Last night, a bunch of the engineering school friends all got together for dinner. It was cool, to catch up on all the things that happened and laughed about the stupid things that we did back in school... It was great. One of them got married, and the rest of them are still the same, working for their respective companies. Its pretty cool.
In amist of all that, I didn't get a chance to call Liz last night. You know the funny thing is that I really missed talking to her last night. I went to bed thinking that something was missing - like I haven't completed my day yet or something like that. Its really interesting!!! I guess I feel that way because it was 1) a break from my normal routine, and 2) I just miss her lots (yuck! that was such a mushy comment!!).
Anyways, definitely calling her today. :-)
love ya, pooh bear
john
Thursday, August 15, 2002
Friday, August 09, 2002
Found this interesting site on the web: X-Box Hacking
First off, I don't have an X-Box, not intend on getting one (unless its really cheap), and even if I do get one, I probably won't hack it. I have no access to Japanese games anymore anyways. Plus, it just takes too much time. As if the PS/2 isn't keeping me busy enough.
BUT, reading about the technology used to HACK the X-Box and the technology inside the X-BOX is really interesting. I came across this article by Andrew Huang, who published his first X-Box hacking paper: Keeping Secrets in Hardware: the Microsoft XBox Case Study. Just reading about all the technology thats inside the X-Box is very exciting. After all, I do the same thing at work, just in a different kind of system. That, and I design, not hack.
I guess the moral of the story is how selfish humans are. We go through great length (like Microsoft) to protect the "data" so that no one else can see what genius inventions other people came up with. We go through layers and layers of encryption just so others wouldn't be able to know what it is. Why? Economic reasons, of course. If people don't know how it works, then the only way to play XBox games is to buy it straight from Microsoft, helping Microsoft making millions of $$$. In the process, Microsoft probably spent millions of dollars and weeks to come up with a scheme to "hide" all this information, only to be broken in by a MIT professor. Just goes on to show you, that no matter what you do, there is always a way around it. :-)
You know, I can't wait until the day that information just flows, for free, and we humans don't take adventage of one another. Rather, we use the knowledge and expertise that is shared amongst everyone to propel our society forward to bigger and better things, and we give credit (in both $$$ and recognition) where its due. As for me, I try to buy origional DVDs and play original PS2 games, along with NOT downloading MP3s and actually buying the CDs that I want to listen to.
john
First off, I don't have an X-Box, not intend on getting one (unless its really cheap), and even if I do get one, I probably won't hack it. I have no access to Japanese games anymore anyways. Plus, it just takes too much time. As if the PS/2 isn't keeping me busy enough.
BUT, reading about the technology used to HACK the X-Box and the technology inside the X-BOX is really interesting. I came across this article by Andrew Huang, who published his first X-Box hacking paper: Keeping Secrets in Hardware: the Microsoft XBox Case Study. Just reading about all the technology thats inside the X-Box is very exciting. After all, I do the same thing at work, just in a different kind of system. That, and I design, not hack.
I guess the moral of the story is how selfish humans are. We go through great length (like Microsoft) to protect the "data" so that no one else can see what genius inventions other people came up with. We go through layers and layers of encryption just so others wouldn't be able to know what it is. Why? Economic reasons, of course. If people don't know how it works, then the only way to play XBox games is to buy it straight from Microsoft, helping Microsoft making millions of $$$. In the process, Microsoft probably spent millions of dollars and weeks to come up with a scheme to "hide" all this information, only to be broken in by a MIT professor. Just goes on to show you, that no matter what you do, there is always a way around it. :-)
You know, I can't wait until the day that information just flows, for free, and we humans don't take adventage of one another. Rather, we use the knowledge and expertise that is shared amongst everyone to propel our society forward to bigger and better things, and we give credit (in both $$$ and recognition) where its due. As for me, I try to buy origional DVDs and play original PS2 games, along with NOT downloading MP3s and actually buying the CDs that I want to listen to.
john
Wednesday, August 07, 2002
Ok... This is going to sound Nerdy, but I really like technology. I think its really neat.
I went to a series of training seminars that ended today which talked about cable modem transfer protocols. In it, there were quite some discussions about S-CDMA, which stands for Synchronous CMDA (Code-Division Multiple Access). We hear about CDMA all the time (you know, in Cel phones! That's how Qualcomm was able to get their stock up to $600/share!). So I finally understood somewhat of how CDMA works. Its pretty cool! It takes narrow-band of information, multiply it by a certain "code" and then transmit it on a particular channel in a certain timeslot. Up to a set of cel phones can do this all at the same time, in the same timeslot. There is no confusion when that happens because of the "codes" that the signal multiplies to are Orthagonal (i.e. mutual exclusive, as in no dependency on each other). Anyhow. the adventages of CDMA is that it buys you SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) so that you are more immune to noise.
I think thats how it work. Its new to me, and not easy to swallow and remember. I'm sure I'll learn more in the days to come!
john
I went to a series of training seminars that ended today which talked about cable modem transfer protocols. In it, there were quite some discussions about S-CDMA, which stands for Synchronous CMDA (Code-Division Multiple Access). We hear about CDMA all the time (you know, in Cel phones! That's how Qualcomm was able to get their stock up to $600/share!). So I finally understood somewhat of how CDMA works. Its pretty cool! It takes narrow-band of information, multiply it by a certain "code" and then transmit it on a particular channel in a certain timeslot. Up to a set of cel phones can do this all at the same time, in the same timeslot. There is no confusion when that happens because of the "codes" that the signal multiplies to are Orthagonal (i.e. mutual exclusive, as in no dependency on each other). Anyhow. the adventages of CDMA is that it buys you SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) so that you are more immune to noise.
I think thats how it work. Its new to me, and not easy to swallow and remember. I'm sure I'll learn more in the days to come!
john
Tuesday, August 06, 2002
Hsin and Dennis went to Thunderhill Raceways today. I'm so jealous. I wish I can take a day off and go racing....
I've been trying to figure out what to get for myself as a present since I got my first paycheck. Yikes! There are lots of things that I want, like a new cel phone, new rims for my car, some more upgrades to the Miata...etc. I've thought about it quite a bit and I think I've decided to use it to replenish my savings account that I had to deplete due to unemployment. I think thats a good choice, as right now - who knows if one's paycheck is their last one with that company?
Getting laid off (or company go out of business) officially sucks, I've declared. Looking back on it, it really sucks. Don't let other people tell you otherwise. If you are a worry wart like me, it sucks. :-)
john
I've been trying to figure out what to get for myself as a present since I got my first paycheck. Yikes! There are lots of things that I want, like a new cel phone, new rims for my car, some more upgrades to the Miata...etc. I've thought about it quite a bit and I think I've decided to use it to replenish my savings account that I had to deplete due to unemployment. I think thats a good choice, as right now - who knows if one's paycheck is their last one with that company?
Getting laid off (or company go out of business) officially sucks, I've declared. Looking back on it, it really sucks. Don't let other people tell you otherwise. If you are a worry wart like me, it sucks. :-)
john
Tuesday, July 23, 2002
So 2nd day at work here.... Man, I wish I can just know everything instantly so I can start working immediately. Its killing me to have to read everything. *sigh*....
Anyhow, I've been so excited and so busy that I have forgotten to blog about what happened: I FOUND A JOB!!!!! Yeah. I started working for a company called Terayon Communication Systems yesterday as a software engineer working on the CMTS (Cable Modem Termination System). How's that for a nerdy comment?!?!?!
Anyhow. I'm glad to be back in the swing of things. Hopefully, this will help me blog more often!
john
Anyhow, I've been so excited and so busy that I have forgotten to blog about what happened: I FOUND A JOB!!!!! Yeah. I started working for a company called Terayon Communication Systems yesterday as a software engineer working on the CMTS (Cable Modem Termination System). How's that for a nerdy comment?!?!?!
Anyhow. I'm glad to be back in the swing of things. Hopefully, this will help me blog more often!
john
Wednesday, July 10, 2002
man, i gotta get my butt in gear and start to blog. But its so hot here!
ok, this sitting at home thing just doesn't do it for me anymore. I need a JOB!!!! I need something to keep me occupied. Yesterday, I was so bored that I decided to re-arrange all the furniture in the house. Then, about 3/4 of the way through it, I decided that it was too much work and I am too tired. So now, the furnitures are in weird places and the house is a mess. Well, good thing no one is visiting anytime soon and only Hsin lives here.... He's used to the mess.
john
ok, this sitting at home thing just doesn't do it for me anymore. I need a JOB!!!! I need something to keep me occupied. Yesterday, I was so bored that I decided to re-arrange all the furniture in the house. Then, about 3/4 of the way through it, I decided that it was too much work and I am too tired. So now, the furnitures are in weird places and the house is a mess. Well, good thing no one is visiting anytime soon and only Hsin lives here.... He's used to the mess.
john
Tuesday, July 02, 2002
Boy. Last time I blogged was almost a month ago.... its been so long!
Well, I lost my job on 6/7/2002. Our company decided to shut down, and so ever since then I have been looking for a job. Boy - job hunting is hard! Its hard to look for a full time job. Its a 'job' to look for a 'job'! Anyways, I hate job searches now.
*sigh* I guess I should just bite my tongue, stop complaining and finish filling out application forms.... If you know of any embedded software engineering jobs, make sure you e-mail me, ok? at walnutchen@attbi.com
thanks. more later!
nut
Well, I lost my job on 6/7/2002. Our company decided to shut down, and so ever since then I have been looking for a job. Boy - job hunting is hard! Its hard to look for a full time job. Its a 'job' to look for a 'job'! Anyways, I hate job searches now.
*sigh* I guess I should just bite my tongue, stop complaining and finish filling out application forms.... If you know of any embedded software engineering jobs, make sure you e-mail me, ok? at walnutchen@attbi.com
thanks. more later!
nut
Wednesday, June 05, 2002
Went to see Les Miserable in the city last night. It was really good.
The music was incredible. We had seats on the right side about 6 rows back. It was really nice because we can see everyone's faces and everything. I've always liked musicals, so this was a real treat.
So, out of all the musicals that I've seen so far, I'd say that my favorite is Miss Saigon, still. The story in Miss Saigon touched me so much more, and it made me think so much more. It made me realize that there are things in the world that just cannot be worked out with a happy ending. In Miss Saigon, whatever decision Chris makes will hurt someone, and Kim had to sacrafice herself for her son's future. Its so sad, and it touches me so much because I've heard and seen scenarios like this, I just refuse to believe it...
Les Miserable was good, too. It just didn't touch me as deeply as Miss Saigon did. I'm not quite catching the "deep" meaning behind the story yet. It just seems like a tale to me. I didn't feel the deep connection to the characters, and I didn't feel the connection to all the story lines that were going on. Maybe it'll take a while for the story lines to sink in... we'll see
Other musical I've seen: Sunset Boulevard, Joseph and the Amazing Technolocolor Dreamcoat, Phantom of the Opera, The Music Man, and Rent.
nut
The music was incredible. We had seats on the right side about 6 rows back. It was really nice because we can see everyone's faces and everything. I've always liked musicals, so this was a real treat.
So, out of all the musicals that I've seen so far, I'd say that my favorite is Miss Saigon, still. The story in Miss Saigon touched me so much more, and it made me think so much more. It made me realize that there are things in the world that just cannot be worked out with a happy ending. In Miss Saigon, whatever decision Chris makes will hurt someone, and Kim had to sacrafice herself for her son's future. Its so sad, and it touches me so much because I've heard and seen scenarios like this, I just refuse to believe it...
Les Miserable was good, too. It just didn't touch me as deeply as Miss Saigon did. I'm not quite catching the "deep" meaning behind the story yet. It just seems like a tale to me. I didn't feel the deep connection to the characters, and I didn't feel the connection to all the story lines that were going on. Maybe it'll take a while for the story lines to sink in... we'll see
Other musical I've seen: Sunset Boulevard, Joseph and the Amazing Technolocolor Dreamcoat, Phantom of the Opera, The Music Man, and Rent.
nut
Monday, June 03, 2002
Finally, we made it back from Vegas alive. We were there for Stephen's bachelor party. It was great! We had a great time.
So, I got to try a climbing wall for the first time. It was really cool! I really enjoyed it. I was so scared to look down when I was near the top that my hands started to sweat and I had to keep telling myself that I need to be more brave. It was so much fun. If you ever get an oppertunity to try it, I'd recommend it! Its lots of fun.
nut
So, I got to try a climbing wall for the first time. It was really cool! I really enjoyed it. I was so scared to look down when I was near the top that my hands started to sweat and I had to keep telling myself that I need to be more brave. It was so much fun. If you ever get an oppertunity to try it, I'd recommend it! Its lots of fun.
nut
Thursday, May 30, 2002
I generally don't like roller coasters. Beej can attest to this....
But the 'Incredible Hulk' Roller coaster at the Islands of Adventure was AWESOME! Boy its was soo cool. Normally I don't like the roller coasters because I don't like how the drag you up to the top and then there is that little period where you hang and then you drop. I hate that part.
On the 'Hulk', it was funny. Because, as they pulled you half way up the ramp, the train stopped, and started moving back a little bit. I remember I was thinking... uh oh. what happened? Then next thing I know, I'm being shoved hard back into my seat as the roller coaster takes off shooting off the up-going ramp. IT WAS AWESOME! I love speed. Don't like drops, but love the speed. Anyways, then it flips you upside down and darts you down towards the ground. It was soo cool, cuz I didn't have any time to be scared at all....by the time I felt how scary it was the ride was already done!
So, if you get a chance, definitely goto Islands of Adventure and take the Incredible Hulk roller-coaster.
nut
But the 'Incredible Hulk' Roller coaster at the Islands of Adventure was AWESOME! Boy its was soo cool. Normally I don't like the roller coasters because I don't like how the drag you up to the top and then there is that little period where you hang and then you drop. I hate that part.
On the 'Hulk', it was funny. Because, as they pulled you half way up the ramp, the train stopped, and started moving back a little bit. I remember I was thinking... uh oh. what happened? Then next thing I know, I'm being shoved hard back into my seat as the roller coaster takes off shooting off the up-going ramp. IT WAS AWESOME! I love speed. Don't like drops, but love the speed. Anyways, then it flips you upside down and darts you down towards the ground. It was soo cool, cuz I didn't have any time to be scared at all....by the time I felt how scary it was the ride was already done!
So, if you get a chance, definitely goto Islands of Adventure and take the Incredible Hulk roller-coaster.
nut
Wednesday, May 29, 2002
Just got back from Disney World... Had a great time!
There are so many stories to tell, so stay put! I'll just put down 1 things right now about Disneyworld that really impressed me:
1) Even though its 90 degress with (what feels like) 100% humidity, I didn't get a single bug bite, and also there are no bugs swarming around when you eat outside.
2) Disneyworld is incredible organized. We never had any trouble getting into or out of parking lots, traffic flows well. After we parked, we never had to wait for a tram (it seems like that there is always one available when we need one).
Incredible. Had an AWESOME time! Hopefully, we'll get to go back soon!
john
There are so many stories to tell, so stay put! I'll just put down 1 things right now about Disneyworld that really impressed me:
1) Even though its 90 degress with (what feels like) 100% humidity, I didn't get a single bug bite, and also there are no bugs swarming around when you eat outside.
2) Disneyworld is incredible organized. We never had any trouble getting into or out of parking lots, traffic flows well. After we parked, we never had to wait for a tram (it seems like that there is always one available when we need one).
Incredible. Had an AWESOME time! Hopefully, we'll get to go back soon!
john
Wednesday, May 22, 2002
Monday, May 20, 2002
Many Blessings....
I had to goto a PTA meeting yesterday. It was a church meeting, where we (the counselors) got a chance to chat and talk with the parents, and for us to get some feedback on how we are doing. I went reluctantly, knowing that its just going to drag on...
When we started talking and discussing all the issues and stuff, I was overwhelmed by how thankful the parents were that I was there helping the youth group with singspiration. I couldn't believe how they all thanked me and how they are so greatful that I play with their kids and teaching them how to lead. I personally feel that I have failed miserably, since the worship team is still a bit disorganized and stuff. But, its been such a blessing. God has blessed us so much, as some of the kids are almost ready to lead worship on their own. Guess what? They're only in 9th grade.....
For a while, I had thought about leaving DCBC. Its just tires me out too much that I am at church on Sundays from 8:30AM to 4PM, going through 2 worship services and 2 Sunday schools. However, the afternoons at Danville church (which is the one that I thought about quitting) has been lifting my spirits so much (both the parents and the kids) that I think God is trying to tell me to continue my service there. I praise God for the message and I will continue to obey His commands, and receive His blessings as I go through it...
I remember seeing a sign that says "C H _ _ C H - What's missing?" answer is 'U R', as in YOU ARE! So pick up your lazy bums, pray about it, and sign up to help out somewhere in your church, and get ready to receive the many MANY blessing that you will receive from God!
Praise God!
nut
I had to goto a PTA meeting yesterday. It was a church meeting, where we (the counselors) got a chance to chat and talk with the parents, and for us to get some feedback on how we are doing. I went reluctantly, knowing that its just going to drag on...
When we started talking and discussing all the issues and stuff, I was overwhelmed by how thankful the parents were that I was there helping the youth group with singspiration. I couldn't believe how they all thanked me and how they are so greatful that I play with their kids and teaching them how to lead. I personally feel that I have failed miserably, since the worship team is still a bit disorganized and stuff. But, its been such a blessing. God has blessed us so much, as some of the kids are almost ready to lead worship on their own. Guess what? They're only in 9th grade.....
For a while, I had thought about leaving DCBC. Its just tires me out too much that I am at church on Sundays from 8:30AM to 4PM, going through 2 worship services and 2 Sunday schools. However, the afternoons at Danville church (which is the one that I thought about quitting) has been lifting my spirits so much (both the parents and the kids) that I think God is trying to tell me to continue my service there. I praise God for the message and I will continue to obey His commands, and receive His blessings as I go through it...
I remember seeing a sign that says "C H _ _ C H - What's missing?" answer is 'U R', as in YOU ARE! So pick up your lazy bums, pray about it, and sign up to help out somewhere in your church, and get ready to receive the many MANY blessing that you will receive from God!
Praise God!
nut
You know, I realized 3 things yesterday in which God showed his grace and power
About a few years ago, I was talking to my good friend Noel about how I feel that I wasn't being challenged in the bible. We did a bible study with our pastor and that was really cool. Since then, haven't done much. We keep doing topical studies at Sunday school, and I just don't feel interested. About a month ago, I started doing Sunday school with the 2nd church that I go help out at. The lady that leads the study with me (just the two of us right now) is leading an in-depth study on the book of Colossians. Its been really great and I've been learning so much about Paul, his character, his life, and the people of Colossae.
We even started to go into some of the text in Greek to see what the sentences mean... Its AWESOME!
We've been doing this for a while now and I just realized that this was the answer to a prayer that I had 2 years ago, when I asked God to really challenge me in the studies of His word. I just realized how God answered my prayers and learned a few lessons as well along the way. That was so awesome! I really thank God for what He has given me...
john
About a few years ago, I was talking to my good friend Noel about how I feel that I wasn't being challenged in the bible. We did a bible study with our pastor and that was really cool. Since then, haven't done much. We keep doing topical studies at Sunday school, and I just don't feel interested. About a month ago, I started doing Sunday school with the 2nd church that I go help out at. The lady that leads the study with me (just the two of us right now) is leading an in-depth study on the book of Colossians. Its been really great and I've been learning so much about Paul, his character, his life, and the people of Colossae.
We even started to go into some of the text in Greek to see what the sentences mean... Its AWESOME!
We've been doing this for a while now and I just realized that this was the answer to a prayer that I had 2 years ago, when I asked God to really challenge me in the studies of His word. I just realized how God answered my prayers and learned a few lessons as well along the way. That was so awesome! I really thank God for what He has given me...
john
Friday, May 17, 2002
Stole this from Beej - Many Uses of Bounce
wowsers. i never knew. I wonder if it really works. Time to go home and try it.
I picked up my cousin's champaign glasses today. Yeah. Can't wait to see her get married. hehehe :-)
nut
wowsers. i never knew. I wonder if it really works. Time to go home and try it.
I picked up my cousin's champaign glasses today. Yeah. Can't wait to see her get married. hehehe :-)
nut
Thursday, May 16, 2002
My cousin's wedding is 2 days away! I'm so excited.
Its weird. When I get home these days I don't feel like doing much. "bleh" accoring to Beej is correct. Don't quite know why I feel that way. I've been watching TV ilke there is no tomorrow, namely how for the past two weeks Enterprise has been running for 2 hours instead of the normal 1 hour. Next weekend is the season finale... Can't wait....
I really like 'Enterprise'. Its not that bad for the first season. Scott Bakula is pretty cool as the Captain, and I think her chemistry with Jolene Blaylock is really good. I guess to the normal Star Trek fans it might seem a bit cheezy, but I think its cool. Hosie had a one-night-stand last night. hahahaa :-D
Anyhow. Watch Enterprise when you get a chance. We are going to Vegas for Stephen's bachelor party next next Friday, and of course, we're going to get drunk and speak Klingon to each other, just like last time!!!
Guess that does make me a 'Geek". yikes.
nut
Its weird. When I get home these days I don't feel like doing much. "bleh" accoring to Beej is correct. Don't quite know why I feel that way. I've been watching TV ilke there is no tomorrow, namely how for the past two weeks Enterprise has been running for 2 hours instead of the normal 1 hour. Next weekend is the season finale... Can't wait....
I really like 'Enterprise'. Its not that bad for the first season. Scott Bakula is pretty cool as the Captain, and I think her chemistry with Jolene Blaylock is really good. I guess to the normal Star Trek fans it might seem a bit cheezy, but I think its cool. Hosie had a one-night-stand last night. hahahaa :-D
Anyhow. Watch Enterprise when you get a chance. We are going to Vegas for Stephen's bachelor party next next Friday, and of course, we're going to get drunk and speak Klingon to each other, just like last time!!!
Guess that does make me a 'Geek". yikes.
nut
Tuesday, May 14, 2002
Hmmm. The project at work that I've been working on is finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. We had a break through on Thursday and now I am much more relaxed.... I did cheat a little, (I overclocked the uProcessor) but thats ok. Hopefully, I am lobbying for a faster processor (less work for me) but we will see. Yeah!.
Happy Nut
Happy Nut
Wednesday, May 08, 2002
I am in 7th place in my fantasy baseball team. YIKES! That a bummer. I think I am going to keep my pitchers rotated. So, what I am going to do is for the pitchers I will look them up 2 days ahead and see if they are pitching against a loser team. If they are, then I will pick them up the day before, hoping to get a win. Then, whether they win or lose I'd drop them for the next guy.... Think thats a good idea? Of course I will keep Schilling and Clemens around, and maybe Burkett and Armas Jr. But the other guys are expandable....
As for the hitters, well, same story - if a guy drops below .300 batting average, (unless he is Palmerio, Sheffield, Griffey, Aurilia) then he will get dropped and replaced by another player who is batting .300 or above.... We'll see how long we can keep doing this, as the season is still young...
Fantasy baseball definitely makes baseball more exciting. :-) You should try it sometimes. :-)
nutty
As for the hitters, well, same story - if a guy drops below .300 batting average, (unless he is Palmerio, Sheffield, Griffey, Aurilia) then he will get dropped and replaced by another player who is batting .300 or above.... We'll see how long we can keep doing this, as the season is still young...
Fantasy baseball definitely makes baseball more exciting. :-) You should try it sometimes. :-)
nutty
Monday, May 06, 2002
Nut's thought of the day.... ( From my cousin. She's sooo funny. She's getting married in 2 weeks.....)
"Wedding planning is to me, a major spill and 20 foot slide down the slope into a hole next to a tree with your board stuck in the branches, snow in your sportsbra, and forgetting to wear your upside down shirt that says, if you can read this, dig me out."
nut
"Wedding planning is to me, a major spill and 20 foot slide down the slope into a hole next to a tree with your board stuck in the branches, snow in your sportsbra, and forgetting to wear your upside down shirt that says, if you can read this, dig me out."
nut
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