They say driving is courtesy. I tend to subscribe to the saying and abide by it. On the road I consider other peoples' urge to get home quickly from work and whenever I'm on the left lane I give way to faster vehicles.
However, I dread people who turn their head lights from a whooping 500 meters asking you to step away. I even hate it when somone shows silly attitude such as sticking up so close to the car. I've had 5 meter gaps between my car and the car behind. I don't mind drivers being fast and appraching my car while I'm on the left lane. I would certainly find a gap to my right and try to gave way.
Sadly, I feel the general driving attitude in Bahrain has been in constant decline when it comes to manners and courtesy. I, for one, never swore at any driver and made sure they saw I was swearing.
Today, some silly asshole comes from a far distance while flashing their head light and sticking up my ass as close as 3 or 4 meters. THAT'S fucking dangerous and it's not acceptable. Any step on my breaks would mean a crash and the consequences are terrible to both cars and to whoever is on the road.
So this shithead comes with an attitude flashing his headlights like he own the road, horns like a maniac and can clearly see I can't move to the right because there are so many bloody cars. Anyway, he keeps on pressing the car horn and I signaled him to wait a bit with my hand until I find a fucking gap. As soon as I try to go to the right, the asshole must have been doing 150 Km/H going from the left lane to the right most lane (3 lanes to my right) and comes in front of me. He waives his hands saying "Bye Bye I managed to cross you". For the very first time in my life on the road here I laughed and I thought the occasion deserves a sweet finger.
...And finger he got.
WTF is wrong with people these days, no manners on the road!! Must I go so low!!!
Friday, July 20, 2007
Monday, July 02, 2007
Jelly Fish attack
I've seen a swarm of jelly's in our waters before but this many!!! The images were taken on the 28Th of June near Bahrain's coast (Not exactly sure if this was near Qraya or Al-Bandar)
I've seen two types of Jelly fishes here in Bahrain. The type you see in the images below (don't know what it's called) and another one locally referred to as "El-Dour". Now from what people tell me that bare skin contact with the first type causes some itchiness that goes away quickly and may be a bit annoying. Besides this type's length could go up to 1ft or just a margin above.
However, with the "El-Dour", contact will seem like an electrical shock which is quit painful and may cause some swelling in the area of contact.
As a diver, I learned to cure this immediately with Vinegar. Vinegar neutralises the area of contact. It's very important not to scratch the affected area (poisonous cells from the jelly fish may be spread around), NOT to pour fresh water on it and not go under direct sunlight for a while until the pain goes away. In severe cases it's recommended to apply a Hot pack. Hot pack is an essential part of the diving medical kit which heats up to 45C or 50C. The idea in applying heat is a universal solution to slowing down poison in general and not just for jelly fish stings. The analogy behind that is that poison is composed of proteins. And the effect of such protein wears off by cooking it (Applying heat to it).
The average "El-Dour" jelly's length could be around 2ft to 4ft. However, I have seen up to 10ft long here in Bahrain. Long tentacles! I thank god our jelly stings are not fatal or serious. Some countries like Australia have deadly ones such as the box jelly fish and the blue bottle.
I've seen two types of Jelly fishes here in Bahrain. The type you see in the images below (don't know what it's called) and another one locally referred to as "El-Dour". Now from what people tell me that bare skin contact with the first type causes some itchiness that goes away quickly and may be a bit annoying. Besides this type's length could go up to 1ft or just a margin above.
However, with the "El-Dour", contact will seem like an electrical shock which is quit painful and may cause some swelling in the area of contact.
As a diver, I learned to cure this immediately with Vinegar. Vinegar neutralises the area of contact. It's very important not to scratch the affected area (poisonous cells from the jelly fish may be spread around), NOT to pour fresh water on it and not go under direct sunlight for a while until the pain goes away. In severe cases it's recommended to apply a Hot pack. Hot pack is an essential part of the diving medical kit which heats up to 45C or 50C. The idea in applying heat is a universal solution to slowing down poison in general and not just for jelly fish stings. The analogy behind that is that poison is composed of proteins. And the effect of such protein wears off by cooking it (Applying heat to it).
The average "El-Dour" jelly's length could be around 2ft to 4ft. However, I have seen up to 10ft long here in Bahrain. Long tentacles! I thank god our jelly stings are not fatal or serious. Some countries like Australia have deadly ones such as the box jelly fish and the blue bottle.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Salary Raise
With the recent news on salary adjustment in NBB of 15% and ABC's matching 1% increase, now we all have a serious raise in our salary expectations!
The raise must have come from the pressure exertion by the voices of employees of NBB (Bravo if so); otherwise if it was the bankers' union, we would all be happy with a raise (whatever the percentage really, you can't complain). Will all banks or companies go under pressure for adjustments too?
Should our organisations really be affected by whatever pressure to make any adjustement if not equivalent? Personally, I would love for an adjustment to be made (who wouldn't?) but if I was the CEO, I think I might be tempted to resist raising any expectations within my organisation in the very short run. However, that's a very political situation for a decision maker; "Should I or should I not?", "What if I do, and what if I don't?". It would be an interesting period ahead of us I must say.
How would any organisation play this given the expected 9% GOSI deduction within the next 2 years, unpredictable stability in the region, inflation (Aaaahh, our new age sorrow) and the general workers' mood in this country? I think while the cries of the worker class seems to get louder, the situation may only server a tiny proportion of that class. To the rest of us, god bless us!
The raise must have come from the pressure exertion by the voices of employees of NBB (Bravo if so); otherwise if it was the bankers' union, we would all be happy with a raise (whatever the percentage really, you can't complain). Will all banks or companies go under pressure for adjustments too?
Should our organisations really be affected by whatever pressure to make any adjustement if not equivalent? Personally, I would love for an adjustment to be made (who wouldn't?) but if I was the CEO, I think I might be tempted to resist raising any expectations within my organisation in the very short run. However, that's a very political situation for a decision maker; "Should I or should I not?", "What if I do, and what if I don't?". It would be an interesting period ahead of us I must say.
How would any organisation play this given the expected 9% GOSI deduction within the next 2 years, unpredictable stability in the region, inflation (Aaaahh, our new age sorrow) and the general workers' mood in this country? I think while the cries of the worker class seems to get louder, the situation may only server a tiny proportion of that class. To the rest of us, god bless us!
Friday, June 22, 2007
Bahrain is swelling
You know things in the country are sort of itching everyone these days. In almost every conversation I hear someone complaining about prices and life in this place.
Let's go over some of the events:
The Universal Pain: Land prices have risen at least 400% in the last 3 - 4 years!! Figuratively, lands in A'ali jumped from around 3 BD to over 12 BD and sometimes 15BD or 16BD. The previous trend has completely transformed from people trying to get the enough 20K-25K loan to secure a land and make a living to a master plan of Housing Loan - hehehe coming shortly - preferably a 40K and then try in get another 15K or 20K to buy a descent 80X60 ft land. People are trying to make a life living in flats now. Were we really short of lands to allow foreign investment in our residential lands?
The Couples' Dream: A.K.A the famous housing loan. Aside from its previous problems like a long wait to get it (For those who got financed during the bull land phase, they were probably the biggest losers!). I personally applied for one but got rejected because the housing ministry have introduced a new rule by which one does not qualify for a property buying loan if one's salary - including the spouse - exceeds 1,200BD which as I have been told might still get even lower to 1,000BD. So those like me, I will have to finance my property by a mortgage loan. Lets say I will be needing 70K to 90K and scheduled over 20 to 25 years I'll have to pay a whooping 600BD in installments on monthly basis and total repayment of 110K!!!!!! Let's not forget schooling fees, other expenses!!!
Crazy Inflation: With 10,000 construction projects it's no wonder to see just iron prices hit from 1BD to 1.3BD in just a quarter! Iron rod prices where much lower 2 years ago. Materials have increased by at least 200% - 300% over the last 3 years too. I won't say much about other goods and services since the whole country is complaining about rice, fish and poultry. Let's not forget the poor sellers in the Central Market whom we see articles and interviews about once in a while (No air conditioning, low meat stock, not as much buyers)
Bloody Traffic: Has anyone noticed that the general mood for going out has completely changed? I remember people going out almost everyday for car cruises. Some just cruise around and some take their children for cruises. I, personally, hate this these days because the whole place is invested with 2 things; Cars and Traffic lights.
The Extra Terrestrial: This is shady! So you've heard of the minority societies introduced significantly in the country where their children have entered the education system and sooner or later all your sons and daughters will have to compete for jobs - inshallah when they graduate - and lands -if any remains till then - with them. People must have heard about the school bullying incidents in Riffa and Hamad Town.
This is what a descent income ranged individual is saying. I think the view is even different for those with low income.
I think I can go on mentioning more things but I hate politics and I'd rather leave the floor for those who know it better.
I'll be back with more pain, Asta Lavista
Let's go over some of the events:
The Universal Pain: Land prices have risen at least 400% in the last 3 - 4 years!! Figuratively, lands in A'ali jumped from around 3 BD to over 12 BD and sometimes 15BD or 16BD. The previous trend has completely transformed from people trying to get the enough 20K-25K loan to secure a land and make a living to a master plan of Housing Loan - hehehe coming shortly - preferably a 40K and then try in get another 15K or 20K to buy a descent 80X60 ft land. People are trying to make a life living in flats now. Were we really short of lands to allow foreign investment in our residential lands?
The Couples' Dream: A.K.A the famous housing loan. Aside from its previous problems like a long wait to get it (For those who got financed during the bull land phase, they were probably the biggest losers!). I personally applied for one but got rejected because the housing ministry have introduced a new rule by which one does not qualify for a property buying loan if one's salary - including the spouse - exceeds 1,200BD which as I have been told might still get even lower to 1,000BD. So those like me, I will have to finance my property by a mortgage loan. Lets say I will be needing 70K to 90K and scheduled over 20 to 25 years I'll have to pay a whooping 600BD in installments on monthly basis and total repayment of 110K!!!!!! Let's not forget schooling fees, other expenses!!!
Crazy Inflation: With 10,000 construction projects it's no wonder to see just iron prices hit from 1BD to 1.3BD in just a quarter! Iron rod prices where much lower 2 years ago. Materials have increased by at least 200% - 300% over the last 3 years too. I won't say much about other goods and services since the whole country is complaining about rice, fish and poultry. Let's not forget the poor sellers in the Central Market whom we see articles and interviews about once in a while (No air conditioning, low meat stock, not as much buyers)
Bloody Traffic: Has anyone noticed that the general mood for going out has completely changed? I remember people going out almost everyday for car cruises. Some just cruise around and some take their children for cruises. I, personally, hate this these days because the whole place is invested with 2 things; Cars and Traffic lights.
The Extra Terrestrial: This is shady! So you've heard of the minority societies introduced significantly in the country where their children have entered the education system and sooner or later all your sons and daughters will have to compete for jobs - inshallah when they graduate - and lands -if any remains till then - with them. People must have heard about the school bullying incidents in Riffa and Hamad Town.
This is what a descent income ranged individual is saying. I think the view is even different for those with low income.
I think I can go on mentioning more things but I hate politics and I'd rather leave the floor for those who know it better.
I'll be back with more pain, Asta Lavista
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Playing with Great Whites
Out of the many shark species that dwell the waters, you would probably think -because of Jaws - that Great Whites are by far the most aggressive. Trust me they are, but I wouldn't say they're the most aggressive since bull sharks and tigers come into the competition.
There are cage dive trips for tourists in South Africa, Australia and the US which give those seeking a close and safe encounter with great white sharks one hell of an experience (I would certainly love to try it). The key word here is safe and behind a cage. Basically you know you can see the beast and not get hurt - unless you're stupid enough to leave a limb or an arm out -.
Guess what, some people go beyond cages. Actually no cages: http://fleander.blogspot.com/search/label/Mike%20Rutzen
Watch the video and smile.
There are cage dive trips for tourists in South Africa, Australia and the US which give those seeking a close and safe encounter with great white sharks one hell of an experience (I would certainly love to try it). The key word here is safe and behind a cage. Basically you know you can see the beast and not get hurt - unless you're stupid enough to leave a limb or an arm out -.
Guess what, some people go beyond cages. Actually no cages: http://fleander.blogspot.com/search/label/Mike%20Rutzen
Watch the video and smile.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Woke up again...
Well it's been some time since I last made a post here. Can't blame me, I got busy with lots of stuff especially setting up my nest :)
I am building my casa next to my house which is a decent flat. The flat has everything apart for a kitchen which I don't really need given that there are two kitchens at home -Food is always served, thank god-. However, I have provisioned for a small kitchen on the side which will have a water boiler for tea and coffee, nice double sink, electrical stove for making eggs and perhaps a microwave. I will also have some storage for utensils, so that's more than enough for a kitchen. the whole idea is not to spend money in flat rental for convenience and obviously saving money. Besides I'll be near my house if I need anything.
I can't want to get the necessities over because my focus needs to be on these toys:
that would probably cost me more than what the whole flat is already costing me!
Other than my flat, my whole life has been spinning around what the future of this country is going to become socially! Inflation, Lands, Aliens, Corruption, Work and possibility of war in the region.
The good thing is that I stopped nagging about things. I either do something about it or just shut up and accept things, but no nagging :)
I am building my casa next to my house which is a decent flat. The flat has everything apart for a kitchen which I don't really need given that there are two kitchens at home -Food is always served, thank god-. However, I have provisioned for a small kitchen on the side which will have a water boiler for tea and coffee, nice double sink, electrical stove for making eggs and perhaps a microwave. I will also have some storage for utensils, so that's more than enough for a kitchen. the whole idea is not to spend money in flat rental for convenience and obviously saving money. Besides I'll be near my house if I need anything.
I can't want to get the necessities over because my focus needs to be on these toys:
- A ****ing 45" LCD
- PS3, Wii and XBOX
- Speakers everywhere
- New PC (not just any new PC)
- LazyBoy
- DVD, BlueRay -whatever- Something that plays movies and series
- DreamBox
- Drums Set
that would probably cost me more than what the whole flat is already costing me!
Other than my flat, my whole life has been spinning around what the future of this country is going to become socially! Inflation, Lands, Aliens, Corruption, Work and possibility of war in the region.
The good thing is that I stopped nagging about things. I either do something about it or just shut up and accept things, but no nagging :)
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Cold Water Diving
Up until I experienced a cold water dive, I was always thinking about Ice Diving -being the nut head that I am-. Yesterday we went out for a fun dive to a 15meter depth site. Waters in the sea were getting way too rough. We're talking 5 feet plus. The boat was rocking and there was just no way for us to gear up and jump in that site.
So we decided to change the location to a less rough area with a 6-7 meter depth. The scary part wasn't the rough waves... On the contrary I love a bit of adventure. The scary part was that first contact with the water knowing the temperature was 19c!!!
With the think suite (at least I thought) I was wearing I made a jump into the water and my god it was cold! With 5 divers in the water and 20 minutes into the dive 3 of us went up, because you consume lots of air in cold water and you do loose energy. I hadn't known until I tried it.
With two of us left underwater, we decided to challenge our limits and continue until our air was out or the time was up. Fortunately, our air went out and we managed a 45 minute dive in cold water. The experience was amazing because it got me shivering in the last 10 minutes. I had to continue the dive to know my limit plus understand the suit I was wearing.
When I got out of the water, everything was warm in comparision to 6 meter down there. I was happy to have tried something different and yet even happier to have understood my limitations.
So we decided to change the location to a less rough area with a 6-7 meter depth. The scary part wasn't the rough waves... On the contrary I love a bit of adventure. The scary part was that first contact with the water knowing the temperature was 19c!!!
With the think suite (at least I thought) I was wearing I made a jump into the water and my god it was cold! With 5 divers in the water and 20 minutes into the dive 3 of us went up, because you consume lots of air in cold water and you do loose energy. I hadn't known until I tried it.
With two of us left underwater, we decided to challenge our limits and continue until our air was out or the time was up. Fortunately, our air went out and we managed a 45 minute dive in cold water. The experience was amazing because it got me shivering in the last 10 minutes. I had to continue the dive to know my limit plus understand the suit I was wearing.
When I got out of the water, everything was warm in comparision to 6 meter down there. I was happy to have tried something different and yet even happier to have understood my limitations.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Engaged
Finally, I have decided to call it a day on being single and got engaged last Sunday the 10th of December 2006.
I guess no more switch the PC on and play Company of Heros for 6 hours...
No more watching episodes for 5 hours a day...
No more sleep whenever you want and wake up whenever you want...
No more too much free time...
No more Single...
But, I don't mind giving all this up. Life has to be different.
I guess no more switch the PC on and play Company of Heros for 6 hours...
No more watching episodes for 5 hours a day...
No more sleep whenever you want and wake up whenever you want...
No more too much free time...
No more Single...
But, I don't mind giving all this up. Life has to be different.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Attitude quote
I have always been fond of wisdom and totally love quotes. To me, quotes act as switches that turn things on and off. Sometimes I know I have silly habits that need changing but I unconsciously apply them. Simplest example is getting angry and losing temper when in a hot argument. Every time this happens I revise myself and swear that this will not happen again. But I guess it's a silly habit, so it does!
While I was browsing I remembered the nice and long chat with BuZain about attitude and being positive and found this quote that I liked about attitude:
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.
Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
Friday, November 17, 2006
Performance Race Never Stops...
Since I bouhgt my Nvidia GeForce 6800 I have been enjoying great gaming experience since my graphics performs nicely and I can enjoy the sweet gaming hours without getting annoyed by flickering and performance issues.
However, I hunger for more! I have been checking on graphics cards every once in a while and I found that our friends in Nvidia have released the GeFoce 8800! So, I read Gamespot's review and checked Nvidia's site. As usual the results are always stunning. We have better and better graphics cards. But, who can keep up?
Nvidia's Site with all the demos and review
http://www.nvidia.com/object/reality_redefined.html
Gamespot's site with performance test results
http://www.gamespot.com/features/6161267/index.html?tag=features;title;0
However, I hunger for more! I have been checking on graphics cards every once in a while and I found that our friends in Nvidia have released the GeFoce 8800! So, I read Gamespot's review and checked Nvidia's site. As usual the results are always stunning. We have better and better graphics cards. But, who can keep up?
Nvidia's Site with all the demos and review
http://www.nvidia.com/object/reality_redefined.html
Gamespot's site with performance test results
http://www.gamespot.com/features/6161267/index.html?tag=features;title;0
Office 2007 and BI
Lately I have been getting my hands abit dirty with Office 2007. Nothing done so far but I am trying to investigate the BI capabilities of Excel 2007 especially after seeing all the scorecarding and dashboaring presentational capabilities. Obviously I need to combine Analysis Server 2005 skills too -which I'm still picking up - with what Office 2007 has to offer.
however I also stumbled upon Business Object's Xcelcius (http://www.xcelsius.com/) which an amazing flash generating Dashboard component that you can simply hook to any data source to come up with a neat dashboard. I liked the what-if analysis and the simplicity in hooking it up to excel sheets. The video presentation and the demos gave a good picture about the power behind it.
I'll probably post some screen shots of whatever I acheive in my next blog, so the next post has already been planned. For now, it's the weekend and there is lots and lots of the premier league...
however I also stumbled upon Business Object's Xcelcius (http://www.xcelsius.com/) which an amazing flash generating Dashboard component that you can simply hook to any data source to come up with a neat dashboard. I liked the what-if analysis and the simplicity in hooking it up to excel sheets. The video presentation and the demos gave a good picture about the power behind it.
I'll probably post some screen shots of whatever I acheive in my next blog, so the next post has already been planned. For now, it's the weekend and there is lots and lots of the premier league...
Friday, November 10, 2006
Attitude Revision
Everytime I login to the blog scene, I stare at my screen and wonder what I could brag on about. But thanks to the very interesting blogs I have been reading recently; I get the picute. It's simple, map what's in the brain to the fingers and let them do the rest. Just write; Actually just type.
I wouldn't describe myself as a very experienced person, nor have I got much exposure to other organisational cultures and I certainly have not worked in a multinational environment. But I think I understand company politics better than before. Especially what is refered to as management!
It's really simple to blame your manager for some of the actions they take which may seem personal and then develop that rebelious attitude which harms both the organisation and yourself. We all know that lovely courses in Europe are so important that if a manager does not attend, companies would collapse -oooooh-, and we also know that under-the-table deals will take place for personal benefits wether we like it or not and so on. You can't help these things, they happen. Everyone will get a slap of some sorts every once in a while. The question here is, how many slaps can you endure before you explode? Better yet, can you stop them from happening to you?
Okay, not getting angry is easier said than done -even while I'm trying to preach about this- but I started to belive that taking a pause, putting the anger aside for a tiny bit -don't forget it just control it-, thinking about things and looking at silly managerial decisions from another angle would give an alarm to a person's attitude; as in "alriiiiiiiiiiiight, if they play it this way then I'll start changing my atittude" feeling. Except, doing this in a negative way can be harmeful to all parties. So, one of the scenarios between me and myself in my head were:
And so, I realised that I should have control, not them. I'll make things positive but I will not let anything to luck. Managers certainly don't care if you're trained or not, they care about what their manager will give them at the end of the year. Therefore, if training you will improve their share, then they will fight for you. And while they're at it, they'll take any opportunities that pass by. They are not for sharing.
I guess almost everything in life is about one's attitude. Even if you fail, at least you tried your best. Never live life in anger.
I wouldn't describe myself as a very experienced person, nor have I got much exposure to other organisational cultures and I certainly have not worked in a multinational environment. But I think I understand company politics better than before. Especially what is refered to as management!
It's really simple to blame your manager for some of the actions they take which may seem personal and then develop that rebelious attitude which harms both the organisation and yourself. We all know that lovely courses in Europe are so important that if a manager does not attend, companies would collapse -oooooh-, and we also know that under-the-table deals will take place for personal benefits wether we like it or not and so on. You can't help these things, they happen. Everyone will get a slap of some sorts every once in a while. The question here is, how many slaps can you endure before you explode? Better yet, can you stop them from happening to you?
Okay, not getting angry is easier said than done -even while I'm trying to preach about this- but I started to belive that taking a pause, putting the anger aside for a tiny bit -don't forget it just control it-, thinking about things and looking at silly managerial decisions from another angle would give an alarm to a person's attitude; as in "alriiiiiiiiiiiight, if they play it this way then I'll start changing my atittude" feeling. Except, doing this in a negative way can be harmeful to all parties. So, one of the scenarios between me and myself in my head were:
me: "How come thay get to travel and find
any course they want and I don't?"
me: "They're screwing around with me,
aren't they?"
myselft: "Hey, me, can I tell you
something but promise me you won't get pissed"
me: "What?"
myself: "That last course you missed
is purely because you just didn't fight for it. And you weren't persitent enough
to take it from their throat. I think it was your fault really! Sorry, but it's
true"
me: "WHAT!!! It's my fault now? but
the manager... "
myself: "Oooh, shut up, you should
change that attitude. Chances don't land in your lap dear, you have to go out
there, fight for them and snatch them"
myselft: "Managers will piss you off
if you allow them to. Your attitude needs a good checkup"
And so, I realised that I should have control, not them. I'll make things positive but I will not let anything to luck. Managers certainly don't care if you're trained or not, they care about what their manager will give them at the end of the year. Therefore, if training you will improve their share, then they will fight for you. And while they're at it, they'll take any opportunities that pass by. They are not for sharing.
I guess almost everything in life is about one's attitude. Even if you fail, at least you tried your best. Never live life in anger.
Friday, October 13, 2006
My latest Night Dive
Since I started learning to dive, I do my best to be on every boat trip out in the sea. The experience is brilliant. Last night I went on a night dive. We started the dive at around 5:45 after having something to eat since it is Ramadhan.
In those two dives that I made last night I freaked out when I saw the size of this sting ray. It was peaceful and lying next to the wreck. You should have seen the size of this thing. And the tail?!!? The first thing that came into my mind was poor Steve Irwin.
There was a sea snake, the hidden crab and a cuddle fish ('7athag). Our kind friend Dan has posted a video of last night's dives at Dan's Point
In those two dives that I made last night I freaked out when I saw the size of this sting ray. It was peaceful and lying next to the wreck. You should have seen the size of this thing. And the tail?!!? The first thing that came into my mind was poor Steve Irwin.
There was a sea snake, the hidden crab and a cuddle fish ('7athag). Our kind friend Dan has posted a video of last night's dives at Dan's Point
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Done with Lost but haven't found what I'm looking for
So, after a long and very entertaining Lost episodes, I finally got to the end of it...
...And in whatever time I had to spend over my machine in the last couple of days, I started to learn C#. Trust me people, it's not for the sake of the language itself; it's just that the XNA beta works only with C#. Yes, I have been tinkering here and there but haven't found what I'm looking for. You know that chemestry thing. But I'm optimistic; I'm sure if I keep on wondering around, something will come up and I'll get hooked up to it.
...And in whatever time I had to spend over my machine in the last couple of days, I started to learn C#. Trust me people, it's not for the sake of the language itself; it's just that the XNA beta works only with C#. Yes, I have been tinkering here and there but haven't found what I'm looking for. You know that chemestry thing. But I'm optimistic; I'm sure if I keep on wondering around, something will come up and I'll get hooked up to it.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Lost
Well, I've been putting much of my very recent time into watching the full 2 seasons of Lost since everyone is talking about it and since the damn 1st season's disc one was rented out by my sister. The mistake was to actually sit down and start watching!!
I can't really add more to the hype and the blogging that's been going around about it but I must say it is certainly an interesting series and one that will get you addicted. The character setup is cool, the oblivious events and the totally strange stuff that come an go are even better - I am not going to ruin it by talking about it -.
So, the Genetics and AI stuff has been on a short hold until I can finish off the whole series and my Rescue Diving meterial -Almost there ;) -. Hopefully I would have time to get down to it this weekend since I found lots of interesting stuff about combining Genetics with Artificial Neural Networks and even more interesting by combining it with Fuzzy Logic. I really want to get good grasp on all these stuff to make a series and perhaps start a project.
I can't really add more to the hype and the blogging that's been going around about it but I must say it is certainly an interesting series and one that will get you addicted. The character setup is cool, the oblivious events and the totally strange stuff that come an go are even better - I am not going to ruin it by talking about it -.
So, the Genetics and AI stuff has been on a short hold until I can finish off the whole series and my Rescue Diving meterial -Almost there ;) -. Hopefully I would have time to get down to it this weekend since I found lots of interesting stuff about combining Genetics with Artificial Neural Networks and even more interesting by combining it with Fuzzy Logic. I really want to get good grasp on all these stuff to make a series and perhaps start a project.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Basic Genetics Algorithm
Finally, after two days of programming -I feel so good to be back at it- I wrote a basic Genetic Algorithm simulation. The algorithm aims to find a solution to a problem through natural selection of population members. This selection process can go on for generations to find a solution.
Actually, a solution may or may not be found which if anyone thinks about it; it's like humans eveolving. the chances of a flying human is quite silly since our genes cannot evolve towards that -at least that's what history has shown so far since humans came to this earth-. However, if no solution is found, you get a pretty close one. This is my first attempt at it and maybe I can tinker with the algorithm and its parameters to get better results.
The concept is really cool and neat, because a solution seems to evolve on its own after a while and suddenly the whole population is fit and close to the solution. Seeing this work is even better ;)
So, what the Algorithm here is trying to solve?
Actually, a solution may or may not be found which if anyone thinks about it; it's like humans eveolving. the chances of a flying human is quite silly since our genes cannot evolve towards that -at least that's what history has shown so far since humans came to this earth-. However, if no solution is found, you get a pretty close one. This is my first attempt at it and maybe I can tinker with the algorithm and its parameters to get better results.
The concept is really cool and neat, because a solution seems to evolve on its own after a while and suddenly the whole population is fit and close to the solution. Seeing this work is even better ;)
So, what the Algorithm here is trying to solve?
- I pick a number which is my target solution (say 23) and I have number 0 to 9 and operators +,-,* and / all encoded as binary strings (those are the genes).
- I pick the sequence
...etc at random depending on the length that I choose -always odd length- and then this is a cromosome or a member of the population. - After constructing the population, each cromosome has a fitness score. i.e how close it is at solving the problem.
- Using a method called the rollette wheel, I mate every two chosen random members of the population and apply all the concepts of a genetic algorithim until I get a new population.
- This procss is continued for a certain number of generations and hopefully a solution is found.
The algorithm solves problems untraditionally and its strength lies in the fact that it is almost impossible for anyone to do it manually -that would take years and years- and that -given its done right- a solution seems to evolve.
This was based on the tutorial I read by Mat Buckland at http://www.ai-junkie.com
Friday, September 01, 2006
Game Programming
Actually, I was thinking of putting down stuff about Game programming since I seem to fancy that subject alot. I love games and I love the technology behind them. The good news is, I am back reading on the subject after a loooooooong stop aiming at a focus on my IT career!!!! What a shame, I feel I lost some valuable time which I could have used to get educated on the subject. In any case, I also came to realise that there is alot of time to learn at work-about IT and the discipline- so I should continue and get something done in Games programming too. Who knows maybe build the next Command and Conquer!
Sunday, August 27, 2006
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