Another email address of mine

I just get my new CMU email. At first I want aditya@cmu but someone has taken the user id before me. It seems that ‘Aditya’ is quite a common name there.

Thus, after much consideration: choosing between alesmana@cmu or adityalesmana@cmu, here is my new email.

Yes. No dot is allowed.

Oh… Firefox 3.0 is now officially launched.

– email address image is courtesy of Facebook

Firefox 3 Download Day… Hmmmm

Firefox 3.0 should be released anytime now. Mozilla has once again harness the hype surrounding its latest baby: Firefox 3.0. Touted as an attempt to set a world record for the most downloaded software in 24 hours, many people have pledged their support. In addition to myself, there are even 69 people from Timor Leste who are involved as per now. (USA : 263000+; INA 6710)

Nevertheless, being a procrastinator, I probably will just download the software without installing it.

Why?

New software usually laden with bugs regardless of how much the developer tried to fix it. So probably I would wait for version 3.0.1 before making a complete switch. (I have already install Firefox RC3 in my office laptop by the way). Wait and see…

Furthermore, I have been using many add-ons and specific themes on my current Firefox installation (2.0.0.14). New Firefox 3.0 may not be fully ready for ported ‘legacy add-ons’ yet.

Wondering if ‘Download day’ will be dubbed as ‘Downgrade day’ or ‘Download-install-uninstall’ day due to possible add-ons problems. Being easy to install and uninstall, I am sure Firefox can beat Windows Vista on this category (‘Download-Install-Uninstall’) when users are not happy with the new baby. Erm… ok.

30 Hours ‘Famine’ Camp

I went for a 30 hours famine camp last week, organized by World Vision Singapore. As one of the wanderer-souls who is neglected by the busy organizers, I am quite happy with the CSP hours – my main reason of joining the program (pssstt… trust me, I am not that shallow)

In total, most of the people who involved in this camp really did not eat for the whole 30 hours.

Amazing? I do not think so – especially with free flow of sugar laden liquid all day around – especially 100 plus (a carbonated drink for people after heavy exercise).

In addition, the fact that no food was in sight for most part of 30 hours camp has made it easier for participants to pass the ‘grueling famine experience’.

No wonder some of my friends admitted that they barely feel the hunger.

Regarding the message that World Vision Singapore wants to pass (on poverty and AIDS): that’s remain to be decided in many years to come.

An agonizing ritual for foreign student

I admit, after six years staying in Singapore, the hardest part when going back to my hometown is to bring an array of ‘oleh-oleh’ or gifts or souvenirs to many eager relatives, neighbors and many other non-related strangers. In short, bringing oleh-oleh has been one of the agonizing rituals for foreign students… at least for me.

I am not talking about monetary expenditure involved in acquiring the items – but more to the difficulty of choosing and drag those carefully selected items through meandering security protocol of a typical international airport.

The chosen items must of course be reasonably priced (better if its heavily discounted, otherwise it is ‘ok’ for me). In addition, to make sure the souvenirs are well appreciated, it must be available in my home town. Thanks to rapid globalisation, rise of China as the world’s cheapest workshop and many “flatteners“, most of the stuff that people could only get in Singapore can be obtained easily – and maybe cheaper in Jakarta. Maybe it is just me, but every time I visit many malls in Jakarta, I feel a tinge of Dejavu – thinking of myself being brought back to Singapore.

Thus, I normally resort to finding items that is cheaper in Singapore. A job that has become increasingly difficult as the exchange rate between SGD and Rupiah is getting more and more… insane.

Forget Breadtalk and Bee Cheng Hiang, here are some of my favorite items I normally buy since its much cheaper here in Singapore – and can be bought last minute in Changi.

1. Giordano apparels – its much cheaper than Jakarta, by FAR (tips: just buy various size at one go. There is bound to be one or two piece that match)
2. Various dry seaweed snacks – my mother love the one with wasabi flavor.
3. Soft confectionery, wine gums, gumdrops – apparently my little brother loves it so much
4. Ten Year Series (gaaaa!)- in case my secondary school teacher’s ask for it
5. Various assorted books
6. …

Any more idea?

In any case, despite all the difficulty, I enjoy bringing back something for people I care. :p

Dugh… my brain has been polluted by all of those buy-me campaign.

Worst Male Bashing Ads

AskMen.com has published a list of 10 worst male bashing ads. Despite their disparaging remarks, I personally these videos are rather cute with plenty of subtle punchline. While I am part of the sex that is being bashed rather relentlessly, I am sure the opposite also happens all the time. So… as long as there is no blood bath fighting and outrageous antimony, just enjoy the fun.

Here is my personal favorite by Domino’s Pizza

I love the “So what we are going to do for the other 28 minutes”. Simple, clean, subtle and naughty at the same time. Not forgetting the look at the man’s face after the bitter laugh.

Here is the number one from Dairy Queen. Also my another favorite.

Notice the description on “the donkey shirt” and “shooting fish in a barrel.” I hope not all girls are like that and not all men are, like what is described by AskMen:

a vacant moron ripe for manipulation.

Enjoy the full list here at AskMen.com

The little girl’s smile is rather scary though.