If Beijing had a river....

Artist's impression ;)

Quote of the Day

Knowledge is nothing without action. Nothing changes until you do something. What you do will directly determine what you learn.
- James A. Belasco & Ralph C. Stayer, Flight of the Buffalo

Podcasting 101

Once read somewhere a saying that you are a true photographer not if think about photography, but if you can't think of anything else BUT photography...

I have caught the podcast virus. It started by installing iTunes, and subscribing to Photoshop TV. And now, it has spread to my own mini-podcasting studio and an already confirmed interview for my first podcast!

Let me work back, as today I got the confirmation for my podcast interview offer. Last night, I made a list of people I would like to interview and just sent it out to those parties involved. This past weekend I have set up the studio-on-a-budget:

1. Philips Headphones with mike (RMB 170)
2. Converter plug (NOTE: Mac mini does not have a line-in jack for regular/round headphones plug, you need to get USB converter, RMB 50)
3. Local brand digital recorder (RMB 470)
4. Garage Band editing software (free)

So with the hardware ready, and the software installed, the only remaining thing is the idea. Luckily, plenty of those around too. :)

In the meantime, before my interview, I am "training" by listening to some of my favorite podcasts (Across the sound) and reading up.

9 months!

Today is exactly 9 months since I joined H&K, time to give birth to some points of wisdom. :) I've learned:
- I've learned, and appreciate, the differences between in-house PR and PR agency
- That research skills are skills after all and it's possible to combine it into a short summary (yay!)
- That it's better to work smart than work hard
- That communication requires a lot of question asking
- That 3rd party testimonials can do wonders
- That "if it's to be, it's up to me"
- That my alcohol tolerance has increased ;)

Links section now added!

Last week I added the Links section to my blog! My first programming job! Bjorn mentioned to do "code review", but I think I am happy with my first programming job anyway. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, Chinese saying.

The Hamilton Case by Michelle de Kretser

I've picked up The Hamilton Case from Sheila during our Bangkok trip, completely by accident, and ended up adding it to my Top 10 books of all time! The story a family saga, set in Sri Lanka, but also has a historical touch, as Sri Lanka transitions from from colony to socialism. I love those kinds of books, where personal stories are set against historical backdrop (favorite book of the kind being Milagro Beanfield War). The language of the book is so lush and captivating, perfectly paints the complex portrait of Sam, the main character. I like how there is a story within a story, Sam takes on the Hamilton case, which in the end proves that there can be more than one way of seeing the world. Oh, and there's also a cool chapter on elephant hunting.

Creativity in your career

Recently met a few people with very interesting career choices:

1. One couple is set to open their own private club, a perfect marriage of fine dining (very fine dining, actually!) and relaxation. Something very exclusive and very personal, and the idea came from their love of fine food and love for cooking.

2. A friend of mine, who is fluent in Chinese and English, and has editing and marketing experience, wants to pursue a career as personal trainer. Not because she can't find a good job in Beijing, but because as an English-speaking, foreign-certified consultant, this is the smarter choice (big hospitals, rich folks, health clubs are all abound in Beijing). This is also based on her love of sports and healthy life.

Creative career paths, very cool. Mental note to self: improve your design skills!!