October 2005 - Posts
I had to say bye bye to my MacOS skin that decorated my IBM laptop. Everytime I reboot my laptop, it always fails to boot on the first attempt, and after a second attempt, I need to wait for the harddisk indicator to stop blinking before I can login. Logging in is also a test of my patience, as the processor struggles to load all kinds of software that I play with. Starting a VM almost certainly causes the "out of memory" message to appear, even though I have 1GB of ram installed. I actually intended to reformat only when Vista is launched next year, but patience got the better of me.
Over the weekend, I finally formatted my harddisk. Cleared of the clutter, bootting up is much faster now. Microsoft also published VS 2005 and SQL 2005 in the MSDN Library, which I had gladly installed. Previously, I had problems installing VS 2005 because of the way I organise my file structure, which the product team had promised to fix. Now, I'm ready for the new wave! And what better time to be ready as SgDotNet members are preparing to present on WinFS and Windows Workflow Foundation! Interested? Register here!
Some of you already know that I'm planning to make the biggest purchase of my life, a HDB flat. I've got a queue number from a ballotting exercise. Initially I was pretty disappointed, as there were 348 flats available, and my queue number was 355. My mom encouraged me to just trust in the Lord, as the corner flat (hot favorate in SG) was not because my family was in a position to choose, but rather a family backed out from the deal, and we got it. My girlfriend also encouraged me that it wasn't that bad, since there were 1600+ applications received. The location was perfect, with direct bus to church, close to work, and in the middle of my parent's place and her parent's place. Slowly but surely, I surrendered this part of my life to God.
As I am already shopping around to look at Interior Designs and furnishing, something in the church's bulletin. I'm quoting this here because Pastor's writeup is updated weekly.
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True riches are promised to those who are faithful to the task of managing unrighteous mammon or otherwise called worldly wealth, according to the Master’s approval. God requires of us to watch over His concerns. The unjust servant in Luke 16 was wasting his master’s goods, and he was even shrewd to provide himself a home to visit if he should be found out. Jesus commended him for the acts of mercy to make himself friends, and Jesus said the sons of light should practice, but he was not commended for the bad management and the wasting of the goods.
What is good management of earthly wealth? It is when you know the Lord approves of how it is being used and is not wasted. Quoting an expression often in use, “Why do you waste money on that?” read in Isaiah 55 as, “Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy?” Our reply could be, “I like it”, “I want it” or “I deserve it”. What is the satisfaction - A day? Two days? A joy short lived before you start looking to something else to thrill your senses. Have you considered if the Lord approves?
The final judgement given to the steward is that he can no longer be steward anymore, and the authority is removed from him. Jesus is speaking concerning true riches that He wants to entrust to us. The test to qualify is based on stewardship of the unrighteous mammon and also of what belongs to another man’s, not your own. How often have we veered off by focusing on “the much” alone, on the prosperity, on the blessing? Whereas the qualification Jesus requires is for us to practice faithful not unjust stewardship even in the little. Whether it’s our money or another man’s, there’s no escaping! None will be exempted, we are judged as individual stewards of our households and also as stewards in the corporate household.
Are we going to miss out on the true riches because we have been unfaithful? Jesus speaks of the deceitfulness of riches, A subtle influence that riches has, it speaks and appeals to you how it wants to be used. God wants to give us true riches of His glory to fill vessels of mercy (Rom 9:23). Along with these uncertain times, where any calamity can strike, our trust is not to be in uncertain riches. A calamity deemed “an act of God” will not obtain you an insurance payout. Shakings are taking place all over this earth, and where is your promise of true riches? Will He trust you with true riches?
Pastor Daphne Yang
As SgDotNet is preparing to host the November's gathering, one of the topics her members would be presenting is Windows Workflow Foundation. I was reading some of the office blogger's blogs during my own mini break from coding, I found this that might be useful to pick up WWF.
Will be looking at it soon. Lots of things to learn, soooooo little time...
I was trying to retrieve the list of documents and their properties from document libraries using the List webservices in SharePoint. For default document libraries, I can retrieve those properties easily. But because I'm building a migration tool, I need to make sure that customisation made to the document libraries is migrated over as well. So I went to create custom two columns, a string column and a number column. Yet, when I examine the xml returned by the list webservice, those new custom columns do not appear. Hmm, in caml, you can specify which field you want to select, much like what you can do in your select statement in sql, so I went to specify all the fields. Still, those custom columns don't appear in the xml file.
Keep thinking and thinking, and I just try and put some values into one of the columns and test the program again, and one of the column for that particular item appears. Something to note...
Check it out here. No more travelling, but not in his condition man.. :)
(Though I hope business travel can still continue... Maybe I should secretly hope that the technology will fail... ;p)
I was reminded about this brain teaser I heard in Secondary School on 22 October, during Sunday Service. I can't remember the exact question. Could be "How do you fill a dark room with 10 dollars?", but basically "How do you fill a dark room. Give some thoughts to it before reading on.
Got the answer? Well, just light a candle, and the light will fill the room. And the Lord used this to speak to me. A Christian on fire defeats the darkness of the world, but a Christian whose fire is put out is adding to the darkness… With the smoke that he is producing.
But what about a room with furniture? A candle cannot fill a dark room with light because of the shadow that the furniture casts. So bring in more burning candles. That's why Christian must not neglect the gathering of the saints.
Wondered why God said this to me? Well, obviously because of the state I'm in… IT circle will become even more busy over the next two years, as a huge wave of new products will be launched soon. In my own life, there will be more things to handle. All the more I need to be burning more strongly, to have more passion for the things of the Kingdom, to make Matthew 6:32-34 a living reality in my life.
So can following God be practical? Oh yes, it can, if you fully trust in His Wisdom, His Timing…
[Via Jopx]
Got this from the slides of Mauro Cardarelli:
In calendar 2005, Microsoft plans to deliver version 2.0 of IBF, which will add support for SharePoint Portal Server Web parts and Visual Studio Tools for Office integration. By the time Longhorn ships (2006+), Microsoft is planning to embed version 3.0 right into the operating system. IBF is an SO (Service Oriented) client built on SO principles: XML schema and WSDL contract driven, loosely coupled, explicit boundaries.
Some other thoughts about IBF:
IBF has a new brother, here comes BDC - Business Data Catalog
IBF vs VSTO 2005
I was reading
Adam's profile before the usergroup meeting. And when I read his favorite quote, I find that quote very interesting. His favorite quote is, "There is always free cheese in a mousetrap", which I'm going to remember and use it on my stingy customers... Hee hee...
If the subject interests you, read on
here. Something that was taught in JSIST (now Singapore Polytechnic) when I was doing structured programming in Pascal. I didn't take programming 101 when I was in university, but seems that a lot of people wasn't taught the importance of maintainable code.
Adam Cogan, a Regional Director from Australia is visiting, and he is dropping by SQLPass and SgDotNet to speak to our members. Adam is an excellent and renowned world-class speakers who have spoken and presented in almost all dark corners in all continents of the world. His company, SSW is famous for all his RULES presentation.
On 20th October, which is coming thursday, he will be speaking about "Reporting Services 2005 and Developing Custom Report Items" at SQLPass whom has kindly invited SgDotNet members to attend as well. After SqlPass, he will be speaking about "15 Rules to Better Code and Tools to Keep your Code Healthy" at SgDotNet.
I know the notice is kind of short, but if you can, do take time off to attend the meeting, as Softwaremaker has personally vouch that. Read more about it on this thread, and if you are interested, please register here.
Last of all, like to thank Adam for coming, Softwaremaker for arranging this, and SQLPass for allowing us to piggyback on their resources.
Night time in Taiwan is still full of life. Almost every city has a night market. Microlau and I were all looking forward to experience it. I experience before when I was at GaoXiong during military training, and I'm looking forward to Taipei's version. Didn't disappoint me one bit, except that we don’t have enough time to really shop around.
First stop, foooooood.
This is the first stop Charlie brought us too. But this time is not bad sector on my hard drive. It is fat corruption. I have no recollection of what the food is called. All I remember is the gravy is starchy, the skin is starchy and the meat inside is nice.
Then we went to get avocado milk shake. This is not the usual shop Charlie patron, but he wanted to try and see. Though the sign looks high tech, the shake is disappointing, as there was a bitter taste in the shake.
Now to another shop, which sells "Orh Lua" or Oyster Omelette. I think Charlie mentioned that Oyster Omelette originate from here. Nevertheless, it is nice, with a big serving of Oyster.
The next dish is also very nice, but again, can't remember what it is called. There are fresh squid, very crispy and bamboo shoots.
Yum yum… We are stuffed. Taiwanese food apparently has lots of starch in it.
Then we went to the night market.
Crowded and full of life.
Night market has a lot of shops filled with catcher machines. It is also Charlie's favourite game, and he is good at it. These machines are similar to those found in Singapore, with one common characteristics. A very weak catcher. But these are still slight better than Singapore. At least they can lift the dolls up until the highest point, where the jerking of the catcher when it hit the roof causes the doll to drop.
The interesting thing is, in each machine, there are at least one doll positioned in such a way that less than half the doll is already in the hole. But it is still difficult to catch as the hole is elevated. But to Charlie, it is chicken feet. He caught a lot of dolls, some he gave it to us.
Then it is off to more food and drinks
A shop selling all kinds of tea
Famous chicken chop. The only shop that has a queue!
Lemonade. The owner allows us to sample the drink before buying!
Then there was a section that sells pets. They are cute!
Finally, it is 12 midnight. Time for us to head back to hotel, as the last train to take Charlie home leaves at 12:05 am. Nevertheless, he make sure we got onto a cab first and make very sure the driver knows how to drive us back before bidding us farewell.
Charlie, if you are reading, Microlau and I sincerely thank you for such speechless hospitality that you have extended to us on our short 24 hours stay in Taipei. The next time you travel to Singapore, do drop us an email or give us a ring.
The short stay was really tired, but really enjoyable. Without Charlie, probably we won't even cover a third of what we have covered with him bring us around. I was so tired that the minute I finish my breakfast on the plane, I dose off until the plane starts to land in Singapore. And when I reach home, I concuss until dinner time. After dinner, I concuss again.
Global Summit has ended with lots of technical knowledge, got to know other SharePoint mvps, as well as the office MVP leads and product group and other MVPs. And of course a chance to see Seattle and Taipei, which is the only thing I can share with you.
Thank you Microsoft, especially the MVP team, for organising this Summit!
We shopped around Taipei 101. Inside was well decorated, but there wasn't much crowd. Apparently, Taiwanese doesn't really like taipei 101. We went into a unique shop which sells moulded glass into very expensive objects and jewelleries. It's really an eye opener of what you can make glass into. Then we went to Page One, a huge bookshop similar to Kinukuniya in Takashimaya. Singapore used to have Page one too, in Marina Square, but that one has more design put into the shop that the one in Taipei 101.
At the top floor of the shopping complex
This is supposed to be a dragon's backbone
Soon, we make our way to the highest floor. I was excited once more, as I can take night scenes. But I was also very tired. I was rather disappointed as there were glasses, unlike Space Needle, and it makes taking photographs at certain area very difficult because of the reflection. I was concentrating in trying to keep my camera still, that I forgot to check the focus, which at that time was set to very near. All the pictures came out blur… :(
Later as I walk around that level, I realise they were selling tickets to go to another floor, which apparently does not have glass covered. I became really angry as they didn't mention about this at the ground floor. Oh well. Charlie took some photos as well, and there are much nicer than mine. Much nicer.
Me and Microlau holding on to the Virtual Tour Guide (Not the actual name, but I think you get the picture)
As an MVP, you should be able to guess this building
A model of the fastest lift in the World
A stablising ball in the middle of the floor. This ball is used to reduce the swaying of the tower in an earthquake by shifting the center of gravity of the tower.
In the lift, we were also entertained by light shows at the roof of the lift.
Soon, Charlie brought us to Sim Lim Square. Not the Singapore version, the Taipei version called Nova. The competition here is much fiercer than that in Sim Lim, very very distinctively fiercer. There was black out that day, but business was as usual. I cam across a shop, and saw something that one will probably not see in Singapore. This time, I have the permission of the shop keeper to take a picture.
Fans and more fans!!!
Now we are at the MRT, waiting for the train to Xi Men Ding, a popular place with the youthful and young adults.
Train is here,
And we are on our way!
The streets of Xi Men Ding, where there were more people on the road then cars. At first I thought they have such a pedestrian pathway, until the crowd gave way to a car. In the evening, cars are not allowed to use the road though…
Charlie then brought us to a famous Japanese restaurant that serves Japanese food, Taiwanese style. As we were waiting for the food to arrive, Charlie took this shot. Sorry, no pictures of the food, as it was soooooo delicious that we forgot to take. ;p
Next, he brought us to tour around the places where it is very popular with the young ones. Through enough, I found something that my girlfriend really like, a Winne the Pooh Bear watch which I didn’t see this design in Singapore before. Microlau saw a pair tweety bird, but each cost over $100. Very nice, and he was really tempted to buy, but finally decided not to.
Then Charlie brought us to a shopping center where the owner designed and architected himself. Inside there was a nice section of cartoon drawing. I wasn't allowed to take, but I couldn't resist, so I took the picture without viewing through the view finder.
These were aligned side by side along the stairs leading to the second floor of a bookshop
Then Charlie brought us to try more local food. This noodle stall does not have seats, so everyone who buys eats standing along the streets. Apparently, it is very famous, and has a long queue. But Charlie has not tasted this because he doesn't feel it is worth standing in queue just to try. It is just a bowl of noodle. But because we are his guest, he queued and ordered a bowl for us to try…
Microlau trying the food.
I couldn't take steaming hot food, so Charlie and I went to get his favourite drink. Again, I forgot the name. It's hot pearl plus milk and add ice on top. The taste is unique as I have never drink hot pearl before. The pearl is soft and chewy. Then we went back to meet Microlau and I have a taste of the noodle. I find it normal, and not really worth the queue.
Soon, we have to move off again. This time to Taipei 101, the tallest building in Taipei. Back to the MRT station, I saw this.
As we walk out from the park, I saw this building, which I didn't ask Charlie what is it, as I was more interested in the trees. They have their top shaved!
Table-top trees!
On our right, is the parliament building. Security was tight, with personnel poking into the bushes to see if any suspicious things were there.
We turned left as we head towards Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. A police car was parked with a load of concertina wires ready to deploy.
Behind is President Chen's party building. In front is what you commonly see through Taiwan in various condition. It is actually a gate the remains of a wall that used to guard cities in Taiwan. Some of these remains even have graves underneath.
Scooters, you will see plenty in the streets of Taiwan
Soon we reach Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. Majestic as it greets visitors. Little did we know what awaits us…
Another angle…
Once we passes the enterance, right in front is a temple like building. I think my photography skills need to improve… It doesn't look as grand here… :(
On our right, another grand building
We are surrounded with grand buildings huh? This one is taken among a very nice bed of flowers.
Charlie and Microlau posing under the hot scorching sun
Took some pictures of the flower beds…
And there were school kids rehearsing for their Nation's birthday party..
Microlau looking at his camera, admiring his beautiful pictures
And soon, we are at the MRT station (I think it is called MRT…), This station was design to compliment the memorial hall. Now, we are heading off to Xi Men Ding for more food and shopping.
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