Strong earthquake strikes off the coast of Taiwan

(From Wikinews, the free news source you can write!)

December 26, 2006 A strong earthquake struck off the southern tip of Taiwan at 12:26 UTC, triggering a warning from Japan's Meterological Agency that a 3.3 foot tsunami could be heading towards Basco, in the Philippines. The head of the earthquake monitoring agency in the Philippines disputed the Japanese agency's warnings, however.

Conflicting reports have placed the magnitude of the quake between 6.7 and 7.2 on the Richter Scale, with the Taiwan Central Weather Bureau marking it at 6.7, the United States Geological Survey estimating it at 7.1, and the Japan Meteorological Agency putting the magnitude at 7.2.

Despite the Japanese Meterological Agency's warning of a tsunami threat to the Philippines, Renato Solidum, the director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, denied that a tsunami is headed towards the Philippines, saying that the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii had not released any tsunami advisory. Nevertheless, Solidum said that residents in low-lying areas in the Philippines should, as a precaution, move to higher ground.

In the aftermath of the quake, news agencies have aired reports of collapsed houses, hotel guests being trapped in elevators, and telephone outages due to severed lines across Taiwan. Two people were reported killed and 42 injured.

The earthquake has damaged six submarine fiber-optic communications cables, restricting internet access to millions of users in Asia and Australia.

Home users are experiencing severe connection issues, with timeouts becoming very common. The Internet Storm Center is reporting a 100% packet loss on certain routers. A sample ping test from Singapore to Wikinews came up with a 380 millisecond average round trip at 50% packet loss.

The financial markets are facing an even more alarming situation, with financial news and stock quotes from the U.S. and Europe not being able to reach Asian markets.

Repairing the lines "is not a matter of days," says Hong Seoung-Yong, a ministry official from South Korea handling the problem.

Taiwan's internet capacity has dropped to 40%, and consequently the networks there are jammed. Service providers may choose to bypass those lines in favour of European ones, say a spokesman for Japanese telecoms firm KDDI Corp, Satoru Ito.


The quake took place exactly two years from the day that the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake struck, devastating Southeast Asia. That 2004 earthquake registered as a magnitude 9.1, and caused a tsunami with waves reaching as high as 33 feet.

Tracing

Today (at night), i did tracing of an image with a 2B pencil, eraser, 2 A4 sized paper, a flat surface and a LCD monitor (though I recommend using a CRT monitor or a projector that produces images on the wall) to help me do the tracing.

What I have traced can be found on volume 6 of the "Welcome to the N.H.K.! / Ｎ・Ｈ・Ｋによこそ！".
Scans of it can be found via bittorrent, though chances of being able to download, let alone become complete, are reduced as times goes by. How much it is reduced depends on how long it has been out and how popular it is.

Anyway here are the images. The photographed version on the left and the scanned version on the right:


(click on image to view in full size)

It seems that tracing is much faster than vectorizing although vectorizing is useful if you want to make the image larger without it appearing to be very pixelated.

I am bored

Since i'm so bored (PangyaSEA is under maintainence at time of typing), i decided to post random pictures I found on various blogger.com blogs.















(The ">>Next blog" link seem to keep switching between the center and the right, sometimes none at all. That is so annoying)

what a waste of time

Friend called me late in the morning.
He offered me to watch a movie in Bedok at a cinema behind McDonalds.
Went there on time but never showed up and found that the cinema was closed.
He then called me and followed his directions to meet him.
In the end, about 15 minutes later, he decided not to go.
Took the train from Bedok station to HarbourFront station.
Entered B2 of VivoCity from the station.
Rode up the escalator to 3F from B2.

There was a rooftop pool there with a view of Keppel Harbour and Sentosa
Took several pictures there.
Went to Orchard Road from there.
Walk around there aimlessly until I reached Books Kinokuniya inside Takashimaya shopping center before heading back.
Remembered that the underground link between Wistma Atria and Orchard station is closed due to construction works above it.
Waited 6 minutes for the train to come. (It is normally 3 minutes)
Transfered to East West Line from North South Line at City Hall.
Noticed a lot of foreigners on the train and all of them transfered to the line that brings them to Changi Airport at Tanah Merah Station.
Alighted at the next station and bought a drink. (Should have bought Coca-Cola instead of 100Plus)
Walked home from there.

(The Japanese Language translated version can be found here)

(LOL!!! I typed so many short sentenses. Also, this post will appear in my Japanese Language blog. I want to upload photos on flickR but i hardly take any in a month. In fact, I don't even have a decent camera. The next best thing is my 2 mega pixel camera phone and my sister's 2 mega pixel digital camera (which is obsolete by today's standards where 5/7 mega pixel is the standard). So I just upload them (along with anime images I put on my sites) on imageshack.)

planning to have another blog...

I have created another blog (actually, it has been created on July 30 2006) to have some of the posts from my 2 other blogs to here in Japanese. Since i am not really good at the language, I will need to use a web translator. However, these things do not translate properly and tend to form strange sentences / words, especially when translating to a different language family. eg. Chinese/Japanese/Korean to English (though ironically, the reverse is easier to translate). If it is within the same language family, it is very accruate. eg. German to English or Spanish to French.

By the way, I don't use Babelfish or the Google translator to translate CJK languages and I don't use web translator at all for translating chinese/japanese names or translating names into japanese.

Click here to go there (2006/12/05 edit: url changed from fnfd-jap to asuna888)

(For some reason, when I edit the "自己紹介" (About Me) section there, the changes I made there is reflected here...)

(26 Nov Edit) Here's a screenshot if you think i'm lying or if your PC does/have not support/install Japanese and/or Chinese fonts:

Need to clean my room badly... (update 1)

(Read this if you want to know what this is about)

I have been making some progress...
Images are taken from the same angle as those in the previous post.

Picture 1:


Picture 2:


Picture 3:


Picture 4:


Picture 5:

Need to clean my room badly...

(I haven't been online lately due to O-Levels)

It seems that my room is very messy and needs to be cleaned up badly. Although I had cleaned it up before, I only do one section which means that it gets messy again. So, to make more space (and not leaving things around the house; outside my room), I have to remove the junk like tissue boxes and tube (the cardboard thing at the center of the toilet paper/kitchen roll). While cleaning, I found old stuff (including empty food boxes with an expiry date in the year 2002).

I will post pics later as i'm downloading 17 episodes of "mahou sensei negima" and "negima!?" (about 246MB and 173 MB each respectively) at the original time of post. Speaking of anime, I should be updating the "Anime i'm currently watching" section here and here. When it finishes downloading (or at least enough to upload images), I will post screenshots from the anime i'm currently watching. BTW, japanese anime that are broadcast here are from between 2 to 30 years ago. There is Animax here but I don't subscribe to it. Although it is much better than terrestrial TV in terms of content, most of the anime there (according to the list at wikipedia) are from the 1990s though the most recent is from 2004. Also most are dubbed (not sure if there is an option to switch between the original and the dubbed).

(17 Nov edit) Here are the Pictures i took on 13 Nov (unless otherwise mentioned):

Picture 1:


Picture 2:


Picture 3:


Picture 4:


Picture 5:



As you can see, it is very messy and it may take some time to completely clear them up. So far as of 17 November 2006, I have already clean up the inside of the closet (picture 5) and working on the things on top of it.

O_O What happened to me?

I was studying O-Level Chemistry in my room which takes place on 7 Nov when my relatives came to my house (It is still the "Hari Raya Aidilfitri" (or "Eid ul-Adha") period which lasts for a month). I went to greet them and went back to studying. A short while later i went to the /a/ board of this site (images there are automatically deleted after 2-7 days) when I came across this. I read up to chapter 130 (crap, i should be studying) when everyone (including my family; except me) went to visit more of my relatives houses. After they left, I suddenly have the urge to masturbate / have sex. Maybe it's because of what I read earlier or maybe i am so stressed by the O-Levels tomorrow or maybe it's my changing hormones (not sure what but the ones I just mentioned are most likely). The next thing I knew is that i was wearing my sister's secondary school uniform (blouse and skirt) masturbating. I hope she doesn't find out as she hasn't worn it since she collected her O-Level results in early 2003 and I left her room and closet the way it was when they left. In fact, no one knows about it (except me and whoever reads this entry) so far. I guess it's normal for people of my age to do such things in private.

(that's picture is obviously not me. I got this picture from one of the image boards at 双葉ちゃん)

数学を学びます。

Best site i've come across for learning ニホンゴ.

I see having a religion as a waste of time and I plan to do the above (the uniform part) again at a later time. Sailor Seifuku.

(I recived Friendster and YouTube message notification of Windows Live Messenger as I typed this and yes, I did post this a while ago.)



(Nov 6 edit: replaced irreverent photo of a car manual in japanese. There seems to be a lot of irreverent things below the image I replaced. maybe it is because i type the above shortly after it happened)

Zune theme

I was checking Paul Thurrot's SuperSite (that's the name of the site) if he had added a review on the final version of Windows Vista when I came across this article which has a link to download the Zune theme (for operating systems based on Windows XP)





It looks nice, in fact, much better than the one than came windows XP. It look so similar to the theme that came with Windows Media Center Edition 2005, only that it's black instead of blue. The only thing I don't like is the orange coloured start button. It's too strong. And the font does not seem to work with cleartype (sub-pixel rendering, make text more readable on LCD screens) for text in languages such as Thai, Japanese, Chinese (both simplified and traditional) and Korean (although it works fine in Russian, Arabic, Greek). This would be troublesome if you try to read a 汉字/漢字 text with many strokes (eg. 憂鬱). However this can be sloved (except for things like the taskbar) by installing fonts that support these. These fonts include "Arial Unicode MS" (included in Microsoft Office 2000 and later but not installed by default) and Mona font.

P.S. If you look at the Firefox tabs, you would see 3 tabs. One is my other blog, one is my imageshack profile and the other is my (1 of the 4) friendster profile.

New pics added

I have added new pics over at my Windows Live blog. The pictures i have added are those taken in the months of January, February and October 2006. These pictures include those taken at graduation nite (day) and hari raya at my grandparent's (father's side) house. Not sure if I should add those taken between December 2003 and November 2005.

P.S., I have also added a list of anime I am currently watching at the other blog with both the English translation (english name if avalable) and the original title in Japanese (日本語). Links for each show links to their respective articles in their respective languages.

A full list of what Anime (アニメ) I had been watching in the past, including those i am currently watching, can be found at the "About Me" section of my English wikipedia user page.

Some surveys i came across....

The Keys to Your Heart

You are attracted to obedience and warmth. In love, you feel the most alive when everything is uncertain, one moment heaven... the next moment hell. You'd like to your lover to think you are stylish and alluring. You would be forced to break up with someone who was insecure and in constant need of reassurance. Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with. Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment. You think of marriage as something that will confine you. You are afraid of marriage. In this moment, you think of love as commitment. Love only works when both people are totally devoted.

What Are The Keys To Your Heart?

Your Japanese Name Is...

Daiki Hayashi

What's your Japanese Name?

You Should Learn Japanese

You're cutting edge, and you are ready to delve into wacky Japanese culture. From Engrish to eating contests, you're born to be a crazy gaijin. Saiko!

What Language Should You Learn?

You are a Self-Discoverer

You're not religious, but you've created your own kind of spirituality. Introspective and thoughtful, you tend to look inward for the divine. You are distrusting of all forms of organized religion. You especially dislike religious gurus and leaders, who you feel are charlatans.

What's Your Religious Philosophy?

Your Birthdate: August 5

You have many talents, and you are great at sharing those talents with others. Most people would be jealous of your clever intellect, but you're just too likeable to elicit jealousy. Progressive and original, you're usually thinking up cutting edge ideas. Quick witted and fast thinking, you have difficulty finding new challenges. Your strength: Your superhuman brainpower Your weakness: Your susceptibility to boredom Your power color: Tangerine Your power symbol: Ace Your power month: May

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Your Power Level is: 61%

You're a very powerful person, and you know that all of your power comes from within. Keep on doing what you're doing, and you'll reach your goals.

How Powerful Are You?

You Are 39% Selfish

In general, you are a very giving person who treats others very well. But at times, you insist on getting your way - when it matters most to you.

How Selfish Are You?

You Should Travel to Japan

From freak sightings in Harajuku to awesome sashimi, you'll love Japan. And who knows? You might end up on Japanese TV!

What Asian Country Should You Visit?

(again?)

(what?)

You Are 30% Boyish and 70% Girlish

Even if you're not a girl, you're very feminine. You're in touch with your feelings, and your heart rules you. A bit of a emotional roller coaster, one moment you're up and the next you're down. But no matter what, you try to be as cute and perky as possible.

How Boyish or Girlish Are You?

You Are Somewhat Machiavellian

You're not going to mow over everyone to get ahead... But you're also powerful enough to make things happen for yourself. You understand how the world works, even when it's an ugly place. You just don't get ugly yourself - unless you have to!

How Machiavellian Are You?

You Are 60% Weird

You're so weird, you think you're *totally* normal. Right? But you wig out even the biggest of circus freaks!

How Weird Are You?

You Are 60% Normal

Otherwise known as the normal amount of normal You're like most people most of the time But you've got those quirks that make you endearing You're unique, yes... but not frighteningly so!

How Normal Are You?

You Are Likely an Only Child

At your darkest moments, you feel frustrated. At work and school, you do best when you're organizing. When you love someone, you tend to worry about them. In friendship, you are emotional and sympathetic. Your ideal careers are: radio announcer, finance, teaching, ministry, and management. You will leave your mark on the world with organizational leadership, maybe as the author of self-help books.

The Birth Order Predictor

Your Depression Level: 52%

You seem to have mild depression. A lot of people fall into your range, and it's quite possible you don't need treatment. If you've been feeling this way for a while, you may want to seek help.

Are You Depressed?

You Are 56% Open Minded

You are a very open minded person, but you're also well grounded. Tolerant and flexible, you appreciate most lifestyles and viewpoints. But you also know where you stand firm, and you can draw that line. You're open to considering every possibility - but in the end, you stand true to yourself.

How Open Minded Are You?

You Are a Sarariiman!

Or "salaryman." Whatever. Treadmill off, treadmill on. Most of the sleep you get is on Tokyo's extensive subway system, since you are putting in 14 hour days. You're a workaholic who works hard for no overtime. And vacations? Forget about it. You spend most of your trip hunting around for gifts to bring back all of your coworkers.

What's Your Japanese Subculture?

You've Experienced 16% of Life

You have the life experience of a young teenager - which means there's a lot of life in front of you. And if you are past your teen years, you probably have some catching up to do!

How Much Life Experience Do You Have?

Your Chances of Being a Multimillionaire: 48%

You have a decent shot at being a multimillionaire. Surprised? You're confident and a hard worker. Keep it up!

Will You Be a Multimillionaire?

You Are 50% Left Brained, 50% Right Brained

The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning. Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others. If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic. Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet. The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility. Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way. If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art. Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.

Are You Right or Left Brained?

You Are Not Logical

Logic is obviously not a talent of yours Or maybe your brain is totally fried today Try again later!

How Logical Are You?

Your Personality Profile

You are dependable, popular, and observant. Deep and thoughtful, you are prone to moodiness. In fact, your emotions tend to influence everything you do. You are unique, creative, and expressive. You don't mind waving your freak flag every once and a while. And lucky for you, most people find your weird ways charming!

The World's Shortest Personality Test

You Are 60% Shy

Although you live a pretty normal life, you tend to be a fairly shy person. Many situations make you feel uncomfortable, and you sometimes find your shyness hindering your life.

How Shy Are You?

You Are 70% Psychic

You are pretty psychic. While you aren't Miss Cleo, you've got a little ESP going on. And although you're sometimes off on your predictions... You're more often right than wrong So go with your instincts - you know more than you think

Are You Psychic?

Your EQ is 87

50 or less: Thanks for answering honestly. Now get yourself a shrink, quick! 51-70: When it comes to understanding human emotions, you'd have better luck understanding Chinese. 71-90: You've got more emotional intelligence than the average frat boy. Barely. 91-110: You're average. It's easy to predict how you'll react to things. But anyone could have guessed that. 111-130: You usually have it going on emotionally, but roadblocks tend to land you on your butt. 131-150: You are remarkable when it comes to relating with others. Only the biggest losers get under your skin. 150+: Two possibilities - you've either out "Dr. Phil-ed" Dr. Phil... or you're a dirty liar.

What's Your EQ (Emotional Intelligence Quotient)?