I just received a phone call from my credit card company and was informed that this card has been selected for a promotional program, with certain benefits if I spend x amounts within a given period. This card has been dormant in my drawer for at least the past 6 months, which I accidentally ‘revived’ when I forgot to update the account records and made an online purchase on Amazon. This makes me really wonder if this particular credit card company is utilising its resources correctly??
Category: Off Beaten Track Page 30 of 44
According to a recent survey by the Economist Intelligence Unit, Melbourne is once again one of the most livable cities in the world. But, rather surprisingly, the (erratic) weather was cited as one of its attractions! Actually I had known this all along, but still good to hear it from others’ mouths… 😉
All of a sudden, there seems to be increasing interest in Mars. Firstly there was the failed UK attempt – the Beagle 2 who had the last rites administered today. Then the US probes, Spirit and Opportunity, landed and made headlines. This was of course followed by an announcement by President Bush of United States, declaring his intention to put men on Mars in years to come.
Seems odd, doesn’t it?
Had a chance to chat with a colleague from China a few days ago about the local customs during Chinese New Year in his home town. It seems that many of the things that I have always taken for granted may be quite different in different areas in China. Two examples are the reunion dinner, and rice cake.
Just read an article Why digital cameras = better photographers which argues that digital cameras lead to better photographers. Incidentally I don’t personally own a digital camera – still relying on my trusty Nikon F50 and the more recently acquired Yashica T5D – but I do follow closely developments of these digital toys.
While a digital camera does offer lots of convenience (instant feedback) and may help reduce the wasted-holiday-shot syndrome, I can’t help but disagree with the main points of this article. In fact, precisely because of the reduced costs compared to film, from what I have observed, this is more likely to lead to ‘random’ shooting, without necessarily paying extra attention to framing of picture or lighting, etc. So, instead of promoting experimentation as the article suggests, I feel a digital camera in the hands of a typical casual photographer is more likely to lead to ‘fast-food’ photos – lots of mediocre shots which are bland, but acceptable.
Then again, maybe I am slightly biased. 🙂