Very long, but eventful week. Project wise, I was able to complete half of it. Basically the functionality I was after, I acheived on Thursday, which is fantastic news, and meant that I didn’t feel like doing too much work after that. Monday and tuesday had me modifiying my stored procedure, since there were confusions about a few of the columns and their links with our database. Many problems this week have been blamed on the Intel Mac. Basically since support for printers and particular applications have ceased and so there are no updated drivers or versions of software that will work on the new Intels. On thing to note, is Adobe Reader 8 is the only one with the plugin that works with Safari on the new Intels. I have yet to call HP to ask for updated drivers for their printers since the Intels appear to lose the connection, and need to be re-added to work.
Friday I was given the chance to be the “offical photographer” at a symposium held at my work. Also being the I.T. support - on rotation throughout the day, I headed down to get a few photos of each of the speakers. I just hope I get given more opportunities in the future.
My brother had entered in 6 prints into the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) NSW photo competition. Monday was when the judging was, and that night was the presentation. I received a call from him during work to tell me that one the photos I had taken, “under his direction” received a Silver award! He got this news since he had a colleague who was present and recognised my print. So we headed there that night, hoping to have received more, but it was only the one. Still, first time we’ve entered any competition to come out with a silver. Some of the other photos were amazing, but some were… rather ordinary. I will say that, I have taken pictures similar to others that received silvers and golds, but personally thought it was a bit weak to enter - and a huge risk, but i guess its up to the judges and what they are into. Here is our winning picture:


I did receive a call from my cousin on thursday telling me that he got a call from LifeStyleStore, saying my speakers had arrived. I was thinking that it is really bad service. They claimed it wasn’t their fault last friday, and that it had been dispatched and will arrive on monday. Instead, it arrived 2 weeks after I ordered them, even though I was told originally it would arrive after 3 business days. Planned to have picked it up today, but on the site, it says that they aren’t open, so I will now have to wait till next thursday to pick them up. Guess I can just keep using their ones for the moment. Here is a pic of my amplifier and speaker (note the little dent in the tweeter - was already there when i got it, then again, its not mine, so its ok)


Currently, I’m at the library studying for networking, reading over from C books, and having the time to get some photos ready for when I’m home to upload. Today is the Harbour Bridge’s 75th Birthday, and there isn’t much traffic. Of course people were told that roads would be closed and not to drive in. Looking forward to some lunch now. So after lunch, headed out and about to check out the Bridge’s light show. Very lovely night, and the lights gave a unique feel to the harbour. It was changed a few times during the night. Had dinner at Pancakes at the Rocks - Chicken Tandoori Pizza and Thai Chicken Crepes. Was fantastic.

One of the best days / productive days / best week / productive week in a long while. Thanks to everyone!
Written by Milton Lai