STARFISH

My fragrant encounters

2009-01-15T21:38:00.008+08:00

Particular smell evokes certain emotions within ourselves. As a person with sometimes moody feeling, I find that fragrance plays an important part in shaping my mood. I wouldn't say I am a fragrance junkie although I have spent some cash on some particular brands. Remember Drakkar? being sentimental, I would like to preserve the old time name in my memory.

How to reset your Joomla Admin password

2009-02-27T21:21:00.006+08:00

I forget my admin password and can't login into my Joomla website! That's one probable problem we may encounter when managing a Joomla-based website. Don't panic and delete your installation in a hurry. You can try this to reset the admin password of your Joomla-based website:

Log into your database installation using PHPMyAdmin.
Find the table "jos_users" (the "jos_" prefix could be different depending on your installation option).Click on the table name, and then click the "browse" tab on the right pane of the screen.
Locate for your Administrator user record.
Mark the record and click on the "edit" (the pen icon)
You will see the record details (fields), locate for the "password" field.
Next to the "Field type" column, you will find the "Function" column.
Click on the dropdown list on the "Function" column, and choose the "MD5" option.
Next, enter your new password in the "Value" column next to the "Function" column.
Confirm your action by clicking "Go", make sure the option in the dropdown list is "Save".

I can't login into my Joomla Admin Backend

2009-02-27T20:36:00.009+08:00

If you ever have problem with your Joomla Administration backend login and can't login into your Joomla site, where you have the correct password entered but the site doesn't give any message, you probably have turned off one of Joomla plugin: User-Joomla! plugin

To make sure, do the following to correct your Joomla Admin login problem:

Login into your joomla database installation. You can use Phpmyadmin, or other tools like Sqlyog or MySQLquerybrowser.
Locate the table named "jos_plugins" (note: the prefix "jos_" could be different depending on your option during installation).
Browse the table "jos_plugins", and locate for the record with "Name"="User - Joomla!"
Next check if the field "Published" is set to the correct option (1=Published 0=Unpublished)
Make the necessary change that is change the "published" field value to '1' (without the quotes)
Try login from the Admin Backend of your Joomla site

How to convert oscommerce product catalog into Joomla Virtuemart

2009-02-15T17:48:00.026+08:00

I recently had to convert an existing oscommerce based product catalog website into Joomla Virtuemart. The following steps describe how I approach the task.

1. Prerequisites.
In order to successfully convert an oscommerce product catalog into Joomla Virtuemart we need the following applications ready:
- Oscommerce addons : Easy Populate. This is required to download all existing product records into text files. If you don’t have it, you can download Easy Populate first. For instructions on installing Easy Populate, please check the corresponding forums.
- Microsoft Excel and Open Office. If you currently don’t have Open Office installed on your computer , you can download Open Office first.
- Joomla Virtuemart component
- Joomla CSV Improve component: you can download CSV Improved first and then install it into your Joomla based website.

2. Exporting your oscommerce catalog.
After your oscommerce installation is equipped with Easy Populate, go to the admin section of your website and export all your existing product records using Easy Populate. Choose “Create then Download Files”, option “Download complete txt file to edit”.

3. Importing your oscommerce catalog into Excel.
Open Microsoft Excel, create a blank sheet, then import the file that was created by Easy Populate in the previous step. The file is usually begin with “EP” followed by creation date and time.
Import this text file into Excel.

4. On the Joomla installation, make sure you have installed CSV Improved. Access your administration section, go to CSV Improved component of your website.

5. Setting up your Virtuemart and exporting your catalog structure.
Before you convert your data into Virtuemart, I would recommend you to add one or two of your actual products manually to the Virtuemart product catalog. This way you can make sure that the conversion will proceed as expected. After that:
a. in your CSV Improved component menu, access the “Templates”,
b. choose “CSVI Product Export”,
c. click “Edit” on the upper right hand of the screen,

General Settings
- click “General Settings”
- default value in the “Field Delimiter” is [ ^], when importing with Excel this usually won’t be a problem, except when exporting with Excel (that’s why we need Open Office). I have used this default value when converting and I have not found any trouble so far.
- default value in the “Text Delimiter” is [~],I would recommend changing this value to [ “]
- leave the default value in the “File Location” as is.
- click “Save” on the upper right hand of your screen.

System Limits
- Click “System Limits”
- Generally you don’t need to change the default values, except when you are experiencing problem during the import process

Export Options
- Click Export and set the following values
Options Type = Product Export
Export Type = CSV
Include Column Header = [v] is marked
Shopper group name = all
- Click “Save” on the upper right hand of your screen.

d. Go back to CSV Improved main screen,
e. Click “Export”
- Choose your template “CSVI Product Export”,
- Mark the “Download File” option
When you choose a template, its settings are reflected on the lower part of the screen. Make sure your settings are correct before proceeding.
f Next click “Export” on the upper right corner of the screen. The resulting file name will usually be “CSVI_Export_CSVIProductExport_mm-dd-yyyy_tttt”

6. Mapping your oscommerce catalog to virtuemart catalog structure.
a. Open Excel and import the “CSVI_Export_CSVIProductExport_mm-dd-yyyy_tttt” into Excel.
b. Open your previously imported oscommerce catalog “EP” in separate window.
c. Map the field one on one by copying the corresponding column from oscommerce “EP” file to your “CSVI” file, by looking at the columns in the sheets you should get a good grasp where to put the corresponding data.
Here are some common fields mapping:
V_products_model => product_sku
V_categories_name => category_path
V_manufacturers_name => manufacturer_name
V_product_name => product_name
V_products_price =>product_price

Note:
you need to explicitly include product currency in the product_currency field (e.g USD,EUR)
it would be a good practice to set the field “product_publish” to “N” so that you can review the imported records before publishing your products.

d. Make sure your fields are mapped correctly before proceeding.
e. Next, you need to copy your existing data from Excel to Open Office.

f. In Open Office save your file as text CSV, make sure to mark the option “Edit filter settings”

g. Next you will find the filter setting. Make sure the “Field Delimiter” is set to [^] and the Text Delimiter is set to [“]
h. Clik OK to save your file

7. Setting up your import templates.
Go to CSV Improved in the Admin section of your Joomla installation.
a. Click Templates and choose “CSVI Product Import”.
b. Repeat the process in step 5 to make sure your CSVI Product Import template setting match those of the CSVI Product Export template

8. Importing data into Virtuemart
a. Click "Import" from CSV Improved component.
b. Choose your template “CSVI Product Import”,
c. Make sure your settings are correct before proceeding (these settings are reflected on the lower part of the screen)
d. Click the field “Import a CSV File” to locate your csv file
e. Next click “Import” on the upper right corner of the screen, it will result in the screen similar to the following snapshot. Make sure the corresponding fields are mapped correctly before proceeding.

e. Next click “Import” once again.
f. Wait for the process to complete That’s it. Experiment with your data until your are confident to convert your live production site.

Valentine, flower, butterfly and angel

2009-02-14T18:50:00.005+08:00

I wake up this morning feeling kind of blue. Just take a look at the ordinary.No need to look for paradise. You could be next to an angel in disguise.

So this is Valentine. The butterfly has found the beautiful flower. Cherish your love, or maybe ready to start a new love?

When I Grow Up I Want to be a Database

2009-02-14T01:29:00.004+08:00

Sounds familiar? Probably, if you are a programmer, especially database programmer. I can't remember where exactly I learned that line.In brief, that's what they sell you when you have doubt whether or not to start learning some database programming. The idea behind the line is that database application is the ultimate dream of every application. In my case, the journey began by accident.I had to produce reports by using already existing data and there was a computer at work. DBASE was huge back then. Fast forward years later, I came across an author who basically said he started database programming late in his career. The point is: it is never too late to start learning something. Like the procrastinator I mentioned a while ago: start easy.Who knows what magic it will bring?

Monday Afternoon Creative

2009-02-12T14:46:00.004+08:00

My niece likes to play around with my sketch books and coloring pencils. Well, this is what she got for me during her visit the other day. Creativity can be cultivated by doing things accidentally, I guess.

Loyalty Beyond Reasons

2009-02-12T13:38:00.005+08:00

I buy things for 3 reasons: I need them, I like them, I don't need them but I like them. My casual clothes are produced by ZARA or Springfield, my shirts mostly came from Marks & Spencer, my shoes can vary from Hush Puppies to some relatively unknown brand. For many people brands have turned into loyalty beyond reasons. Brands are no longer owned by the manufacturers or the producers.These kind of brands are owned by the people who love them. There many inspiring stories behind successful brands, stories which have deep impact on people's lives. These stories often become so personal that people will relate to these type of brands personally. I haven't reached that level but I do appreciate a good philosophy behind a brand. I would say that I value integrity, honesty and perseverance.

What is the starfish sexual position?

2009-02-12T10:03:00.004+08:00

The starfish sexual position has nothing to do with this blog but, since they share the same name here is the brief description of how to do it.

The man (you) sits on the bed with his back straight and his leg strectched out in front of him. Bring your right knee up and put your foot flat on the bed. Lean back and put your hands backward on to the bed to support your body.
She sits on top of you, with her left leg threaded under your right leg. She leans back to support herself.Grab each other's right shoulder. Enter her.
Now lower yourselves gently on to the bed.
As your hands part, strectch your right leg to touch her left side.

This pose is also know as the starflower.

Disclaimer: this post is for personal note only. For real life use, please consult the expert in the field. Live responsibly.

Build Your Creativity

2009-02-12T11:12:00.006+08:00

I consider myself a creative wannabe. So, here is a note on wanna be creative :

Challenge Assumptions: The amygdala, deep in the brain, has one primary function: to protect its owner, and stay safe in its assumptions. But when the situation is new, as it often is today, assumptions become an anti-creativity trap that must be aggressively challenged.
Refocus Energy: To escape the negativity trap, it is critical to think positively,through humor and play. Play encourages relaxation, which leads to less rigid thinking.
A creative’s motto could be stated as, “What else?” Less rigid thinking opens the door to alternative ideas. Creatives explore every angle and alternative.
Focus on Your Strengths: Creative people know what they are creative at and seek out opportunities to do more of those things. Where the failure that comes from accentuating weakness builds doubt, focusing on strengths builds success that builds confidence.
Think Metaphorically – Seek out deeper relationships between seemingly incompatible experiences and intentionally look for ways to interrelate them. Those relationships lead directly to new discoveries.
Be curios. Curiosity is a key factor in creativity. Without curiosity, it is virtually impossible to create anything. The curiosity leads to questions, and those questions lead to new creations. Most people will accept things at face value. Creatives want to know why something is true, why it works, or what would prevent it from working.
Visualize Results: Visualizing something made it easier to comprehend. Visuals aren’t bogged down in facts and negativity. Knowing what the result looks like, allows an organization to back up and determine what details must occur to make the visualization a reality.
Enjoy Life: Relax and let it flow.

Now, can somebody tell me how to read the words in the picture above?

Career Talent Assessment

2009-02-12T10:22:00.007+08:00

I am often confused by the personality tests that I have taken so far. For example, under one test called "true talent " test, I have a numerical spacial career personality. It suggests that I am good with numbers, good at calculations and understand how to use numbers to my advantage in life. I am the type of person who is wired to manage personal finances with ease. As a result, balancing my checkbook probably isn't an all-day affair like it can be for some people. I am also not typically one to be taken advantage of by wily salespeople offering me not-to-be-missed opportunities. In the work world, my numeric skill can be a benefit in a variety of ways. It says I might find that I am a whiz at data analysis or talented at looking at my business' budgets and profit-and-loss statements. I see numbers as patterns and I am able to apply my pattern-recognition abilities in other aspects of my life.

My second career talent is spacial ability.
It means the ability to visualize objects in three-dimensional space which can give me an unusual view of the world. Because of this talent, I can probably imagine new designs easily, including anything from floor plans to page layouts — and even 3D product prototypes. My talent can make me less likely than most people to be content with the same old thing. As a result, in work life I might enjoy focusing on visual innovation and proposing new ideas. The ability to conceptualize objects in their completed form can make me a natural designer or engineer. This spatial skill can also help me understand the finer points of how things work. Typically, new computer programs or specialized office equipment are no sweat to me. In a world where technology changes so rapidly, I may also find myself rewarded for my ability to adapt.

Now here are the top 5 potential careers for people with these skills:
1. Accountant
2. Astronomer
3. Bank Manager
4. Broker
5. Busisness Consultant

Funny how things turned out for me. My careers had around 70% relevancy to the top 4 on the list.

Perfection or procrastination ?

2009-01-23T23:22:00.006+08:00

A perfectionist or a procrastinator, what can you tell?
I guess perfection sounds much better than procrastination. "Later " is the favorite word of a procrastinator. It may be true that most procrastinators are also perfectionist, although I personally prefer to be called a perfectionist.
To all fellow procrastinators: it is never late to start something. Remember the saying "A long journey begins with a small step." That's how we could approach this challenge.
Start with a small fraction of your task or whatever your goal is. Allocate a small amount of time, even if it is only a few seconds. Take note in your most comfortable form, using paper, computer, cell phone, PDA, a note in your wallet, the back of your business card - whatever it is. Who knows you suddenly feel energized while doing your first micro step. Others might want to take a nap after finishing their first move. Don't worry.
Keep your momentum going, schedule other small moves over time. As social creatures, sometimes we seek support and comfort in friends and family. Sharing is an excellent way to keep you moving. For some people, sharing with strangers is the preferred way. Feel free, you make the call. If you are not sure where to find strangers, the internet is the answer. Join social network, you might find other like-minded souls out there.
Keep in mind that your goal or priority can change, so don't be afraid to change your course of action or your micro steps to adjust to the changing environment.

Sexual Fantasies

2007-08-17T14:26:00.002+08:00

What are you sexual fantasies? For fellow guys out there ever wondering if you're just a normal guy with regular sexual fantasies, you can find (not so) likeminded souls in Nancy Friday's Men in Love. Sexual fantasy comes in many forms: the sex partner(s), the place, the sexual position, strange encounter, sexual orientation, age, bestiality, many others. When it comes to sex most men have times when they just want sex for the physical sake of sex itself. Often time women can not understand why men can separate sex from love. (In general) men love beauty, but as long as sex concerns, appearance doesn't really matter, it's just sex nothing else but sex. A teacher of mine once said something like this about physical appearance: god's creation is perfect. I know you guys like girls with great body attributes but, think about this: what would you do in case you meet a pair of great boobs on your way home? Pick them up and enjoy them?
Why did I take the title from the bookstore shelf anyway? My fantasies speak for themselves.

2008 bites

2009-01-16T23:18:00.004+08:00

2008 has been all about: Long lines of (database) codes, long nights, late mornings, following Barack Obama’s move, three times travelling overseas, one time getting a painful illness, buying the lowest number of books in years, closing two bank accounts, skipping one Harry Potter novel, closing one email account, back to gym, new interest in gardening. The post “Another economic depression ?” no longer needs the question mark.Save people, be frugal..

Book Junkie

2009-01-21T13:53:00.003+08:00

When it comes to reading, paper is still my best favorite form. One drawback is that books will occupy our space-everywhere. I personally give away books that I no longer want to keep, or books that I think would give other a different point of view, or just for the sake of sharing. When you can find the time to share your books with others, you can try Bookcrossing

The right keywords are key to a good resume

2009-01-19T01:21:00.005+08:00

Those who are looking for a job this year, consider choosing the right keywords for your resume to feed the "search engines". By "search engines" I mean human and machine.
First, use keywords specific to your current professional goals. If you aim at a managerial position, you may use the words "manage (a hundreds of staff department)", "comfortable in working with teams". If you are looking for a job in sales, you can use words like "high achiever", "negotiation skills", "competitive", "customer relationship management".
Next, use keywords specific to the industry and profession in which you are seeking a position. If you are looking for a position in banking you would probably use "risk-management", "regulatory compliance", "prudent practice","foreign exchange", "investment", "retail banking", "commercial banking". If you are looking for a job in real estate, you could consider , "residential", "properties", for example. Search the internet for profession and industry specific keywords. Please remember, selecting the right keywords is only part of the process: you have to have a good knowledge of what you are putting in your resume.

A Time for Greatness

2009-01-20T01:50:00.006+08:00

I have always been a Norman Rockwell fan.
His works reflect everyday lives, something people can relate to. I especially love "A Time for Greatness", his artwork featuring President JFK.
Right now the world is paying attention to Barack Obama's inauguration on January 20. Had Norman Rockwell been alive to witness this historic moment I wonder how he would picture the 44th president of the United States. With high optimism and hope across the nation, America is once again looking for its time for greatness.

Love, for one more day

2007-08-27T02:50:00.006+08:00

How many of you out there are lucky to have a full family?
People say it’s the thing that you don’t say that you’ll regret later. It sounds true to me. I never told my father the thing that I should have said, until he passed away. Till these days, I often have soaked eyes talking about him.
Love is a wonderful thing. Love gives us hope. That’s what I think about Mitch Albom’s novel, For One More Day. It is a story of a man finding his hope again through the loving memory of his mother. So many people take love for granted: forgetting the times their loved ones stood up for them and wait till it is too late to show them that they care. Sad and bad things that happened in our early lives often shape us to become ignorant. Don’t wait for the wake up call is over. We cannot change the past, but the future is there for us to shape. Make your call, at least try.

Another Economic Depression?

2007-08-22T13:18:00.001+08:00

What will happen when you lend money to people who do not qualify because of their poor credit history? Added to that is the high interest rate that comes with the loan. It’s simply a potential problem. Reading news about the 2007 Subprime mortgage financial crisis in the US, I remember back early 2006 when I read this title by Jim Mellon and Al Chalabi: Wake Up! Survive and Prosper in the Coming Economic Turmoil. I feel awkward to read such a book in a time when the economy seems to prosper. However, their ideas are worth noted.
Global population growths cause an increasing strain on the planet as we strive to provide sufficient energy, food and water for the increasing number of population. Longer average life expectancy due to medical advances results in ageing populations in rich world. Falling birth rate and increasing life expectancy have lead to another problem: the ‘pension crisis’. Yes, governments have to write pension cheques for many more years for many more individuals than they did in the past. On the other hand the falling birth rate means less people in the workforce, which means less income for the government. Natural disasters happen as the consequences of human actions.
Do you agree that the greatest human invention is debt? Think about nations which are addicted to debt. Or about government in rich nations spending money they don’t have (deficits in economic term). Do you know Edgar Cayce? Well, he predicted that economic depression cycles take place every 25 years. The last four took place in 1933 (Great Depression), 1958 (Eisenhower recession), 1982 (Reagan recession), 2007 (???)
Be prepared, wake up ! ! !

A Waste of money ? surely not

2007-08-13T22:23:00.003+08:00

I'm not sure where to begin. I have been unpacking my things recently and realize that I have amassed quite a number of things, books are for sure. A waste of money, some friends said. Well, since I have wasted so much money on those poor books, I might try to make it up by sharing (at least the list) here and there.

THE KING'S ENGLISH
Betsy Burton, published by Gibbs Smith

Excerpt from the book:
"7.00 a.m: Five employees are running the Hogwarts breakfast event, seating the trio of musicians dressed up as Harry, Hermione, and Ron; two are handling the curbside service, another the treasure hunt, two are scurrying from chain to chain gathering copies, while the last two (I'm one of them) work the desk parceling .........It moves forward slowly because so many of the people waiting are there for holds; we have to sort through two hundred names, a tedious business even though we've alphabetized. Everyone is smiling, joking, buzzing with excitement, kids and adults alike. Harry has eclipsed the Easter Bunny, one customer laughs. And Santa, another agrees. We laugh with them and look anxiously out the window. No books in sight."

This book reminds me in the first place of how books have affected my life so far. Reading Betsy Burton's adventure as an independent bookseller sort of encourages me to believe that passion in the things we do, no matter how little they are, will make a difference.

iTunes Plus: DRM-free music

2009-01-18T12:53:00.012+08:00

iTunes lover can now COPY their downloads.
I am a little late on this update but, it's a hot thing now. Apple has launced iTunes Plus. Beginning January 6, four major music labels — Universal Music Group, Sony BMG, Warner Music Group and EMI — and other independent labels, offer their music in the DRM-free iTunes Plus format. That means iTunes Plus user can copy their downloads. iTunes user can upgrade their existing iTunes song to iTunes Plus for 30¢.