Author: Michael Yung

Michael possessed over 30 years of experience in Information Technology with focuses on complex application development, database technologies and IT strategy. He also spent the last 20 years in Internet technology, eCommerce development / operations, web usability, computer security and Public Key Infrastructure technologies.

#26

Ordinary people, Extraordinary things

July 2003 is a very special month for hundreds of thousands of us. Like 14 years ago, we told the government what we wanted and went after it. Even though you’re probably not part of the crowd on that special day, but I assume most of you spiritually supported them. Ordinary people, doing extraordinary things.

+++

Oh, just finished one brilliant, captivating, insightful and entertaining book – It’s Your Ship. It’s written by a USA General about how to manage his war ship to make it the best ship in US Navy in 1990s. Whoever is remotely interested in leadership, should read it.

+++

We have come a long way, and the road behind us was not smooth at all. It was a very rough, tough ride in the past 3 years. But as you can tell from the story below … We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up !!

http://soli.inav.net/~catalyst/inspire/donkey.htm

#25

Where were you yesterday ?

That’s really good to see so many people, united, to do something great together.

+++

  • We have to work harder, and smarter. We have to Make a Difference.
  • Oh last month I recommended you all about a book – The Alchemist. Sorry about that, because the book is crap …. Better spend your time with something better.
  • BTW, what will you do if you cannot install a program ? Call the Customer Services, of course – http://www.myshepard.com/installlove.shtml

+++

So …. where was I yesterday ? I was trapped in a class room for the whole day, learning a topic called “Managerial Skills” … hmmm, something I badly needed.

#24

Let’s start again with a small test : http://mr-31238.mr.valuehost.co.uk/assets/Flash/psychic.swf

If a simple program like above can really read your mind, try this book and it will tell you how to follow your dreams as well – The Alchemist. (You will like it if you’re a fan of the Little Prince and Jonathan Livingston Seagull).

Have you watched the movie Matrix – reloaded ? Tell me about the movie as I fell in sleep when Neo met the Oracle … may be it’s time to load up my favorite Si-Fi movie in my DVD – The BladeRunner. Really a coooool movie.

“The tragedy of life is not so much what men suffer, but rather what they miss.” ~ Thomas Carlyle ~

#23

No problem is insurmountable. With a little courage, teamwork and determination a person can overcome anything. ~ B. Dodge ~

Yap, we shall overcome.

+++

Wanna find your way to a fun and happy workplace ? Look no further, read this book – Fish! by Stephen C. Lundin. It is a very short book and you can probably finish it in one day. And you can buy it from our eShop as well.

+++

Ever wonder how computer can create art ? Try this web site : http://ps3.praystation.com/pound/v1/ (click on the left hand “garbage” menu to find out the art created by the author http://www.joshuadavis.com/ ). For those who don’t know Flash, just enjoy the graphic and sound.

For those who believe you know Flash … think again.

#22

I reckon, first and foremost, take good care to yourself and your family. Health is the most important ingredient of your life, so treasure it.

+++

  • It’s quite an eye-opening trip to Tokyo as it is my first DIY trip to Japan and the last trip to Japan is ages ago. From the trip, I found that 99% of the Japanese are using Clam-shell style mobile phones (J-Phone, FOMA, DoCoMo) and most of them have a camera on it. They use the phone to browse web pages (yes, SMS is too low tech to Japanese) and to take photos. After that 7 days, I am pretty convinced that my next phone will not be a Nokia.
  • The other things you will be amazed is how they can improve everything they produced. Just a short visit to Tokyo Hands (Department Store) and I found numerous products that are simply an old idea but with a little enhancement – it then make the “new” products a lot useful. It is a proof that they make everything one step further, even before the consumer think about it. It reminds me the great quote by Henry Ford – “If I had asked customers what they wanted they would have said a faster horse.“.
  • And lastly, I was deeply impressed by their service attitude. An attitude to provide good and quality service, but not because for the tips and compliments. We have a long long way to go.

+++

  • 50 years ago, Menga (animation) master Tezuka Osamu created the character Astro Boy and predicted that he will born on 7th April 2003. If you are a fan of Astro Boy, surf around the net around that week.
  • 10 years ago, Wired magazine was published. Are you a fan of the magazine ? Yes I am and I still think it is a must read for most of us. Get the anniversary edition if you can.

+++

You see things and say, “Why?” But I dream things that never were; and I say “Why not?” – George Bernard Shaw

Yes, why not ?

+++

I finished one book during the Tokyo trip and it was a very good read. If you like coffee and dreaming of setting up one coffee shop, check it out. It’s the best book about coffee business since “Pour your heart out“.

The book I am currently reading is The elements of user experience – and I suggest all designer shall read it.