...

See what Xian got for me...

I felt so pampered... ;p

Disgusting sounds...

Nowadays it’s hard to pass a day at my workplace without hearing grossly distinctive trademark throat clearing sounds 'broadcasted' by a Cheena guy even with my earphones on.

*Vic & I used to stared at each other in disbelief*

It’s roaring loud.

Sickening habit.

Undoubtedly disgusting.

Logic 9 Competition...

My best timing is 00:00:00?!?
This is really the world's BEST timing which no one can achieve,

not to even mention anyone beating it!

SO... see u at the finals!!!


The previous sentence is a joke.

What a joke, really!

Imagine the frustration.
You worked it out and keyed in frantically only to find the timer flawed...

^#@%~
How come such bugs always happen to me?!?

Emailed them... now waiting for a reply!

Anyway, my other timing is also terrible (8min 11sec) which is why I am a little "bu shuang" that a possibly better timing for Game 2 is NOT REGISTERED!!!

I doubt I'll be anywhere close to being at the top.

My friend cM also "bu shuang" that the page just "jump started" just like that.

He was the one who warned me about this.

Should have provided a start button or a start page (so can have some 心理准备) mah...

The cosmetic upgrade

Before...

After...

A fantastic transformation - quite in accordance to my "plan".
The sparkling fresh coat of paint coupled with my selected color scheme works wonder at injecting a lively, seductive aesthetical glow to my originally boring walls. A touch of cool and calming french blue with a tinge of feminine charming orchid white. I dare say my bedroom is the nicest. ;p

He's back...

The plane should have landed...

Referral

Stupid itchy spots that makes my life a chore...
Actually I don't think it's that serious...
It just doesn't go away soon enuf.
This being the 4th week.
Sianz.


The previous cockanaden doc told me confidently that it's heat rash...
What the hack!

New coat of paint

Yup, currently my house (both interior and exterior) is still in a midst of colour mess. Not only this, the whole house is stinked with the unpleasant paint odour which unfortunately is not a thing of the past cos' the "painting uncles" say Nippon's Odourless Paint would not look nice on the rough/uneven walls of my house. Alas, even Nippon's Medifresh Paint is unsuitable...

Usually I never bother with colour selection cos' like the GE2006, I either have no choice (just like a walkover) or few choice (equivalent to not much anyway):
MCQ: Which colour would you like for all four sides of your room?
1. rose white
2. orchid white
3. iris white
4. apple white
This is... until Picarchew & Xi convinced my parents that they should grab this opportunity to do a colour overhaul to make the whole house more attractive and lively. See... with relevant experience, you have more weights in what you say.

Hehe, must thank them cos now I can change my room colour liao... hooray! But with choices come headache too... A suggests green, B suggests purple... HOW? I dropped Green cos it makes my room too much like those of one of our minority... Hmm, anyway... I did a few visualizations...

Actually purple angel and fresh blue combi both looks quite okay...

but I choose to go with French Blue...

My room should look smth like this bah...

RING RING...

I heard the doreamon ringtone... he's safe in L.A. liao.
Freaking expensive - so had to 'chop-chop' end call.


How I wish I could lug my luggage and tag along
*dreaming*

Pest in my lab

Help me!!! I can’t believe it…
There goes an irritant and here comes a pest.
Urgh! Why do I have such people in my lab?

A boring week ahead...

Got Xian a deuter 35L backpack and a thermal fit Nike jacket...

Xian is currently on his way to Los Angeles in SQ30...
On his way to meetings, presentations, lab tests... yucks!
On his way to jumbo-sized food, most expensive item on the menu (paid by co.), Disneyland... hooray!

kekek, wondering what he will get for me? ;p

My take on GE2006

A piece from the papers... contributed by Qurioz

I recommend this book for some...

Niceties...

C&J got me a cute pooh hp strap and some earrings from HK Disneyland...

… but eh, I’ve don’t wear earrings… kekek ;p

Before that, I also received nice little clay dolls from uncle-aunty, and also a little coin pouch from QC. Both items from China.

Virtual Cemetery

In memory of Snake She

What happened?
Good question... I also don't know.
Not my pet... I'm just another passer-by... on one of my cycling trip to Punggol.


Xian cycled by without noticing anything - the "cock-eye cyclist"... hahah ;p
Pong saw it... "eh... eh... got..."... nothing came out and all I know is that he just braked all of a sudden.
Me... jammed brake lor...

Initially we thought it was Xian... (o.mi.tuo.fo.)

but on closer look, we saw the housefly and ants...

We saw it, examined it, took photos, not sure what to do with it, and like a true blue bochap mind-my-own-biz Sinkaporen, we left it there intact.

Oops! Poor thing lor... no proper burial.

But since it has somewhat "crossed my path", I shall help to "bury" it online instead.

2.38% p.a. Savings Account Lobang

I thought maybe I'll share with you a lobang that KY shared with me last night:

With Maybank's iSAVvy Savings Account (personal or joint), you get to enjoy 2.38%* p.a. PLUS 6%** interest-on-interest every 6 months that you normally associate with time deposits.
If you can't afford to put ur savings into fixed deposits for one reason or another, this may be suitable for you!

Eligibility
Be at least 16 years of age
Place a minimum initial deposit of S$10 to open an acct.

ANY CATCH???
Not that I know of but you need to take note of the following:
1. Account balance(s) must be S$5,000 and above for 2.38% to apply.
2. This is an online savings account - this means no passbook, no statement of accounts sent to you, and no cheque books provided... everything performed through ATM / ATM MasterCard Electronic card / online banking (records of 60 days' transaction history).
3. There will be a charge of S$5 per deposit for cash deposit or transfer of funds from another account via the Branch counter. This charge is waived for the first deposit on account opening.
4. A service fee of S$15 per withdrawal is chargeable for withdrawals from your iSAVvy Savings Account over the counter.
5. Making a balance enquiry of your iSAVvy Savings Account over the counter is also chargeable at S$5 per balance enquiry.
6. Closure of account within 6 months of the account opening date is subject to an additional administration charge of S$30.
7. S$2 service fee will be levied for each overseas ATM cash withdrawal transaction.
8. Should the average daily balance of the account fall below S$500, a monthly minimum balance fee of S$2 shall apply.
9. Last most important note: This 2.38% rate is applicable until further notice... until when? NOBODY KNOWS. So act now if you are interested.

FYI: If your iSAVvy Savings Account has S$0 balance for 30 days, then your account will be automatically closed. (Get it?)

For more info: Click here

* Rate is applicable to account balance(s) of S$5,000 and above for new and existing iSAVvy Savings Account(s) until further notice. Interest payable on account balance(s) of S$4,999 and below shall be based on the lowest tier of the prevailing Savings Account interest rate. Rates are subject to change. Terms and conditions apply.

** Eligibility for interest-on-interest is based on maintaining an average monthly balance of S$5,000 over a 6-month period, starting from the second month of account opening.

da chang jin (Dae Jang Geum) related links...

While I love to watch da chang jin (aka Jewel in the Palace), I don't crave for anything of it off tv... but since I have the links... this is for all the da chang jin fanatics out there:

Wallpapers

• showwallpaper.com (total 4 pages) - contains official wallpapers from imbc.com and other sites

• For the animation jang geum version, click here

Others

• TRAVEL: More about the filming locations

• GAME: Here's the link to play spot the difference game for the animation dae jang geum.

• VIDEOS: Still can't get enough of dae jang geum, find interview clips, NGs, award ceremony, scenes, etc. at youtube.com.

• LYRICS OF THEME SONG: Wondering what the lyrics in Onara song meant? What about these: (i) Pangarap na Bituin [The Dream Star] (by Faith Cuneta) - Theme song as sung in the Philippines; (ii) 希望 (Hope) - TVB Cantonese Version sang by Kelly Chan; (iii) ALIPIN (SLAVE)- Shamrock; (iv) Hamangyeon... you can find them all in wikipedia.

Well, that's about all... enjoy!

Do you know/notice/realize...

• Do you know that there is an Election Expenses Limit imposed to ensure level playing field between candidates?
• Ever notice that the ruling party's posters are always above those of the oppositions' (okie, at least that's what I observe so far)?
• Do you realize that the ruling party's posters are almost always placed around the traffic/road signs height?

"Siao" abt cycling

Which is nicer (left or right)?

Last Sunday, we went from Semb to East Coast Park (ECP) and back home – a total of about 54km (not far lah). So yup, the above was taken when we reached ECP ard 9.15am.

Hmm, I saw in an alumni email circular that there will be a night cycling coming up soon… but I think it's NOT FREE. Hmm, and why should I pay to cycle leh?