Too many rambling thoughts in my head. Too little time to write them down in detail, so I'll just list them out like a rambling idiot ;)
1) A back log of ideas that been revolving around my head - some political issues that I love to dig about, but lets just say work been pretty heavy of late making the creative juices rather dry.
2) Was invited to a meeting with some representative in the Ministry of ICT. Somehow I was planning to write about it, but decided to keep it hold until the second/third meeting. A lot to write about, and there are just so many unclear matters that I would like to discuss with them again - in what has become a whirlwind week.
3) Planning to write a complete article about "Read if you are completely new and are interested in Computer Game Development". Starting to get lazy to answer this question week in and week out on the forums I've been to. Now when should I start that?
4) I have played a bloody game for the last 4 days, now that is bad O_o
5) Dr. Bhichit is running for Bangkok Governor. This makes the colorful governor race more interesting I have to admit ;)
6) Thailand is dumped out of the Asian Cup as one of the worst sides in the competition - our national team were comprehensively beaten. Same old problems persist, and as with every person I discussed this matter with, we're just too exasperated to complain. Maybe some more beer to drown out our misery would be in good order ;)
7) My ex-girlfriend contacted me asking me to help her set up a website. I think she had other things planned, asking me to teach her. On the contrary, I decided to print out my website creation tutorial I wrote a while back and ask her to read it before planning what to do next. Well as mentioned, the person I find the hardest to understand is myself, and I guess I just have to ask myself questions again on that one ;)
8) This random rambling blog has 100+ posts and 20K + words of utter bullocks and randomness - Yeah!
Friday, July 30, 2004
Picture: T-Shirt Man
Picture: T-Shirt Man - During a lighter time after a dinner meeting, we decided to have a quick photo shot just for the heck of it - p.s we were trying to get rid of the last few films in the camera, in which I decided to try something different. I was on the process of designing a character for my next game, and I've stumbled on this crazy idea called T-Shirt Man, and oh well, I was trying to figure how it would be like. So after a short while, I decided to test the idea on the camera. It does really standout doesn't it? Sounds like I could continue to sketch down ideas for the game ;)
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
Picture: Pisal Lectures
Picture: Pisal Lectures: In this picture, I was just starting my presentation on the seminar which had lots of issues to cover.
Picture: Lertsiri Boonmee Entertains a Question from the Audience
Picture: Lertsiri Boonmee Entertains a Question from the Audience: In this picture Lertsiri Boonmee entertains another interesting question from the audience.
Picture: Plot Seminar
Picture: Plot Seminar - This is the picture of the attendees of the seminar which are listening intently to the guest speaker, Lertsiri Boonmee.
Looking Back- Seminar: Art of Developing Plot for Computer Game - July 22, 2004
Review - Seminar: Art of Developing Plot for Comptuer Game - July 22, 2004
On July 22, 2004, I've arranged a seminar for my students of my subject SC4383 - Introduction to Game Design and Architecture. The seminar which I arranged was called the Art of Developing Plot for computer Game in which I've invited a good friend, Lertsiri Boonmee (http://www.cycle-soft.com/~lmb), an aspiring movie director (works at New York Film Festival 2003, Bangkok International Film Festival 2004, First Frame Film Festival 2004, Fat Film Festival) over to help lecture in this special seminar.
As we know, current video games have been reaching a impressive amount of advancement that games nowadays have such high production values, we can observe that the gaming industry is increasing looking towards the more mature Movie Industry as a model in improving production value and overall quality of the video games. Due to that reason, game designers have to learn more about cross-disciplinary studies - which one of them is lessons that are learnt from the movie industry - like camera terms and methodology.
In this seminar, Lertsiri Boonmee has addressed about some of the techniques used in coming up with plot development. Later he proceeded to explain about the different type of camera shots - with explanation of what are the intended effect of those type of shots - and how to build up the mood. Idea of continuity in scenes is also another key idea which was discussed in the seminar - and how little things contribute much to the overall feel. At the end of the seminar, the audiences were treated with the Other Half - which is Lertsiri Boonmee's short film that entered many international film festival (details at the website), and also a number of different show reels that demonstrate many of the topics that were discussed early on the hour.
After Lertsiri Boomee finished his session, Pisal Setthawong, a lecturer and established game developer (conincidentally me :P) took the floor to address some of the issues that are faced between the integration of the Movie Industry and the Computer Game industry which isn't at all that simple as it sounds. The talk started with a short history of games using movie license - and the various issues they face - why they fail, and why they succeed. Later the discussion when on reviewing many of the keypoints of camera usage in games which is a important point, before summarizing of additional issues that are faced when the game developer attempts to use those knowledge on a computer game - which requires a lot of additional work!
In the conclusion of the 3 hour long seminar, the attendees of the seminar (30+ people) had the chance to ask the guest speaker on various topics that range from short films to roles of different people in movie production to soap operas to a lot of other interesting curiosities related with the event, which concluded on a high note for all that attended this rather early seminar :)
Pictures with captions will be attached soon.
On July 22, 2004, I've arranged a seminar for my students of my subject SC4383 - Introduction to Game Design and Architecture. The seminar which I arranged was called the Art of Developing Plot for computer Game in which I've invited a good friend, Lertsiri Boonmee (http://www.cycle-soft.com/~lmb), an aspiring movie director (works at New York Film Festival 2003, Bangkok International Film Festival 2004, First Frame Film Festival 2004, Fat Film Festival) over to help lecture in this special seminar.
As we know, current video games have been reaching a impressive amount of advancement that games nowadays have such high production values, we can observe that the gaming industry is increasing looking towards the more mature Movie Industry as a model in improving production value and overall quality of the video games. Due to that reason, game designers have to learn more about cross-disciplinary studies - which one of them is lessons that are learnt from the movie industry - like camera terms and methodology.
In this seminar, Lertsiri Boonmee has addressed about some of the techniques used in coming up with plot development. Later he proceeded to explain about the different type of camera shots - with explanation of what are the intended effect of those type of shots - and how to build up the mood. Idea of continuity in scenes is also another key idea which was discussed in the seminar - and how little things contribute much to the overall feel. At the end of the seminar, the audiences were treated with the Other Half - which is Lertsiri Boonmee's short film that entered many international film festival (details at the website), and also a number of different show reels that demonstrate many of the topics that were discussed early on the hour.
After Lertsiri Boomee finished his session, Pisal Setthawong, a lecturer and established game developer (conincidentally me :P) took the floor to address some of the issues that are faced between the integration of the Movie Industry and the Computer Game industry which isn't at all that simple as it sounds. The talk started with a short history of games using movie license - and the various issues they face - why they fail, and why they succeed. Later the discussion when on reviewing many of the keypoints of camera usage in games which is a important point, before summarizing of additional issues that are faced when the game developer attempts to use those knowledge on a computer game - which requires a lot of additional work!
In the conclusion of the 3 hour long seminar, the attendees of the seminar (30+ people) had the chance to ask the guest speaker on various topics that range from short films to roles of different people in movie production to soap operas to a lot of other interesting curiosities related with the event, which concluded on a high note for all that attended this rather early seminar :)
Pictures with captions will be attached soon.
Monday, July 26, 2004
Picture: Strange License Plate
Picture: Strange License Plate - Here is a picture I took last Sunday while I was roaming around Yaowarat area with Por and Jeng. We just noticed that the car ahead of us had a strange license plate, so I quickly pulled out my digital camera to take a very quick snapshot. Not strangely enough, there were a number of cars/taxis/motorcyclist next to us, that also figured it out, and was pointing at the same car license discussing where the car came from and how could it be driving around Bangkok without proper license casually :P
Sunday, July 25, 2004
Cleaning up Bangkok
I was just reading the news yesterday when I happen to stumble upon a very interesting news that I would like to welcome. The news was that the PM of our country suddenly commented that Bangkok was an ugly city, and we just have too many eye sores - as in billboards and signs that makes this city ugly when compared to other cities he has visited during his "official visits" around the world.
To be this is a welcome comment as Bangkok is long overdue for a major cleanup.
Though I welcome this annoucement, I still would like to list out some of the potential problems or conflict of interest that I would like to outline based on this policy.
1) The first comment is that on a similar basis to this one, our Bangkok Governor has taken away many of the trash bins located on a few major roads such as the Silom area - which has a dire lack of garbage bins. The rationale behind that are 1) Eye Sore and 2) Easy to Conceal a Bomb in a TrashCan. Based on that, the whole Silom area is devoid of trash cans - which is a major hinderance especially good upholding citizens who have to walk kilometer streches to find a trash can to empty their bin.
2) The second observation that I'm worried about is the mention of road signs. If this was implemented straight by the letter, alot of the signs telling the roads and locations would be taken out. My own opinion that road signs in Thailand to be badly placed is shared with every other person that I know, and if they take out those badly placed signs, I wonder how motorist will find their way through Bangkok or other parts of our country if they never been there before? Hmm... I guess they have to guess :P
3) The third observation is that the biggest billboard that I see out in the roads starts with this phrase: "Think New Do New". I wonder if he would remove those billboards along with the other eyesores around Bangkok?
4) The last comment is that I wonder what is his definition of a good billboard? Maybe something from Ptt would suffice ;)
To be this is a welcome comment as Bangkok is long overdue for a major cleanup.
Though I welcome this annoucement, I still would like to list out some of the potential problems or conflict of interest that I would like to outline based on this policy.
1) The first comment is that on a similar basis to this one, our Bangkok Governor has taken away many of the trash bins located on a few major roads such as the Silom area - which has a dire lack of garbage bins. The rationale behind that are 1) Eye Sore and 2) Easy to Conceal a Bomb in a TrashCan. Based on that, the whole Silom area is devoid of trash cans - which is a major hinderance especially good upholding citizens who have to walk kilometer streches to find a trash can to empty their bin.
2) The second observation that I'm worried about is the mention of road signs. If this was implemented straight by the letter, alot of the signs telling the roads and locations would be taken out. My own opinion that road signs in Thailand to be badly placed is shared with every other person that I know, and if they take out those badly placed signs, I wonder how motorist will find their way through Bangkok or other parts of our country if they never been there before? Hmm... I guess they have to guess :P
3) The third observation is that the biggest billboard that I see out in the roads starts with this phrase: "Think New Do New". I wonder if he would remove those billboards along with the other eyesores around Bangkok?
4) The last comment is that I wonder what is his definition of a good billboard? Maybe something from Ptt would suffice ;)
Friday, July 23, 2004
Bush and Kerry Sing Along
During the last few days, there were many items of concern politically and economically in Thailand, one of them is the SML policy, and another is about a number of protected Thai Strains of Rice were found grown in neighboring countries - which may have huge repercussions with the Thai rice-growing industry. Since I'm alittle short on time due to numerous engagements at this period, I'll get to that on the next few posts with another of my long rambling rants ;)
On a lighter note, I've happen to stumble on a great Flash Animation that seems to make a parody of the Bush vs Kerry contest for presidency in the US, which has a nice twist in the end, which I highly recommend us to view it at the following website:
http://www.jibjab.com/
On a lighter note, I've happen to stumble on a great Flash Animation that seems to make a parody of the Bush vs Kerry contest for presidency in the US, which has a nice twist in the end, which I highly recommend us to view it at the following website:
http://www.jibjab.com/
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
Picture: Empty Rows of Seats
Picture: Empty Rows of Seats - I took this picture while I was riding a bus downtown, and I I just can't help but figure why the bus was empty - so the outside that I decided to take a quick snapshot. It conveys the mood of how I'm feeling today right now - somewhat downcast... Sigh... Oh well...
Monday, July 19, 2004
Happy Birthday to MEEEEEEeeeeEEEEee!
Today is my birthday, heh heh heh heh.
Happy Birthday to MEEEEEEeeeeEEEEee!
Happy Birthday to MEEEEEEeeeeEEEEee!
Happy Birthday to MEEEEEEeeeeEEEEee!
Ha ha ha ha...
Happy Birthday to MEEEEEEeeeeEEEEee!
Happy Birthday to MEEEEEEeeeeEEEEee!
Happy Birthday to MEEEEEEeeeeEEEEee!
Ha ha ha ha...
Sunday, July 18, 2004
Pizza Party - July 18, 2004
Today I just had a pizza party in my home. My little bro was moving work, and he was having alot of free time, so I and him discussed a few things, and we came up with some crazy ideas. As his work deals with mobile phone signals - and work of the late is getting scarce my little bro is finding alternatives - and one of them was about making food - which is our common hobby.
We decided that in Thailand, we are lacking seriously good homemade pizza and so we decided to practice making pizza just in case we quit our day-time job and start a restaurant some day ;)
The photographs attached shows the order of us making pizza, which was rather fun though tiresome. The end result pizza may not look that perfect, but the taste is certainly better than any pizza money can buy here - and that is where we were were satisfied - and thinking about making more pizza parties in the future :)
We decided that in Thailand, we are lacking seriously good homemade pizza and so we decided to practice making pizza just in case we quit our day-time job and start a restaurant some day ;)
The photographs attached shows the order of us making pizza, which was rather fun though tiresome. The end result pizza may not look that perfect, but the taste is certainly better than any pizza money can buy here - and that is where we were were satisfied - and thinking about making more pizza parties in the future :)
Picture: Making Pizza Part III
Picture: Making Pizza Part III - This is the pizza that we made. On the left is Bic, I am on the center, my little bro Dan is the right, and the pizza sits proudly in the center :)
Picture: Making Pizza Part II
Picture: Making Pizza Part II - This is the picture of the pizza after we finished baking it.
Picture: Making Pizza Part I
Picture: Making Pizza Part I - This is one of the pictures I took when me, my little bro, and Bic who came over this weekend, came to make pizza at my home. This picture shows me flipping the pizza dough :)
Saturday, July 17, 2004
ABAC Freshy Day - Photographs
Bic just took some pictures from the ABAC Freshy Day, and you might want to look at it:
http://cycle-soft.com/~bic/freshy1.html
http://cycle-soft.com/~bic/freshy1.html
Log - July 17, 2004
Last Friday on July 17, 2004, I was invited by a number of colleagues to attend an interesting seminar on Game Design Documentation at the Chulalongkorn University. Somehow Dr. Yod remembered the time wrong, and informed our whole game development group wrong for that day, and we came to Chula around noon - thinking the seminar was in the afternoon - in which it was actually arranged 8:00 in the morning!
Anyway, though we missed the seminar, in the afternoon we managed to attend to our secondary objectives, in which we have discussed about the arrangement of a game seminar which we have just uploaded details at http://www.gdxcon.org. We are in the final process of finalizing all the details of the seminar, which is going along well. I was informed by one of the lecturers there, Dr. Pissanu that he would like to bring over his students to attend the seminar, which off-course I quickly agreed - as the seminar was arranged for the good of our game development society as a whole - not any single institute :) I later learn that Dr. Pissanu was one of my bigger brother's classmate back in Japan, which was a rather surprise, and a common joke we shared that our industry is just simply too small...
Later, in the late afternoon, while we have resolved some of the naggling details of the seminar, our group has later discussed about ways to help the Thai game development, which at the present is quite fragmented, into a more organized manner. We were toying with the idea of pushing up from having 2 main websites, http://www.gamedevx.com and http://www.thaigamedevx.com from a virtual discussion group, into a more concrete group. Our idea is to create society of thai game developers, but not in manner of those formal groups that are too tad serious, but more on the friendly association. Right now details are still on the sketching, and we do have some interesting ideas. The only problem right now is who will lead the society? Typically of many hardcore programmers/engineers, most of us prefer the shadow than the limeline, and it seems that in the current list of distinguished members we do have strangely a humble grouping :P Though its good not to have too many personality clashes and people that hog the limelight, in this meeting it was just too strange that no one wants it ;)
With such an inconclusive discussion, though we haven't been able to come up with anything concrete on the society for that day, at least the members have tentatively agreed in principle on something. With more details, I'm optimistic of good things we will do to return to our society! Wish our group good luck :)
Anyway, though we missed the seminar, in the afternoon we managed to attend to our secondary objectives, in which we have discussed about the arrangement of a game seminar which we have just uploaded details at http://www.gdxcon.org. We are in the final process of finalizing all the details of the seminar, which is going along well. I was informed by one of the lecturers there, Dr. Pissanu that he would like to bring over his students to attend the seminar, which off-course I quickly agreed - as the seminar was arranged for the good of our game development society as a whole - not any single institute :) I later learn that Dr. Pissanu was one of my bigger brother's classmate back in Japan, which was a rather surprise, and a common joke we shared that our industry is just simply too small...
Later, in the late afternoon, while we have resolved some of the naggling details of the seminar, our group has later discussed about ways to help the Thai game development, which at the present is quite fragmented, into a more organized manner. We were toying with the idea of pushing up from having 2 main websites, http://www.gamedevx.com and http://www.thaigamedevx.com from a virtual discussion group, into a more concrete group. Our idea is to create society of thai game developers, but not in manner of those formal groups that are too tad serious, but more on the friendly association. Right now details are still on the sketching, and we do have some interesting ideas. The only problem right now is who will lead the society? Typically of many hardcore programmers/engineers, most of us prefer the shadow than the limeline, and it seems that in the current list of distinguished members we do have strangely a humble grouping :P Though its good not to have too many personality clashes and people that hog the limelight, in this meeting it was just too strange that no one wants it ;)
With such an inconclusive discussion, though we haven't been able to come up with anything concrete on the society for that day, at least the members have tentatively agreed in principle on something. With more details, I'm optimistic of good things we will do to return to our society! Wish our group good luck :)
Picture: Normal NightShot
Picture: Normal NightShot: This picture is a nightshot taken at normal settings at dusk. Instead of a completely black sky, taking pictures at dusk allows the nightshot to have a eerie blue hue. This picture was taken at Ratchada Intersection.
Picture: Blurry NightShot #2
Picture: Blurry NightShot #2 - Another Picture I took of the nighttime at World Trade Center, Thailand, deliberately out of focus, but with different apenture size - which got a slightly more refined picture. notice the interesting diamond shaped lights :)
Picture: Blurry NightShot
Picture: Blurry NightShot - This picture is a picture I took during the nighttime of the road off the World Trade Center during the night. Instead of taking a normal night shot, I've decided to play a few tricks, and chosen to shot the picture out of focus. The end result was this blurry night shot that is interesting :)
Wednesday, July 14, 2004
The Miracle Melody Concert - A Review
On July 13, 2004, I've attended The Miracle Melody Concert at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. The Miracle Melody Concert is a concert in which two reknown pianists - one of them the Prince of Romance, Richard Clayderman, and the second Sasksit V. (Tor) a popular Thai pianists show off their skills and senerade the audience.
On my entry into the concert, I've noticed that on the back rows (cheaper seats), they have decided to raise up the seats by making up a makeshift iron stand. In earlier concerts such as The George Benson concert and the 12 Girl Band - the back rows were not elevated - and many people complained that the back seatings were visually obscure. In this concert they were thoughtful in raising up the stairs though it provided numerous other complications such as noise. At the start of the concert until 30 minutes later, the sound of creaking metal was heard constantly as late people shuffled to their seats making it rather annoying.
The concert itself was very interesting - in which I do want to place some notes down here. First of all, I was surprised to see Richard Clayderman appear on stage to play since the start. As the concert was a duo concert, I thought either they would play together, or Tor would be playing first as an opener to the main concert. After the third song, Tor came up to play one song as a welcoming song for one of the world's most reknown pianist on his first trip to Thailand - which the song was an interesting medley starting with Richard Clayderman's trademark song into a Thai theme song. Later Tor left the stage leaving the Clayderman to continue to senerade the audiences until it ended very abruptly at 9:15 (which was roughly an hour and 15 minutes) just when we all were getting on the mood. There was constant rumors along the crowd as the concert being a little misleading and we were kind of fooled until thinking that Tor's appearance was just a little too cameo. However the announcer annouced later while Clayderman left the stage that there was an intermission, and that Tor would be back to end the concert - which was a rather big surprise considering that the main musicians would usually choose to end the concert not start it ;)
However with some thinking I finally figured a reason why the concert was conducted that way. I think Richard Clayderman may be a rather zealot person when dealing with the tuning of his piano. Since this concert, it was played with the same piano, I think he tuned the piano and wanted to play with that setting. Much like a guitarist who would constantly retune their guitars before every performance - especially classical guitar players - I do think in this format, Clayderman wanted to play the piano after the tuning so that it would be the least deviant from the orginal sound that was tuned. With that reason that is why he chose to start first, in which caused this concert to be rather unconventional.
Anyway, Tor came back on the stage to wrap out the show which ended late at 11:10 which was a feast for the ears.
When reflecting back on the performances, all I can say both talented pianists shown different styles and selection of songs that are of interest. For Clayderman's part, he had a number of musicians - a string section (mostly violin/viola), a drummer, a guitarist, a bassist, and a keyboard (synethesizer) player. In his performance, he choose to play a more well-rounded selection of tunes that range from classic medleys, to pop medleys, a surprise jazz selection, one very interesting medley of cabaret favorites (e.g. I will survive), and rounded off the selection with his most famous track that everyone associated Clayderman with (unfortunately I forgot what the song was called...). In most of his songs, I was very impressed with the arrangements in which his band and Clayderman played very well in harmony or in solo with arrangements that are superbly blended - in which medleys sound like the same song - not a number of different ones ;) The versatility was evident as Clayderman managed to portray many moods from the sombre and elegant classical arrangemnets, to the upbeat and funky jazz selection, to the energetic and infectious cabaret selection, and ending up with a heartfelt encore - though I would complain it was rather short.
After Clayderman's show, the second part of the show by Tor was rather delayed as it took nearly 30 minutes to resume after the break - due to numerous delays. This time a new crew was assembled in the lighting/sound. The musicians were also changed, with a strings section (violins/viola/cello), a drummer, and a bassist. As the show resumed, Tor started out with 2 Bakery Songs - in which was greeted very well by the audience due to the familiarity of the tunes. Later he proceeded to play a very interesting medley that started out with a famous pop song, before turning into "I Believe" (soundtrack of My Sassy Girl), then to Pacabel in D Minor, and ending up with a Thai song. Later he proceeded to play with the audience with his usual style of meekness that was very well appreciated by the crowd - quite similar to his first concert he had. Midway through the concert an invited guest singer came to sing a few songs (I forgot her name) in a rock style, and pop style ballad.
One of the highlights was Tor inviting one of the ladies up on stage. The last time, he asked her to sit with him while he played a senerade for her. This time, he asked her to provide her name which took a while considering her to be pretty nervous. The reason why he was asking for her complete name was he was going to compose a song based on the sound of her name - using improvision techniques which was very interesting - a new trick up his sleeves and a good case of showmanship ;)
It was a few songs later in which the show was concluded with a huge funfare.
As being in the whole concert I did come up with some strange observations that might be funny. First of all I think the crowd somewhat appreciated Tor more than Clayderman - but it might be because of the selection of songs - Tor's selection are popular Thai pop tunes in general, whereas Clayderman choose to make it versatile with less popular songs. Another observation is the language barrier in which Clayderman sometimes had problems communicating with the audiences - though Tor could easily.
The second observation I've noticed is the lighting/audio staff for both shows were different. I talked alittle with Bic who had some experience in organizing shows - on how the quality of lighting in Thai shows somewhat lag behind foreign shows. In the concert, I've also felt that way. In Clayderman's part the lightning and video reflected the emotion of the pianist very well and is structured on the selection of songs well, which isn't quite evident on the second part.
The last observation is the quality of the music. Tor is a very talented pianist and I do think he has done very well to this part. However one point that I do want to mention, the accompanying musicians for Tor's part didn't really sound as good as Clayderman's part. Clayerman's arrangements are very well done and executed, which shows high production value - in which the pianist at times play the lead, sometimes play the accompany, sometimes play the rhythm, and shows it versatility and talent of Clayderman in projecting the emotions :) Since it seems that Tor is moving on the lines of Richard Clayderman in appeal, I do feel that this is one point that should be taken of note as one area that a huge improvement can be placed on to scale to greater height.
On my entry into the concert, I've noticed that on the back rows (cheaper seats), they have decided to raise up the seats by making up a makeshift iron stand. In earlier concerts such as The George Benson concert and the 12 Girl Band - the back rows were not elevated - and many people complained that the back seatings were visually obscure. In this concert they were thoughtful in raising up the stairs though it provided numerous other complications such as noise. At the start of the concert until 30 minutes later, the sound of creaking metal was heard constantly as late people shuffled to their seats making it rather annoying.
The concert itself was very interesting - in which I do want to place some notes down here. First of all, I was surprised to see Richard Clayderman appear on stage to play since the start. As the concert was a duo concert, I thought either they would play together, or Tor would be playing first as an opener to the main concert. After the third song, Tor came up to play one song as a welcoming song for one of the world's most reknown pianist on his first trip to Thailand - which the song was an interesting medley starting with Richard Clayderman's trademark song into a Thai theme song. Later Tor left the stage leaving the Clayderman to continue to senerade the audiences until it ended very abruptly at 9:15 (which was roughly an hour and 15 minutes) just when we all were getting on the mood. There was constant rumors along the crowd as the concert being a little misleading and we were kind of fooled until thinking that Tor's appearance was just a little too cameo. However the announcer annouced later while Clayderman left the stage that there was an intermission, and that Tor would be back to end the concert - which was a rather big surprise considering that the main musicians would usually choose to end the concert not start it ;)
However with some thinking I finally figured a reason why the concert was conducted that way. I think Richard Clayderman may be a rather zealot person when dealing with the tuning of his piano. Since this concert, it was played with the same piano, I think he tuned the piano and wanted to play with that setting. Much like a guitarist who would constantly retune their guitars before every performance - especially classical guitar players - I do think in this format, Clayderman wanted to play the piano after the tuning so that it would be the least deviant from the orginal sound that was tuned. With that reason that is why he chose to start first, in which caused this concert to be rather unconventional.
Anyway, Tor came back on the stage to wrap out the show which ended late at 11:10 which was a feast for the ears.
When reflecting back on the performances, all I can say both talented pianists shown different styles and selection of songs that are of interest. For Clayderman's part, he had a number of musicians - a string section (mostly violin/viola), a drummer, a guitarist, a bassist, and a keyboard (synethesizer) player. In his performance, he choose to play a more well-rounded selection of tunes that range from classic medleys, to pop medleys, a surprise jazz selection, one very interesting medley of cabaret favorites (e.g. I will survive), and rounded off the selection with his most famous track that everyone associated Clayderman with (unfortunately I forgot what the song was called...). In most of his songs, I was very impressed with the arrangements in which his band and Clayderman played very well in harmony or in solo with arrangements that are superbly blended - in which medleys sound like the same song - not a number of different ones ;) The versatility was evident as Clayderman managed to portray many moods from the sombre and elegant classical arrangemnets, to the upbeat and funky jazz selection, to the energetic and infectious cabaret selection, and ending up with a heartfelt encore - though I would complain it was rather short.
After Clayderman's show, the second part of the show by Tor was rather delayed as it took nearly 30 minutes to resume after the break - due to numerous delays. This time a new crew was assembled in the lighting/sound. The musicians were also changed, with a strings section (violins/viola/cello), a drummer, and a bassist. As the show resumed, Tor started out with 2 Bakery Songs - in which was greeted very well by the audience due to the familiarity of the tunes. Later he proceeded to play a very interesting medley that started out with a famous pop song, before turning into "I Believe" (soundtrack of My Sassy Girl), then to Pacabel in D Minor, and ending up with a Thai song. Later he proceeded to play with the audience with his usual style of meekness that was very well appreciated by the crowd - quite similar to his first concert he had. Midway through the concert an invited guest singer came to sing a few songs (I forgot her name) in a rock style, and pop style ballad.
One of the highlights was Tor inviting one of the ladies up on stage. The last time, he asked her to sit with him while he played a senerade for her. This time, he asked her to provide her name which took a while considering her to be pretty nervous. The reason why he was asking for her complete name was he was going to compose a song based on the sound of her name - using improvision techniques which was very interesting - a new trick up his sleeves and a good case of showmanship ;)
It was a few songs later in which the show was concluded with a huge funfare.
As being in the whole concert I did come up with some strange observations that might be funny. First of all I think the crowd somewhat appreciated Tor more than Clayderman - but it might be because of the selection of songs - Tor's selection are popular Thai pop tunes in general, whereas Clayderman choose to make it versatile with less popular songs. Another observation is the language barrier in which Clayderman sometimes had problems communicating with the audiences - though Tor could easily.
The second observation I've noticed is the lighting/audio staff for both shows were different. I talked alittle with Bic who had some experience in organizing shows - on how the quality of lighting in Thai shows somewhat lag behind foreign shows. In the concert, I've also felt that way. In Clayderman's part the lightning and video reflected the emotion of the pianist very well and is structured on the selection of songs well, which isn't quite evident on the second part.
The last observation is the quality of the music. Tor is a very talented pianist and I do think he has done very well to this part. However one point that I do want to mention, the accompanying musicians for Tor's part didn't really sound as good as Clayderman's part. Clayerman's arrangements are very well done and executed, which shows high production value - in which the pianist at times play the lead, sometimes play the accompany, sometimes play the rhythm, and shows it versatility and talent of Clayderman in projecting the emotions :) Since it seems that Tor is moving on the lines of Richard Clayderman in appeal, I do feel that this is one point that should be taken of note as one area that a huge improvement can be placed on to scale to greater height.
Picture: The Miracle Melody Concert
Picture: Ticket to The Miracle Melody Concert - Richard Clayderman and Sasksit V. (Tor) - This is a quick scan of the ticket of the concert I've attended on July 13, 2004 in which details of the concert will be posted here soon.
Monday, July 12, 2004
Picture: Avatar - Little Wizard
Picture: Avatar - Little Wizard
Here is one avatar I drew and then colored in computer of myself. I've drew the picture in pencil/pen outline and then colored it in Adobe Photoshop.
I like to consider myself as a little wizard, and this picture just represents that ;)
"Access for All" Myth at 15th International Aids Conference
I just had the chance to talk with one student volunteer at the 15th International Aids Conference about various details about the conference that somewhat upset me.
Let me list a few reasons why. The first reason why I am upset is that many schools in the vinicity of the Aids Conference were ordered close, in which one of my nephew who studied in one of the schools along the Vipavadee Road took time off to visit her relatives back in Ubon during the time. Talking about an earlier international confernce - the APEC - students had another extended holiday - which seems to be developing into a pattern right now.
The second reason why I was upset is about the theme - Access for All banners which are decorated all over Bangkok. What is unknown is most people is that only the global village with a few exhibits are open to the general public for free. To attend any conference or seminar, guests are expected to shell out another $1000 for general public, or $300 for students to attend any of the seminars. To be exact, this doesn't really show that the conference is open for all.
Talking about open for all, I'm pretty surprised to see the Government basking on its laurel when Thailand was annouced as a model of AIDS prevention for the world. What I do want to point that I feel that is missing from this seminar are a few important people that should take center stage on this conference. I want to point out two people - the first is Dr. Meechai Viravaidya, or what we affectionally called Mr. Condom, who campaigned extensively during the 1990s in Thailand about HIV, prevention methods, and awareness of the disease. As he was promoting much of the usage of condoms, many people affectionately called him Mr. Condom, and is responsible much for the early adwareness on HIV and managing to control the growth of this disease in the country. Strangely enough it seems that I don't see him anywhere in the conference. Another person that I wanted to point out is about a nurse, whose name I didn't quite figure, but probably the first person who blown the whistle about the dangers of HIV in the late 1980s - who was a Thai nurse who came back from aboard, which was discussed on the local radio this morning. I do feel that these two have done alot and should deserve more attention on this conference that many people such as the Prime Minister or Miss Condom or Miss Thailand.
Related with the earlier topic, I do think this conference would benefit much for high risk occupations such as prostitution, go-go dancers, and related fields. If there is serious mention of prevention, then the highest risk group must also be represented. However we can see that Access For All is a myth, and the people that needs most of the help sadly seems neglected again.
Coming back closer to the conference, and talking about another key note speech by the Prime Minister; he was pledging equal medical access for all including AIDS medicine for the 30 baht medical care - and has instructed the formulation of cheaper drugs to help. In this topic I do want to point that there are ways that are better than giving equal medical access to all. The main point is that prevention works better than giving AIDS medicine, but strangely enough the AIDS prevention budget has been consistently cut during the administration except this year that had a slight rebound that coincided with this conference.
On a lighter note, on yesterday's news, I found a picture that Ashley Judd and Coco Lee were both kissing in the cheek an AIDS victim, which is a very touching scene, and help dispelling the myth that AIDS victim should be ostracized. Its sad to know that many people feel that AIDS is very contagious - and keep AIDS sufferer in confided areas away from the public - though knowledge tells us that AIDS only transmit through unsafe sex and blood means. The ignorance of the masses on AIDS is still very prevalent here in our country, and if you tried talking to the most accessible lower income/education people, your Taxi drivers, you may manage to strike some interesting conversation on this topic - which in most cases, many of them show high ignorance on this topic which is a huge worry.
Though Thailand has been placed as a model country in the prevention of AIDS, I still feel that we are far from our intended goal. Though all my doubts about the usefulness and the goal of this AIDS Conference here, I have some reason to be optimistic that we are doing a small step in the right direction.
Let me list a few reasons why. The first reason why I am upset is that many schools in the vinicity of the Aids Conference were ordered close, in which one of my nephew who studied in one of the schools along the Vipavadee Road took time off to visit her relatives back in Ubon during the time. Talking about an earlier international confernce - the APEC - students had another extended holiday - which seems to be developing into a pattern right now.
The second reason why I was upset is about the theme - Access for All banners which are decorated all over Bangkok. What is unknown is most people is that only the global village with a few exhibits are open to the general public for free. To attend any conference or seminar, guests are expected to shell out another $1000 for general public, or $300 for students to attend any of the seminars. To be exact, this doesn't really show that the conference is open for all.
Talking about open for all, I'm pretty surprised to see the Government basking on its laurel when Thailand was annouced as a model of AIDS prevention for the world. What I do want to point that I feel that is missing from this seminar are a few important people that should take center stage on this conference. I want to point out two people - the first is Dr. Meechai Viravaidya, or what we affectionally called Mr. Condom, who campaigned extensively during the 1990s in Thailand about HIV, prevention methods, and awareness of the disease. As he was promoting much of the usage of condoms, many people affectionately called him Mr. Condom, and is responsible much for the early adwareness on HIV and managing to control the growth of this disease in the country. Strangely enough it seems that I don't see him anywhere in the conference. Another person that I wanted to point out is about a nurse, whose name I didn't quite figure, but probably the first person who blown the whistle about the dangers of HIV in the late 1980s - who was a Thai nurse who came back from aboard, which was discussed on the local radio this morning. I do feel that these two have done alot and should deserve more attention on this conference that many people such as the Prime Minister or Miss Condom or Miss Thailand.
Related with the earlier topic, I do think this conference would benefit much for high risk occupations such as prostitution, go-go dancers, and related fields. If there is serious mention of prevention, then the highest risk group must also be represented. However we can see that Access For All is a myth, and the people that needs most of the help sadly seems neglected again.
Coming back closer to the conference, and talking about another key note speech by the Prime Minister; he was pledging equal medical access for all including AIDS medicine for the 30 baht medical care - and has instructed the formulation of cheaper drugs to help. In this topic I do want to point that there are ways that are better than giving equal medical access to all. The main point is that prevention works better than giving AIDS medicine, but strangely enough the AIDS prevention budget has been consistently cut during the administration except this year that had a slight rebound that coincided with this conference.
On a lighter note, on yesterday's news, I found a picture that Ashley Judd and Coco Lee were both kissing in the cheek an AIDS victim, which is a very touching scene, and help dispelling the myth that AIDS victim should be ostracized. Its sad to know that many people feel that AIDS is very contagious - and keep AIDS sufferer in confided areas away from the public - though knowledge tells us that AIDS only transmit through unsafe sex and blood means. The ignorance of the masses on AIDS is still very prevalent here in our country, and if you tried talking to the most accessible lower income/education people, your Taxi drivers, you may manage to strike some interesting conversation on this topic - which in most cases, many of them show high ignorance on this topic which is a huge worry.
Though Thailand has been placed as a model country in the prevention of AIDS, I still feel that we are far from our intended goal. Though all my doubts about the usefulness and the goal of this AIDS Conference here, I have some reason to be optimistic that we are doing a small step in the right direction.
Sunday, July 11, 2004
Picture: Rainbow
Picture: Rainbow - The Rainbow is a powerful image. As the storm passes by, there is this eerie calmness, and the occasional sighting of rainbows that occur afterwards that promises of good times after the storm has gone.
This picture was taken by Bic about a week ago, when I, him, and Rut were eating some noodles at a local shop, when we were caught by horrendous thunderstorm. About 45 minutes later, we saw the rainbow and the rest was history as you see it here :)
Critical Rebuke of Business Software Alliance Claims to P2P Causing $29 Billion Losses
I was reading around the Internet for interesting news and tidbits, when I stumbled upon this page http://news.com.com/Software+piracy+losses+double/2100-1014_3-5259395.html which was proclaiming the following as the main topic of this article:
Software manufacturers lost $29 billion to piracy in 2003, more than double the previous year's losses, according to an industry survey released Wednesday.
After reading through the article, it states that the BSA, Business Software Alliance, which is an organization that defends the right of software organizations against piracy and other illegal operations, claims that $29 billion was lost to piracy and to the large P2P networks.
When reading through that, I just couldn't help but laugh at the outlandish claims. Here are my rebuttal. First of all, I believe most computer literate citizens know the danger of downloading software from P2P is very high. Considering the chance that people can easily post software with trojans in the P2P network that are hard to trace, the P2P network has been a breeding ground for viruses if software has been traded. To be exact, alot of virus writers, like to create new viruses and use the P2P network to spread them. Due to that reason I don't think the P2P network can be accused of the biggest factor in software piracy. P2P networks can be accused of piracy in items that are relatively safe such as music which their files are relatively safe when compared with executables.
I just think this outlandish figure has been raised because it could be used as a leverage against countries that have done little to curb piracy in software, though this is only my hunch. I won't say much more on this issue, but I do want to state that alot of software piracy happen on the university circles and home users. My observation is that license software sold in 3rd world countries are simply too expensive, and a normal household would find owning the license copy of the software to be very dear - which in turn drives alot of people to buy more pirated copies. I do want to point that in the gaming industry, they have cut prices of license games to the point that they are very competitive with pirated versions. Due to this fact, more license games are bought of the late. If coupled with some public awareness campaign, I'm sure the figures of piracy would dramatically drop.
Software manufacturers lost $29 billion to piracy in 2003, more than double the previous year's losses, according to an industry survey released Wednesday.
After reading through the article, it states that the BSA, Business Software Alliance, which is an organization that defends the right of software organizations against piracy and other illegal operations, claims that $29 billion was lost to piracy and to the large P2P networks.
When reading through that, I just couldn't help but laugh at the outlandish claims. Here are my rebuttal. First of all, I believe most computer literate citizens know the danger of downloading software from P2P is very high. Considering the chance that people can easily post software with trojans in the P2P network that are hard to trace, the P2P network has been a breeding ground for viruses if software has been traded. To be exact, alot of virus writers, like to create new viruses and use the P2P network to spread them. Due to that reason I don't think the P2P network can be accused of the biggest factor in software piracy. P2P networks can be accused of piracy in items that are relatively safe such as music which their files are relatively safe when compared with executables.
I just think this outlandish figure has been raised because it could be used as a leverage against countries that have done little to curb piracy in software, though this is only my hunch. I won't say much more on this issue, but I do want to state that alot of software piracy happen on the university circles and home users. My observation is that license software sold in 3rd world countries are simply too expensive, and a normal household would find owning the license copy of the software to be very dear - which in turn drives alot of people to buy more pirated copies. I do want to point that in the gaming industry, they have cut prices of license games to the point that they are very competitive with pirated versions. Due to this fact, more license games are bought of the late. If coupled with some public awareness campaign, I'm sure the figures of piracy would dramatically drop.
Friday, July 09, 2004
Critical Review of Bangkok Subway System
In Thailand, we just had our first subway system running on July 3, 2004. I just had the chance to ride it yesterday, and after the short ride I've outlined a few critical points about the system.
1) The Lighting System - My first impression when going down the subway was rather mixed. I used to go to lots of rail station when I was abroad, and having one in Thailand kind of get me all edgy. However one of the points that seriously needed addressing here in the subway is the bad lighting system. The lights plainly but is too dull, and they should have put more lights around. I'm having some shivers that the subway may be some secret thief's hideout considering the rather dim lighting - though I could say I may be just overreacting.
2) Floor Plan - I'm quite surprised to note that I had to ride 3 escalator to reach the bottom floor where the trains are. A curious note is the 2nd escalator ride got me to a intermediate floor in which is completely vacant, and I have reason to believe they will develop it into some type of commercial area with many stores plying their stuff. However as the lessons learnt from business on the SkyTrain in which many business found it hard to survive, I am very curious why the space was so spacious in the subway system that suspects me that it would still be vacant for a long long time until consumer behavior changes.
3) Lack of Visible Signs - I nearly rode the wrong train down the track due to lack of visible signs. The signs are simply too small, and not very eye catching. Coupled that with a rather dim lighting system, it just makes it all more confusing. I do want to say that the need of security guards to use a speaker to shout the direction of boarding just illustrates that point.
4) Interior Train Design - Though the train seems similar to the SkyTrain, I just have to say I'm completely disappointed with the subway for one major reason. The lack of railing for the people to catch. In the train that I went on, it was packed, and there was just a single stretch of rail on the middle of the cabby, none anywhere else, making it difficult to stay stable while the train is moving. This issue needs to be addressed urgently lest we want people to fall on each other on the train.
5) Bad Directional Signs - To be frank I exited the Ladphrao station, thinking it would be where I could easily get to Central Ladphrao. Just after I step off the train, the usher told to get back if we plan to go to Central Ladphrao. Great. Phahonyothin Station is where I have to go. Later I exits the station to go to Central Ladphrao, and we got confused again which station exit to get out to get as close to Central Ladphrao. After a short while I found a map explaining the plan. I found exit 3 was the closest. However the map did not tell our orientation, and at the end, I had to figure where was exit 3 by looking at all the signs in the station - which was rather hard to find.
6) Low Bandwidth - Once I reached Exit 3, I found out that there was a very very long queue trying to exit the station to go to Central Ladphrao - but only 3 stations where we can dump our tokens and exit. Considering this is one of the most busy station, its surprising they didn't have enough vision to calculate how much time it would take to vacate a train - which took us close to 5 minutes. Hmm...
7) Bad Air Ventalation - My journey up to now was rather fine, except when I walked towards exit 3. The air simply got stale for some unknow reason - and I suspect there was problems with the air ventalation system in parts of the subway. Not a very good experience I say.
8) Excessive Anti-Fire System - During our trip in Exit 3, my friend Bic, a fire rescue volunteer and I was discussing about the excessive anti-fire system - which we call smoke detectors and sprinker system. Every 5 meters was one of those system in Exit 3. I just couldn't figure why they need that many systems, when strangely in the inverse there wasn't enough air ventalation pipes that should be placed on a higher priority.
9) Lack of Mobile Phone Signal - I just wanted to point out that due to monopolistic practices there are antennas of only one mobile operator at the present - whereas other competitors were denied permission. Go figure.
1) The Lighting System - My first impression when going down the subway was rather mixed. I used to go to lots of rail station when I was abroad, and having one in Thailand kind of get me all edgy. However one of the points that seriously needed addressing here in the subway is the bad lighting system. The lights plainly but is too dull, and they should have put more lights around. I'm having some shivers that the subway may be some secret thief's hideout considering the rather dim lighting - though I could say I may be just overreacting.
2) Floor Plan - I'm quite surprised to note that I had to ride 3 escalator to reach the bottom floor where the trains are. A curious note is the 2nd escalator ride got me to a intermediate floor in which is completely vacant, and I have reason to believe they will develop it into some type of commercial area with many stores plying their stuff. However as the lessons learnt from business on the SkyTrain in which many business found it hard to survive, I am very curious why the space was so spacious in the subway system that suspects me that it would still be vacant for a long long time until consumer behavior changes.
3) Lack of Visible Signs - I nearly rode the wrong train down the track due to lack of visible signs. The signs are simply too small, and not very eye catching. Coupled that with a rather dim lighting system, it just makes it all more confusing. I do want to say that the need of security guards to use a speaker to shout the direction of boarding just illustrates that point.
4) Interior Train Design - Though the train seems similar to the SkyTrain, I just have to say I'm completely disappointed with the subway for one major reason. The lack of railing for the people to catch. In the train that I went on, it was packed, and there was just a single stretch of rail on the middle of the cabby, none anywhere else, making it difficult to stay stable while the train is moving. This issue needs to be addressed urgently lest we want people to fall on each other on the train.
5) Bad Directional Signs - To be frank I exited the Ladphrao station, thinking it would be where I could easily get to Central Ladphrao. Just after I step off the train, the usher told to get back if we plan to go to Central Ladphrao. Great. Phahonyothin Station is where I have to go. Later I exits the station to go to Central Ladphrao, and we got confused again which station exit to get out to get as close to Central Ladphrao. After a short while I found a map explaining the plan. I found exit 3 was the closest. However the map did not tell our orientation, and at the end, I had to figure where was exit 3 by looking at all the signs in the station - which was rather hard to find.
6) Low Bandwidth - Once I reached Exit 3, I found out that there was a very very long queue trying to exit the station to go to Central Ladphrao - but only 3 stations where we can dump our tokens and exit. Considering this is one of the most busy station, its surprising they didn't have enough vision to calculate how much time it would take to vacate a train - which took us close to 5 minutes. Hmm...
7) Bad Air Ventalation - My journey up to now was rather fine, except when I walked towards exit 3. The air simply got stale for some unknow reason - and I suspect there was problems with the air ventalation system in parts of the subway. Not a very good experience I say.
8) Excessive Anti-Fire System - During our trip in Exit 3, my friend Bic, a fire rescue volunteer and I was discussing about the excessive anti-fire system - which we call smoke detectors and sprinker system. Every 5 meters was one of those system in Exit 3. I just couldn't figure why they need that many systems, when strangely in the inverse there wasn't enough air ventalation pipes that should be placed on a higher priority.
9) Lack of Mobile Phone Signal - I just wanted to point out that due to monopolistic practices there are antennas of only one mobile operator at the present - whereas other competitors were denied permission. Go figure.
Tuesday, July 06, 2004
Light Saber!
While I was having too much fun from my Quality Assurance drafting, I've decided to browse around the net for inspiration when I got to a following page (http://www.thinkgeek.com/cubegoodies/toys/69de/)with the following picture. Drools.... I want one :P
How to Enjoy Quality Assurance Document Generation
Today, after reaching home, I was consigned to quickly rush through Quality Assurance Documents Drafting according to the deadling set forth.
Though it would be easy to hate the QA process I'm starting to like it after reading through The Dilbert Principle and having a good time pretending to be a pointy hair manager in the drafting of the documents.
Let me show you one of my clueless masterpiece:
Try reading through the above paragraph and try to find a meaning of that. If you do, please tell me, I don't even know what I was writing about :P
Though it would be easy to hate the QA process I'm starting to like it after reading through The Dilbert Principle and having a good time pretending to be a pointy hair manager in the drafting of the documents.
Let me show you one of my clueless masterpiece:
The faculty has engaged in total empowerment and delegation of quality assurrance to faculty member level to provide leverage and dyanmics towards a new Total Quality Paradigm in Quality Assurance of Educational Quality in line with the mission statement and vision stated by Mission Vision – towards a world class educational institute.
By arranging regular meeting and exchage of ideas form a highly synergetic relationship between faculty members in team dynamics in a totally radical out-of-the-box mindset towards setting up a even greater quality assurance standard – and facilitate and reengerize the SAR (self-assessment report) on a organization while aspect with checks and dialogue between all the department sections of the faculty towards an even better supporting unit of quality assurance behavioral from feedback and exchange of viewpoints to provide a more accurate viewpoint.
Try reading through the above paragraph and try to find a meaning of that. If you do, please tell me, I don't even know what I was writing about :P
July 6, 2004 - A Busy Day to Complain
If you are reading this you must have been bored. This is just a busy day that I just wanted to randomly jolt down for the significance of how busy it was - which I meant how busy my mouth was. Let me show you the schedule:
09:30 - 12:30 - Teaching Introduction to Programming Class
12:30 - 13:00 - Lunch
13:00 - 14:30 - Discussion with Student on Senior Project Group Setup
14:30 - 17:40 - Discussion on setup up of a new seminar - Game Developers Exchange Conference with external coordinators and staff
17:40 - 18:30 - Quality Assurance Discussion with working committee
18:30 - 20:00 - Meeting on Academic Planning for new direction in Programming Course
20:00 - 21:00 - Working Dinner Discussing Additional Plans about Seminar
When I looked back, darn, I was talking nearly none-stop for 12 hours :P Just another big big talking day to remember X'D
09:30 - 12:30 - Teaching Introduction to Programming Class
12:30 - 13:00 - Lunch
13:00 - 14:30 - Discussion with Student on Senior Project Group Setup
14:30 - 17:40 - Discussion on setup up of a new seminar - Game Developers Exchange Conference with external coordinators and staff
17:40 - 18:30 - Quality Assurance Discussion with working committee
18:30 - 20:00 - Meeting on Academic Planning for new direction in Programming Course
20:00 - 21:00 - Working Dinner Discussing Additional Plans about Seminar
When I looked back, darn, I was talking nearly none-stop for 12 hours :P Just another big big talking day to remember X'D
Monday, July 05, 2004
Picture: Seminar - AsiaSoft at CP Chula
Picture: Seminar - AsiaSoft at CP Chula. This picture is a collage done from quick snap shots I've taken with my digital camera by one of my friends Wasin. Just decided to post it here just to make how the seminar was like :)
Great Leap Forward
During the last year I haven't been much productive of late, and I've decided its time for me to start working harder and stop being a couch potato and a game freak. I've decided to start a new program I call the Great Leap Forward, in which I devote much of my time in self-improvement by one of the most enjoyable pastime that I like - reading - and I've decided to chalk as much reading time as possible from now until the end of the year. Here are the list of books I've read during the June to early July period:
Books Related with Work:
How Not To Program in C++ (about 400 Pages)
Beginning Maths and Physics for Game Programmers (about 400 pages)
Core Algorithms in Game Development (about 700 pages)
Other types of Books:
How Would You Move Mount Fuji - Microsoft's Cult of the Puzzle (about 300 pages)
Underdogs in Overdrive (about 150 pages)
Who Were the Celts? (about 400 pages)
Pleasure Reading:
Rainbow Six (about 1000 pages(?))
Conan The Triumphant (about 360 pages)
Books that Didn't Finish:
On the Shoulder of Giants - Great works of Physics and Astronomy (+1000 pages but too difficult for me to understand at this moment :-/)
Looking through this list, I'm quite optimistic about the chances in the future if I can keep on this track :)
Books Related with Work:
How Not To Program in C++ (about 400 Pages)
Beginning Maths and Physics for Game Programmers (about 400 pages)
Core Algorithms in Game Development (about 700 pages)
Other types of Books:
How Would You Move Mount Fuji - Microsoft's Cult of the Puzzle (about 300 pages)
Underdogs in Overdrive (about 150 pages)
Who Were the Celts? (about 400 pages)
Pleasure Reading:
Rainbow Six (about 1000 pages(?))
Conan The Triumphant (about 360 pages)
Books that Didn't Finish:
On the Shoulder of Giants - Great works of Physics and Astronomy (+1000 pages but too difficult for me to understand at this moment :-/)
Looking through this list, I'm quite optimistic about the chances in the future if I can keep on this track :)
Euro 2004: Greece 1 - Portugal 0
I've just watched the finals of the Euro 2004 last morning until early dawn. Greece won the Euro 2004 championships with a header from the corner then ended up soaking the pressure from the Portugese play until the time expired completing one of the most unlikely fairy-tale in modern-day football.
The games does has it high share of drama, and around the 80th minute, a fan invaded the pitch, and threw a Barcelona no7 shirt at Figo (note that was the old shirt and club of Figo who moved to Real Madrid in a rather sour note) before being dragged out by the police. As no harm was done, it provided a quick laugh during the game, and in which Figo came back with all guns firing, doing some dribbling magic before nearly rounding up a goal from 8 yards, but missing just a few feet wide from the post.
Greece were ranked complete outsiders in this tournament, but won it without any big name starts, and most of the players being rejects in international football. This is a triumph of teamwork and spirit which the Greece shown in plenty - and the pure ironic was the value of Figo's Transfer fee alone could have bought the whole greek team easily ;) Though I speak little about portugal, their team also played well with heart, but they somehow came up short with the stubborn and disciplined Greek side - and ended up second best for the night, which caused a completely eerie scene on the Portugese fans.
Though the game itself was sloppy, and rather short in goal, the occasion, even view through the TV was a spectacle itself, and will leave a good memory for all the neutrals around the world who are watching the show. For gamblers, I do have to admit, they would be up for a few more sleepless months trying to repay their debts, and I want to take sometime to note that it is best during this time to keep a low profile, and keep all valuable locked. Crime rates after major sporting championship tend to jump due to gambling vices - and as normal citizens we should becareful.
The games does has it high share of drama, and around the 80th minute, a fan invaded the pitch, and threw a Barcelona no7 shirt at Figo (note that was the old shirt and club of Figo who moved to Real Madrid in a rather sour note) before being dragged out by the police. As no harm was done, it provided a quick laugh during the game, and in which Figo came back with all guns firing, doing some dribbling magic before nearly rounding up a goal from 8 yards, but missing just a few feet wide from the post.
Greece were ranked complete outsiders in this tournament, but won it without any big name starts, and most of the players being rejects in international football. This is a triumph of teamwork and spirit which the Greece shown in plenty - and the pure ironic was the value of Figo's Transfer fee alone could have bought the whole greek team easily ;) Though I speak little about portugal, their team also played well with heart, but they somehow came up short with the stubborn and disciplined Greek side - and ended up second best for the night, which caused a completely eerie scene on the Portugese fans.
Though the game itself was sloppy, and rather short in goal, the occasion, even view through the TV was a spectacle itself, and will leave a good memory for all the neutrals around the world who are watching the show. For gamblers, I do have to admit, they would be up for a few more sleepless months trying to repay their debts, and I want to take sometime to note that it is best during this time to keep a low profile, and keep all valuable locked. Crime rates after major sporting championship tend to jump due to gambling vices - and as normal citizens we should becareful.
Picture: Flower in the midst
Picture: Flower in the midst - This picture is a picture I took when I went to a local park, which we call the Train Park. This park used to be a golf course owned by the Train Authority, but later converted into a public park. I just noticed an flower in the midst of greenery and decided to take a quick snapshot.
Saturday, July 03, 2004
Game Seminar with AsiaSoft at Chula - July 2, 2004
I was informed by a fellow game developer that AsiaSoft the local content provider for many of our online games such as Ragnarok Online, Gunbound, Jade Dragon, and etc. is going to provide a game seminar at Chula on July 2, 2004, and decided to drop by the seminar which started a little late around 3:30 PM.
The seminar was much of an impromtu seminar in which the managing director of AsiaSoft (BM Media) talked about their experiences in the local management of the Ragnarok Online service. In our jampacked audience, there were many networking experts and lecturers, in which many of them asked extensively about issues related with networking challenges involving the Ragnarok Online service that is extensively very popular in Thailand. Issues range from problems with bandwidth, fail-safe and redundant systems, issues with regional connection (awfully slow), and other numerous architectural models. Though the seminar itself is interesting on a technical point, on a hindsight, I was expecting more on technical issues on the development of the MMOG - though realistically speaking - it would be a topic that the guest speakers would probably have little experience in - as they are based more on administering online game content. However, with interesting figures, notes, and models as case study from the AsiaSoft in their management of MMOG, it does give a huge idea on a gray area that is not evident for most MMOG planners, and thus confirm my observation why most MMOG project fail - due to extensive investment on infrastructure in which only a huge financial viable company can afford. However to make the game industry to make strides, it would take time and more cooperation between our sectors. I'm also arranging another seminar on August 27, 2004, with a similar intent as this one, and I hope that it would be for the best :)
The seminar was much of an impromtu seminar in which the managing director of AsiaSoft (BM Media) talked about their experiences in the local management of the Ragnarok Online service. In our jampacked audience, there were many networking experts and lecturers, in which many of them asked extensively about issues related with networking challenges involving the Ragnarok Online service that is extensively very popular in Thailand. Issues range from problems with bandwidth, fail-safe and redundant systems, issues with regional connection (awfully slow), and other numerous architectural models. Though the seminar itself is interesting on a technical point, on a hindsight, I was expecting more on technical issues on the development of the MMOG - though realistically speaking - it would be a topic that the guest speakers would probably have little experience in - as they are based more on administering online game content. However, with interesting figures, notes, and models as case study from the AsiaSoft in their management of MMOG, it does give a huge idea on a gray area that is not evident for most MMOG planners, and thus confirm my observation why most MMOG project fail - due to extensive investment on infrastructure in which only a huge financial viable company can afford. However to make the game industry to make strides, it would take time and more cooperation between our sectors. I'm also arranging another seminar on August 27, 2004, with a similar intent as this one, and I hope that it would be for the best :)
Q&A Madness Sample
Sorry, but I couldn't laugh at it. Doing Q&A is a lot of hot air, and I really meant it. I want you to read some of the following response I wrote for the following question in the Q&A:
Worksheet for KPI - Education Processes
After reading through it, I have to admit, its a lot of hot air, and instead of during something useful, I and practically nearly 2/3 of whole department has to devote most of their working time answering through hundreds of pages of questionaires that may or may not be of benefit. Though I do think some amount of QA is good for quality improvement, once the QA bites a big chunk of time of the whole organization, then something is awfully wrong with the QA process - its not done to improve efficiency, but I'm starting to see images of a clueless pointy hair manager (hint - Dilbert) and his trivial management paradigm cluelessness. Notice the choice of words - completely incomprehensible.
Talking on a similar example about QA madness, one of the new QA requirement was the draft of the lesson plan that details out all the lessons that are taught in the class. That is said to supplement the course outline which is the primary course design document. I wanted to point out that the lesson plan itself, though would good intent turned out to be one of the worst idea in implementation I have had in the QA process so far. In this QA document, I lecture around 15 weeks a semester. In some classes I have 1 lab and 1 lecture class - and I had 6 sessions of class to teach. In overall if you calculate it carefully, it turns out to be:
2*6*15 = 180 pages of lesson plans
As you noticed even though I teach 6 session, practically the same in all the section, the QA process has stated that the lesson plan must include the date and time and exact details of assignments and material covered per class. At the end I remembered making the same copy of it and then updating the date and time macros in a database, and making a program to important the information to MS word using mail merge and adding a few random buzzwords just to add some variety. I call the process - hotAir v1.0, and at the end, I did finish 180 documents for the first and the second semester, 360 pages in total - which I had to fix about 24 pages due to wrong dates and times. It came in a big binder and off-course, it did practically no benefit to the teaching process except to waste many man hours generating hotAir v1.0 =p
I later learnt that my hotAir v1.0 was the model lesson plan (partly has to do with the fact that I was the only person who managed to finished the document) for the department, and off-course the 360 page lesson plan was left to rot in some dusty shelf.
As noted, though I may appear against the QA process, I can state before I end this blog is that the QA process is necessary for organizations - but the problem is when it gets excessive - and hinders the work. Right now, I have the feeling the QA process has overwhelmed the system, and currently morale is low and I do a reason to create my hotAir v2.0 to generate random glibberish for the QA documents before the deadline, just for fun ;)
What do you think about that? LOL
Worksheet for KPI - Education Processes
1. Emphasis on shifting to new paradigm of lower classroom size to synergize student learning process
2. Emphasis on shifting to hands-on-approach in harmonizing the relationship between theorotical and practical aspects of classroom conduct for student centered learning process
3. Continual revision and update of curriculum to innovate and follow in accordance to the technological paradigm shifts which is observed accordance to the Moore’s Law in the advancement of computer technology field.
4. Continual expansion of potential and current computing facilities available as a vehicle for student to access and harness for continuation of development of significant magnitude towards a qualified and satisfactory result
5. Promotion of extra-curriculum academic activities through cooperation and entry with different professional national organizations for the pavement of higher level of competence and increasing awareness and standing in academic and business circles.
After reading through it, I have to admit, its a lot of hot air, and instead of during something useful, I and practically nearly 2/3 of whole department has to devote most of their working time answering through hundreds of pages of questionaires that may or may not be of benefit. Though I do think some amount of QA is good for quality improvement, once the QA bites a big chunk of time of the whole organization, then something is awfully wrong with the QA process - its not done to improve efficiency, but I'm starting to see images of a clueless pointy hair manager (hint - Dilbert) and his trivial management paradigm cluelessness. Notice the choice of words - completely incomprehensible.
Talking on a similar example about QA madness, one of the new QA requirement was the draft of the lesson plan that details out all the lessons that are taught in the class. That is said to supplement the course outline which is the primary course design document. I wanted to point out that the lesson plan itself, though would good intent turned out to be one of the worst idea in implementation I have had in the QA process so far. In this QA document, I lecture around 15 weeks a semester. In some classes I have 1 lab and 1 lecture class - and I had 6 sessions of class to teach. In overall if you calculate it carefully, it turns out to be:
2*6*15 = 180 pages of lesson plans
As you noticed even though I teach 6 session, practically the same in all the section, the QA process has stated that the lesson plan must include the date and time and exact details of assignments and material covered per class. At the end I remembered making the same copy of it and then updating the date and time macros in a database, and making a program to important the information to MS word using mail merge and adding a few random buzzwords just to add some variety. I call the process - hotAir v1.0, and at the end, I did finish 180 documents for the first and the second semester, 360 pages in total - which I had to fix about 24 pages due to wrong dates and times. It came in a big binder and off-course, it did practically no benefit to the teaching process except to waste many man hours generating hotAir v1.0 =p
I later learnt that my hotAir v1.0 was the model lesson plan (partly has to do with the fact that I was the only person who managed to finished the document) for the department, and off-course the 360 page lesson plan was left to rot in some dusty shelf.
As noted, though I may appear against the QA process, I can state before I end this blog is that the QA process is necessary for organizations - but the problem is when it gets excessive - and hinders the work. Right now, I have the feeling the QA process has overwhelmed the system, and currently morale is low and I do a reason to create my hotAir v2.0 to generate random glibberish for the QA documents before the deadline, just for fun ;)
What do you think about that? LOL
Thursday, July 01, 2004
Seminar: Art of Creating Good Plot for Computer Game
During the last few weeks I've been working on arranging 2 seminars in Assumption University where I work on various topics on game development. The first seminar which I post here is the smaller of the two. In the Art of Creating Good Plot of Computer Game I've decided to invite a friend, Lertsiri Boonmee, who is a movie director with extensive experience to come talk about developing good plot for movie and various techniques that could be used. In the second part, I'll be there to talk about the various issues and details we have to be careful before we can convert the plot directly into a computer game - as there are numerous issues that are involved.
This seminar is arranged for students of my SC4383 - Game Design and Architecture class but this seminar is open for all students, personnel, and the general public - and this is a free seminar :)
The details of this seminar is at http://blackboard.s-t.au.ac.th/pub/plot, if you are interested you can join :)
This seminar is arranged for students of my SC4383 - Game Design and Architecture class but this seminar is open for all students, personnel, and the general public - and this is a free seminar :)
The details of this seminar is at http://blackboard.s-t.au.ac.th/pub/plot, if you are interested you can join :)
Picture: Website of Small Seminar I'm Arranging
Screen shot of website at http://blackboard.s-t.au.ac.th/pub/plot which is a small seminar I'm arranging on July 22, 2004.
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