ah nah journal

Faking Bokeh in Photoshop

2009-06-23T13:56:00.001+08:00

You will need a Photoshop software and follow the steps below:

1) Open an image and duplicate the layer you want to apply the effect to (shortcut is Ctr/cmd J).

2) Blur this layer by using Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur or Lens Blur.

3) Mask the blurred layer: Layer > Layer Mask > Hide All (or alt/opt click the layer mask icon in the Layers Palette).

4) With your mouse click the layer mask you created in the Layers Palette to make sure it's activated (it will have double edged corners).

5) Switch to the Brush Tool by picking it in the Toolbox or pressing the letter B on your keyboard.

6) Press the letter D on your keyboard to set white as your foreground color.

7) Now you're ready to paint in the blurred effect with your mouse in the image window. These are some handy shortcuts for controlling the brush tool:

a. The square bracket keys [ ] increase and decrease the size of the brush.

b. Shift + the square bracket keys increase and decrease the softness of the brush's edges.

c. Typing in numbers changes the opacity (strength) of the brush (i.e., typing 30 changes the brush's opacity to 30%)

善业

2009-05-19T17:01:00.000+08:00

善业是造作之后不会后悔的业；
善业是接受业报时，满心欢喜的业。

适时低头

2008-11-28T12:06:00.001+08:00

参加工作刚刚两年的刘君已经和单位里所有的人争吵了个遍，他觉得自己再也无法在单位里呆下去了，可他又不想放弃这份得之不易的工作。他彷徨、无助，怪自己生不逢时、命运多舛。有一次和同事争吵后，他心中特别难过：难道自己命中就该有这么多磨难吗？得求人给自己指点指点。他想到了山中老和尚，大家都说他能知人的前世和今生，是活菩萨，能救人于水火。

老和尚的小庙位于半山腰。刘君气喘吁吁终于爬到了小庙前，这哪里是庙呀！就是个山洞，洞口小得一不小心就会磕破脑袋。就在刘君迟疑时，老和尚过来了。

走进庙中，刘君把自己这两年来的遭遇详详细细讲了一遍，求老和尚给自己指点迷津。老和尚说： " 年轻人，难道你和人争吵时，就没有想过把头低一低，让一让对方吗？ " 刘君说： " 我为什么要低头让他们？我是对的！ " 听着刘君的话，老和尚没有吭声，他站起来，点了一把香，递给刘君。刘君接过香，毕恭毕敬在佛祖面前三叩首。

上完香，老和尚和刘君又坐了下来。老和尚说： " 做人该低头时就得低头。 " 一听这话，刘君强压了往上窜的怒气，说： " 我是对的，为什么要低头？ "

老和尚看着激动的刘君，停了一下说： " 你今天已经低头了。 "

刘君惊诧地看着老和尚。

老和尚接着说： " 你为了让我指点迷津爬了很长一段山路，然后又小心翼翼走过这洞口，最后又在佛祖面前磕了三个头。这三次你哪一次没有低头？ "

老和尚的话如醍醐灌顶令刘君清醒起来： " 是呀！今天自己向上爬时低头了，进洞口时也低头了，求佛时更是低头了 ......" 想着这些，刘君的脸不由红了起来。

老和尚见状又说道： " 低头了，你才能向上爬上山坡；低头了，你才能不磕破头少受磨难；低头了，你才能让佛祖看见你的诚意。求佛如此，生活也是如此。在生活中，你如果时时都昂首，那只能碰你个头破血流。只有适时低头，才能顺利向前，一切烦恼才会烟消云散。 "

听完老和尚的话，刘君心悦诚服地不住点头。

Apple tells fan to "be patient" about Mac mini

2008-11-11T12:46:00.001+08:00

Rumors of the possible demise of the Mac mini have been swirling around the Internet for a while now, causing concern among fans of the machine. Sure, the mini is a little tired at this point, but there's clearly still some interest in it. AppleInsider has the story of one Apple enthusiast, who was so concerned that the company might kill the Mac mini that he e-mailed an Apple executive and received a phone call suggesting that the Mac mini may not be down for the count just yet.

After a string of cancellation rumors, there has been optimism in the past week or two that the mini will return in some way, shape, or form. The call from Apple executive care also seems to suggest that something is in the works; the representative acknowledged that there is demand for the product and said fans of the mini should "be patient." Of course, the rep didn't offer any concrete information about what will happen to the mini or when it might happen, but Apple's effort here makes it look like something is afoot.

More recent Mac mini rumors (and perhaps an AppleInsider source) hint at the mini receiving more than just a speed bump as part of its next update. The machine could get a face lift and may come in more configurations, but I think we're going to have to wait a while for feature and timing specifics. In the end, though, I don't think Apple would make this much of a fuss about a product that was about to be killed, so sitting tight for a while sounds like pretty good advice.

Source : http://arstechnica.com/journals/apple.ars/2008/11/06/apple-tells-fan-to-be-patient-about-mac-mini

My Japanese Name

2008-07-16T17:04:00.002+08:00

My authentic japanese name is 千葉 Chiba (thousand blades) 美彦 Yoshihiko (beautiful boy).
Take your real japanese name generator! today!
Created with Rum and Monkey's Name Generator Generator.

Preparing For Death And Helping The Dying

2008-07-15T14:51:00.003+08:00

Death is a subject that most people do not like to hear about, talk about, or even think about. Why is this? After all, whether we like it or not, each and every one of us will have to die one day. And even before we have to face our own death, we will most probably have to face the deaths of other people -- our family members, friends, colleagues, and so forth. Death is a reality, a fact of life, so wouldn’t it be better to approach it with openness and acceptance, rather than fear and denial?

Perhaps the discomfort we have towards death is because we think it will be a terrible, painful and depressing experience. However, it doesn’t have to be so. Dying can be a time of learning and growth; a time of deepening our love, our awareness of what is important in life, and our faith and commitment to spiritual beliefs and practices. Death can even be an opportunity to gain insight into the true nature of ourselves and all things, an insight which will enable us to become free from all suffering.

Let’s take the example of Inta McKimm, the director of a Buddhist centre in Brisbane, Australia. Inta died of lung cancer in August, 1997. Two months before her death she wrote in a letter to her Spiritual Teacher, Lama Zopa Rinpoche: “Although I am dying, this is the happiest time of my life!…. For a long time life seemed so hard, so difficult. But when really recognizing death it turned into the greatest happiness. I wouldn’t want anyone to miss out on their own death, the great happiness that comes with having recognized impermanence and death. This is quite surprising and unexpected, and extremely joyful. It is the greatest happiness of my whole life, the greatest adventure and the greatest party!”

Inta spent the last few months of her life dedicating herself to spiritual practice. At the time of her death her mind was peaceful, and she was surrounded by family and friends praying for her. There are many similar stories of Lamas, monks, nuns and spiritual practitioners who are able to face death with serenity and dignity, and in some cases are even able to remain in a state of meditation during and after their death. With the proper training and preparation, a peaceful and positive death is possible for each and every one of us.

Mac Mini Will Be Dead Soon

2008-06-16T14:35:00.001+08:00

If you have that cute-looking, small box from Apple that fits into any monitor called “Mac Mini”, then soon you may be the owner of a discontinued product. Rumours has it again that Apple has plans to kill the Mac Mini and replace it with something else. The death of Mac Mini has been predicted lot of times, but call it Steve Jobs insistence on a living-room computer or Apple’s love for small, Mac Mini has lived on...

But this time it could be little different... Apple has notified its partners that Mac mini will be soon reaching EOL (End-of-Life) and a newer product, possibly an addition to Apple TV will be launched. Mac Mini is the cheapest Mac available and it has been Steve Jobs favorite for long time. The “Cube” has lived on!! Apple has been working off late on consumer electronics that can be used in homes and living rooms along with TV. Apple TV surely hit that market, but isn’t as popular as one would want. Probably adding a computer and OSX to the Apple TV can help... It will be probably logical to have one product do it all

But the announcement from Apple about this product should come sooner rather than later. The Back-to-School season should be a good time to release the new product and help people make the switch to the cheapest Mac...

So… should I buy Mac Mini now ?

New Price List from Traffic Police

2008-06-02T14:30:00.000+08:00

NEW Price List from TP...
Price increase without further notice.

Speeding:
Exceeding 1 - 20km/h = $130 + 4 demerit points.
Exceeding 21 - 30km/h = $150 + 6 demerit points.
Exceeding 31 - 40km/h = $180 + 8 demerit points.
Exceeding 41 - 50km/h = >$200 + 12 demerit points + Court.
Exceeding 51 - 60km/h = >$200 + 18 demerit points + Court.
Exceeding >61km/h = >$200 + 24 demerit points + Court.
If you want to be hero and fight the court case yourself, and you
lose, you pay the court charges yourself, which will add up to your
fine. I guess the court charges is at least $200 and above.

Careless driving = $150 + 6 demerit Points.
Inconsiderate Driving = $170 + 9 Demerit Points + Court.
Dangerous Driving = >$200 + 24 Demerit Points + Court + Vehicle Compounded.
Illegal Racing = >$200 + Vehicle Confiscate + Court.
Fail to put Seat Belt = $120 + 3 demerit points.
Crossing Double White lines = $130 + 4 points.
Phone and Drive = $200 + 12 demerit point + Phone Confiscate. Do not
hold your hp in your hand when you drive even with loud speaker or ear
piece.

Drink Driving
For first offence. = Up to $5000 Fine And, or jail Term + License
Suspended + Court.
2nd time offence = Jail term + Fine + Court.
Making an illegal U Turn when there ' s no U Turn sign = $70.
Fail to Signal when changing lan es = $70.
Driving at night without headlights or taillights switch on after 7pm = $30.
No Number Plate = $70.
Obstructed Number Plate = $70.
Obscured Number Plate = $70.
Number Plate Of Unapproved Type = $70.

As for Demerit Point system:
Let ' s say you have 0 points on 1st January 2005, and you committed
the offence of Failing to Put on Seat Belt. So now, you will have 3
demerit points and this will last for 1 Year. If during this 1 year
you have no demerit points offence at all, your 3 deme rit points will
be gone on 1/1/2006. But, if during this one year, From 1/1/2005 -
1/1/2006, you committed another offence with demerit points, your very
first offence will be extended for another year until 1/1/2007 .

play-asia.com

2008-05-27T12:20:00.003+08:00

Why be angry if no one wants you angry?

2008-02-15T09:56:00.000+08:00

Why be angry if no one wants you angry?
To punish yourself by being angry is foolish.

Why be angry if someone wants you angry?
To please another by being angry is foolish.

Cities I've Visited

2008-02-12T15:14:00.000+08:00

Hong Kong, China

Batam, Indonesia

Bangkok, Thailand

Phuket, Thailand

Pattaya, Thailand

Create your own travel map or travel blog

Visit TripAdvisor.com

Congratulations, your dead body is worth $3840!

2008-01-14T21:28:00.000+08:00

$3840.00

Looking for payday loan?

Full of 'Shit'...oops, I Meant 'Advice'

2008-01-04T11:28:00.000+08:00

As a rule, my friends don't drink, but, as a habit , they do, therefore......

To all my friends who enjoy a glass of wine...and those who don't:
As Ben Franklin said:
In wine there is wisdom,
in beer there is freedom,
in water there is bacteria.
Ouch!

In a number of carefully controlled trials, scientists have demonstrated that if we drink one liter of water each day, we would have absorbed, at the end of the year, more than one kilo of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria that are found in feces. In other words, we are consuming more than one kilo of poop.
However, we do NOT run that risk when drinking wine & beer (or tequila, rum, whiskey or other liquor, for that matter) because alcohol has to go through a filtering process and then fermenting.
Therefore, remember: Water = Poop
Wine = Health
Hence, it's better to drink wine and talk stupid, than to drink water and be full of shit.
There is no need to thank me for this valuable information: I'm doing it as a public service!

Happy New Year! Give me another round... Cheers!

Should I start a new blog

2007-12-28T11:31:00.000+08:00

for who ? myself ? nooooo ... it is for our ride.... Red Getz.

my ride sound setup

2007-11-26T13:28:00.000+08:00

AUTOBAHN ACA-5102 800W

TWISTER TW-250PRO 2x200W

Rainbow W165 CFX 6.5" x 2

Test Test

2007-08-21T08:55:00.000+08:00

Testing !

Adopt a Child

2007-06-18T15:03:00.000+08:00

Adoption is a legal process by which the rights and responsibilities for a child are given up by the biological parents and taken on by the adoptive parents.

When you adopt a child you are creating a family. It is not just a legal matter but one that involves deep human emotions. Adopting a child and experiencing parenthood are major steps in one's life.

For those who chose it, adoption can be an enriching and fulfilling experience for both parents and child - one that can be highly rewarding but may involve some specific challenges.

Throughout these pages, you will find information and resources to help guide you through the process of adopting a child. It covers the considerations involved in adopting a child, the eligibility criteria as well as the issues and challenges that occur after adoption

http://fcd.ecitizen.gov.sg/ChildrenNParenthood/AdoptAChild/

卫塞节

2007-05-28T10:33:00.000+08:00

一声佛号传千里，一盏油灯照十方，
一香花莲池海会，一品果赞十品德，
一水化甘露法雨，一心皈依佛法僧。
愿您及家人"卫塞节快乐"！

��嘛呢呗美��

2007-05-18T15:21:00.000+08:00

��嘛呢呗美��~六字大明咒的密乘法门

金刚语

念诵修法降咒皆戏论；融摄一切六字即法音。

一切音声无异观音言；声空不二如咒诵嘛呢。

咒语是金刚乘修行的要素之一。咒语是梵文，在音声的范畴里，其重要性等同于形相范畴的本尊
观想。有许多不同类别的咒语，包括明咒`密咒`陀罗尼咒，也有近修咒（mantras of approach)`

成就咒`成就四种业咒。

但没有任何咒语被认为胜过嘛呢咒。它不仅包括了所有咒的功用，也涵盖了其他咒所有的力量和
加持。如伟大的噶玛。恰美（Karma Chagme）等过去博学的圣哲门，无法在佛经中找到任何一个

咒比嘛呢咒更具利益`更精要`更容易修行，所以他们将嘛呢咒当做主要修持。即使只听闻嘛呢咒，
便能从轮回中解脱。例如，有个故事说：

五百条虫正在一个恶臭不堪的坑里挣扎，观世音菩萨有感于它们的痛苦，于是化身为一只金蜂，
发出嘛呢咒的��声从坑上飞过，这些虫一听到六字大明咒的声音，就完全解脱了痛苦而转生天道。

嘛呢咒不是一串普通的字，它包含了观世音菩萨所有的慈悲和加持；事实上，嘛呢咒就是观世音
菩萨的音声形式。现今由于我们的业障，使我们不能真正在其净土亲见观世音菩萨；但我们所能
做的，就是听他的咒音，持诵它，读它，以金色的字优美地写下它。因为咒是本尊的心要，和本

尊无分别，所以上述这些行为会带来大利益。六字大明咒是观世音菩萨六度的表现，如同观世音
菩萨所说，无论谁持诵六字真言，都将圆满菩萨六度，并净化一切业障。

为了持诵这个咒语，先如前述尽可能清楚生动地观想观世音菩萨。观想观世音菩萨心中有一朵六
瓣莲花，上为一满月轮，月轮中央立有一种字[啥]，周绕[��嘛呢呗美��]六个字，像一串珍珠般
顺时针围绕，咒�N放出万丈光芒，供养极乐世界`密严净土及其他一切无数净土。每道光中都带

著许多供养物，例如八吉祥`八珍宝`轮王七保`满愿树`宝瓶等。广大的供养云遍满虚空，供养每

个净土中的诸佛菩萨，由于诸佛接受了供养，你累积了功德和智慧。

所有的光回返，以甘露的形式带回诸佛身`语`意的加持及相随的智慧`力量和慈爱，一起融入观

世音菩萨心中的咒�N。观世音菩萨变得更光辉耀眼，好似藏红花洗净过的黄金。

再一次地，无数道光由咒�N射出，遣除了所有六道众生的痛苦：地狱的焦热及刺骨严寒；饿鬼道
永不满足的饥渴；畜生道的愚痴`奴役和受虐；人道的生`老`病`死；阿修罗道的嫉妒及宿怨；天
道由欢愉迷人的善妙世界，最后坠入三恶道时所经历的剧苦。这些痛苦都被咒�N放出的光驱除，

如同朝阳消融了冬天草地上的冻霜般，所有众生都转成观世音菩萨：先从你周边开始，到最后整

个宇宙都变成普陀山净土。

以这种方式利益一切众生之后，所有的光收摄回己身-观世音菩萨。你身上每一个毛孔都含有无数
净土，每个净土中都��响著六字大明咒音。它的声响遍满虚空，就像打破的蜂巢飞出的数百万蜜

蜂群聚所发出的��声。嘛呢咒音遣除了无明，降服了一切魔，咒音将声闻由禅定中唤醒，带领他
们进入大乘道；咒音供养菩萨，劝诫他们继续利益众生；咒音嘱咐护法护持教法，增进一切利乐。

风声`流水声`火的噼啪声`动物的叫声`鸟的歌声`人声-宇宙中的一切音声-都是六字大明咒振动所
自然生起的法音，声空不二和无生法身的回响，透过持诵金刚语瑜伽的修持，你将不费力地证得
*共与不共成就。

*共与不共成就：共成就是长寿`健康`财产等，以及示现神通的能力。不共成就是成佛，完全证悟
了本俱的佛性。

Too much to say. Come to sengkang.com!

2007-04-30T11:33:00.000+08:00

Sengkang.com Forum

Which one is better ? ?

2007-01-24T10:00:00.001+08:00

My existing PC config as below :

Mainboard : MSI MS-7061
Chipset : VIA KM400
Processor : AMD Athlon XP @ 1600 MHz
Physical Memory : 512 MB (2 x 256 DDR-SDRAM )
Video Card : VT82C570 MV IDE Controller KM400 Graphics Adapter
Hard Disk : IC35L120AVV207-0 (124 GB)
Hard Disk : SAMSUNG (80 GB)
Hard Disk : IC35L040 (41 GB)
CD-Rom Drive : 32X CDROM DRIVE
CD-Rom Drive : TDK CDRW5200D
Monitor Type : Dell Computer DELL 1907FP - 19 inchs
Network Card : VT82C570 MV IDE Controller VT6102 Rhine II Fast Ethernet Adapter
Operating System : Microsoft Windows XP Professionnal 5.01.2600 Service Pack 2
DirectX : Version 9.0c

Wonder is AMD Althon 64 Processor is better or Intel Core 2 Duo is better ?

House Warming

2007-01-23T16:17:00.000+08:00

Wonder how to do a house warming. .. firs time in my life.

Renovation Blog

2006-12-05T12:12:00.000+08:00

To see my overall renovation blog of my new flat at Anchorvale Garden, here is the link.

My ideal altar table

2006-08-22T15:35:00.000+08:00

Share good stuff with your friends

2006-07-31T11:41:00.000+08:00

Share good stuff with your friends

Share good stuff with your friends

Share good stuff with your friends