tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12369825101773277212024-03-05T16:29:49.482+08:00Thoughts from a Bedraggled MindDin Corderohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13922019574245043433noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236982510177327721.post-27691912371422919192012-02-05T14:13:00.001+08:002012-02-05T14:13:08.633+08:00Star Wars AlphabetFor geeky parents, this is the best way to teach your children the alphabet (Click the picture to enlarge it).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVg0BRranzj9dO5iXl9u5_L_oGOjuHN_xPOWDtbhP_nTPS9rF5SvKl5Lls0VDXtJgCEfoGLgmeLssdWfsW6mUIWcas0QoBBnC_XIiUJVehV9qFdQeEbwTmOvlNhwmt-wel2XZwS7n0uUg/s1600/Geek+Alphabet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVg0BRranzj9dO5iXl9u5_L_oGOjuHN_xPOWDtbhP_nTPS9rF5SvKl5Lls0VDXtJgCEfoGLgmeLssdWfsW6mUIWcas0QoBBnC_XIiUJVehV9qFdQeEbwTmOvlNhwmt-wel2XZwS7n0uUg/s400/Geek+Alphabet.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<br /></div>Din Corderohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13922019574245043433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236982510177327721.post-44760820330704757372012-02-02T12:07:00.001+08:002012-02-02T12:08:13.282+08:00Sh*t Photographers Say<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="284" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4a-dR2V1-0Y" width="500"></iframe>Din Corderohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13922019574245043433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236982510177327721.post-58247198175066414962012-02-01T14:37:00.003+08:002012-02-01T14:38:41.060+08:00Geeky License Plates<a href="http://www.networkworld.com/slideshows/2011/081711-geeky-license-plates.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8VpOg2W-SWxT389SLrTlzfK-4l1JfuVu9xRPR6_Vuo4XxCnVqCxjQOg1pDcr2EPu8nx2-wOp92rvMco2vf46v_eIi_vkr9xdmIjreQc4UStBZ5HQQUqMhTOgNFkBp1vNMeSsicfsyAI/s400/Geeky+License+Plates.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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..and the geeks shall inherit the earth! Click <a href="http://www.networkworld.com/slideshows/2011/081711-geeky-license-plates.html" target="_blank">here</a> or the image to view some of the geekiest license plates.</div>
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<br /></div>Din Corderohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13922019574245043433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236982510177327721.post-10021951023898180372012-02-01T12:19:00.000+08:002012-02-01T12:20:43.064+08:00Where Good Ideas Come FromWith the current level of connectivity that we have, I think the incubation period of ideas will be or has already shortened. Because of this, I like what Steven mentioned in the last part of the video, "<b>Chance favors the connected mind.</b>"<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="284" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NugRZGDbPFU?rel=0" width="500"></iframe>Din Corderohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13922019574245043433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236982510177327721.post-70374027205924400922012-01-23T16:11:00.000+08:002012-02-02T12:07:51.341+08:00Sh*t Project Managers Say<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UBr3MM9_zd4?rel=0" width="480"></iframe>Din Corderohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13922019574245043433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236982510177327721.post-49514451778235698352012-01-23T13:16:00.000+08:002012-02-01T12:21:30.211+08:00Top Editor's Picks From AddictiveTipsKung Hei Fat Choi! Kiong Hee Huat Tsai! Kong Xi Fa Tsai! (If you are interested, please see the definitions <a href="http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/02/13/10/kung-hei-fat-choi-or-kiong-hee-huat-tsai" target="_blank">here</a> for each of these Chinese New Year greetings).<br />
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To start the New Year, I found these great lists from <a href="http://www.addictivetips.com/" target="_blank">AddictiveTips</a> covering what are considered to be the best Android to Windows applications. I hope you'll enjoy going through the lists as much as I did! (All images are from the corresponding AddictiveTips pages.)<br />
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<span style="color: yellow;"><b>Update:</b> </span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;">1/26/2012 - Added 60 Best Linux Applications</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/150-best-android-apps-of-year-2011-editors-pick/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CPtG9SRnuFi54HuWJWJja1y_WqjquJX7RmYf3kxZ7wwBxT1uXueV45EfNE60VRw7SWCfvpDS5Cswh7anDEVj96bp6sOiDRgHkXY8wzqGufJf3wxN0kLLq4TzfeaiKSsZwCoC5T0KZ7c/s400/150-Best-Android-Apps-Of-Year-2011.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/150-best-android-apps-of-year-2011-editors-pick/" target="_blank">150 Best Android Applications of Year 2011</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/85-best-iphone-ipad-apps-of-year-2011-editors-pick/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2AD_BCqgjA8R5MjqiS3_5vdGD7gX_2-ukee8VdCvF_-4Y8l322KgFoc26wOT7WArOvMy_CNMCKlXgb0-OK42UCMzImYC-WKOtmfrm4uYQstPM6zn5YWO8CDFsZlKGRrrMHpE3L6nLqU/s400/Top-iOS-Apps-Of-Year-2011.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/85-best-iphone-ipad-apps-of-year-2011-editors-pick/" target="_blank">85 Best iPhone and iPad (iOS) Applications of Year 2011</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.addictivetips.com/mac-os/100-best-mac-os-x-applications-of-year-2011-editors-pick/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgetp8pXJhvBV6DzhQCKkdatY2ZUUbVTB9yH6BcjXUyoAkOduidC7c1qT-WygOrMiEK40hki8x3Kvys5tIINptH2VDo2a1Hnq_YzRYWiC4GpGNGFQnGkFZ0UJ7z_RxKv4cYS6hnTDYNvsU/s400/Top-Mac-Applications-2011.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.addictivetips.com/mac-os/100-best-mac-os-x-applications-of-year-2011-editors-pick/" target="_blank">100 Best Mac OSX Applications of Year 2011</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.addictivetips.com/windows-tips/150-best-windows-applications-of-year-2011-editors-pick/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxMBI8jJ4Hgm4UW3441dY-ETzA7-CF1nKrlrp39RlglGEB0BRcfLAFWqInoulGbtoSX6Ej7v_f25VbPnplFPedQcFgar2L_EkiJGY58Mm9LnjARSjpd8pGAB0JmKA6umUHt3k9owLppo/s400/Top-Windows-Applications-2011-5.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.addictivetips.com/windows-tips/150-best-windows-applications-of-year-2011-editors-pick/" target="_blank">150 Best Windows Applications of Year 2011</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/30-best-windows-phone-7-apps-for-year-2011/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-cyyJ3KAWqmOlwfsf9fDorF3HS_0wIy-b5QMroJ0PwzRcCVIwQPLFYWFhIj8aovhGzi3xgyQx5vuV9tsn6RAWSoiWZ1ZIkIna6C_Nj6AvHuU06Q2cXtD-0rEjDDyvJwV5o1OCtBIMOQ/s400/Top-WP7-Apps-2011.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/30-best-windows-phone-7-apps-for-year-2011/" target="_blank">30 Best Windows Phone Applications of Year 2011</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.addictivetips.com/internet-tips/top-150-extensions-and-web-apps-of-2011-editors-pick/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdcgMcv1JUGcXF0QCrfD_VCNQF_ZTHGDv1906DiyUCPuJJV0iUFwHU5zi5dCCz4-l7C14dxchB5i2GMdHVu6_m6MfuBJYJRV2cAb2Ti4eq7uidrQFG2eFHCo-jfCy-9wq52peAYJtSnk/s400/Top-Web-Apps-Extensions.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.addictivetips.com/internet-tips/top-150-extensions-and-web-apps-of-2011-editors-pick/" target="_blank">Top 150 Extensions and Web Applications of Year 2011</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.addictivetips.com/ubuntu-linux-tips/best-60-linux-applications-for-year-2011-editors-pick/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGZuLY5RkwptW3AdYMHdpFe2qzydc5D6D-PTXwms07baBlQYqj-gA6FdykWt34KSRw94BOSm5mYckI_ahtT_XZg0BhUv60BEqvD_IyU2t86p6eduPh3Yb_2n9v34qKNGV5VzwQkt3KHM/s400/Top-Linux-Applications-Of-2011.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.addictivetips.com/ubuntu-linux-tips/best-60-linux-applications-for-year-2011-editors-pick/" target="_blank">60 Best Linux applications of Year 2011</a>Din Corderohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13922019574245043433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236982510177327721.post-6142829072569901482011-08-05T23:09:00.003+08:002011-08-06T11:58:05.129+08:00Word of the Lourd (WOTL) Episodes About Filipino TraitsI first learned of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lourd_de_Veyra">Lourd de Veyra</a> about a year ago when I saw one of his <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Word-of-the-Lourd-TV5-AksyonTV-41/195147443843667">Word of the Lourd</a> (WOTL) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/tv5theeveningnews">YouTube video series</a>. I immediately got hooked. Well who wouldn't be for someone who loves political satire blended with black humor. His short videos are like fingernails scraping a chalkboard, unpleasant and primal yet direct and honest (I hope this made sense!).<br />
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My favorite episodes are those focused on "unique" Filipino traits. I put quotes on unique because these traits may have their international versions (I am erring on the safe side here). I made a compilation of these videos for everybody's multiple (viewing) pleasure.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="303" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sA6ynhJ7k-Q" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="303" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/f37haPmlrhU" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="303" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2OUOZK3Hgbg" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="303" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jsGzBJ8H3FM" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="303" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LEv4F8DMLUw" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="303" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gA8x0DzIoKg" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="303" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1bsecz3SamI" width="480"></iframe>Din Corderohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13922019574245043433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236982510177327721.post-74935059072047110882011-08-04T20:01:00.001+08:002011-08-04T20:05:40.348+08:00Daigo Umehara's AwesomenessI have not been playing fighting games (at home or in the arcade) for almost a decade now. As a result, it was only now that I learned of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daigo_Umehara">Daigo Umehara</a> and the famous <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daigo_Umehara#Evolution_2004">Evolution 2004 championship match</a> he fought with Justin Wong which he won via a dramatic comeback (an understatement really) and by a "hair or pixel" of life. Enough with the words and watch the video below to see Daigo's <i>awesomeness</i> in action.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KS7hkwbKmBM" width="425"></iframe>Din Corderohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13922019574245043433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236982510177327721.post-89841691678618906772011-07-31T23:57:00.002+08:002011-07-31T23:58:38.361+08:005 Top Galleries of Stunning Macrophotography Shots<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macrophotography">Macrophotography</a> will always have a special place in my heart. Even if I stopped taking pictures (temporarily that is), I still have my <a href="http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-100mm-f-2.8-USM-Macro-Lens-Review.aspx">Canon 100mm macro lens</a>. Likewise, I constantly search for galleries showcasing the best macro photography shots to admire the beauty of the unseen parts of nature. i have listed below the top 5 galleries I have found so far.<br />
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<b>From <a href="http://www.smashingmagazine.com/">Smashing Magazine</a>:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/09/21/25-beautiful-macro-photography-shots-photos/">25 Beautiful Macro Photography Shots</a><br />
<a href="http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/06/26/35-examples-of-stunning-macro-photography/">35 Examples Of Stunning Macro Photography</a><br />
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<b><a href="http://izismile.com/2009/08/25/macro_photography_the_best_of_the_best_85_pics.html">Macro photography. The best of the best (85 pics)</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.smashingapps.com/2008/12/16/43-of-the-extremely-creative-wonders-of-macro-photography.html">43 Of The Extremely Creative Wonders Of Macro Photography</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.flashuser.net/photography/30-beautiful-macro-photography-shots.html">30 Best Macro Photography Shots</a></b><br />
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Shameless advertising as well, I have included one of my favorite macrophotography shots that I have previously taken when I was still active.<br />
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<div><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIMfmEamUmyb0p4u57yXt1kFswtcKkZXeSfmZ_0R60a5gZvIOrxH6AtLGjn1AUG3vm4IsqUEWKkPifq86RrKEpFz9EJUkl2XI15YJuYeNKm4pphRfaqTpXNWBf_7dyAZTj36WCoKrhwU/s400/Grasshopper+on+finger.jpg" width="400" /></div>Din Corderohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13922019574245043433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236982510177327721.post-22750129546421669512011-07-30T22:58:00.000+08:002011-07-30T22:58:13.840+08:00Stuck In a Rut<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5EGb0B_vC9TeJ3Ty7bmI1DXMEwQLWudPSo7bOs62-L9jxEemm1yBe1F3gw3TPr9a5k8bSQfe0OOoYxtpjGqGGRb3RMHt3RdvfRjoGKJeLxfN5lKBh1XIimzjUP6WRfqiyHigP_IkAz8/s1600/stuck-in-a-rut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5EGb0B_vC9TeJ3Ty7bmI1DXMEwQLWudPSo7bOs62-L9jxEemm1yBe1F3gw3TPr9a5k8bSQfe0OOoYxtpjGqGGRb3RMHt3RdvfRjoGKJeLxfN5lKBh1XIimzjUP6WRfqiyHigP_IkAz8/s200/stuck-in-a-rut.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>I have been stuck in a blogging rut for quite some time now. It is easy to blame work, hobbies and other duties in life but in this case, no excuses at all. For the past 6 months, I just don't have the interest and focus to blog anything even if I have lots and lots of topics and ideas in my head. They're just there in my head floating carelessly and aimlessly.<br />
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As a result, I already had thoughts of deleting this blog due to my lack of interest. This was until I read a <a href="http://www.problogger.net/">ProBlogger</a> post about <a href="http://www.problogger.net/archives/2011/07/16/5-brilliant-things-you-can-do-with-an-inactive-blog/">what to do with an inactive blog</a>. I don't know why but this post created a small "spark" in me which eventually turned into a flame rekindling the reasons why I made this blog in the first place.<br />
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Of course, there will be changes based on my lessons learned. This is to ensure that I will be more consistent in my postings. On the other hand. what will remain as a constant are the topics that I will blog about. These are still the crazy, random, unique, sometimes nonsensical and humorous topics revolving around my "personal zeitgeist."<br />
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Time to rock and roll again! \m/Din Corderohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13922019574245043433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236982510177327721.post-27628198340051897192011-01-31T23:35:00.003+08:002011-02-12T19:40:56.623+08:00O'Reilly Blogger Review Program<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOutpDr_rCeb7iCFcW79boKnG3f0a5pdushj0BI95YA3tZO7yCt57tadtm5GjD7tgNsMKCVg0AtYEwreiQX5TNCwBiY5ojiV8-NiqZVqiyBi7M0Hgnj3cNyfC0ThyhlHqdLGnOc-3tb7s/s1600/blogger-review-badge-200.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOutpDr_rCeb7iCFcW79boKnG3f0a5pdushj0BI95YA3tZO7yCt57tadtm5GjD7tgNsMKCVg0AtYEwreiQX5TNCwBiY5ojiV8-NiqZVqiyBi7M0Hgnj3cNyfC0ThyhlHqdLGnOc-3tb7s/s1600/blogger-review-badge-200.png" /></a></div>I learned about <a href="http://oreilly.com/bloggers/">O'Reilly's Blogger Review Program</a> through <a href="http://www.scottberkun.com/blog/2011/free-copies-of-myths-of-innovation/">one</a> of <a href="http://www.scottberkun.com/">Scott Berkun</a>'s blog postings. He mentioned about getting a free copy of his book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1449389627?ie=UTF8&tag=scottberkunco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1449389627">Myths of Innovation</a> through the Review Program and that got my full and undivided attention. I'm a sucker for anything that is free especially books!<br />
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How can you join this program? It's very simple actually.<br />
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1. First and foremost, you need to be a blogger of course! (Check!)<br />
2. You like reviewing books or videos. (Double check!)<br />
3. Once you are sure of 1 and 2, you can <a href="http://www.oreillynet.com/oreilly/bloggers/join/">sign-up for your free account</a>. (Done!)<br />
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After creating my O'Reilly account the other day, I received an email today informing me that my application for the program had been approved! Wow that was fast! I was so excited I immediately requested for a copy of ... The Myths of Innovation (of course!) for my first book review.<br />
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I had been an avid reader of O'Reilly's technical and business books. These books were instrumental to my growth as a programmer before and a project manager now. Now, I can get (I hope!) O'Reilly books for free and have a topic for my blog. Hitting two birds with one stone. How great is that!Din Corderohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13922019574245043433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236982510177327721.post-19081337270554702122011-01-01T16:50:00.001+08:002011-01-01T16:51:18.553+08:00Happy New Year!<div><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlf8I8Q8Yh_MVwMnqnqLSfCpMrutmQDrbR2rNzY8lEusKykXOyVeaFM9mf_yu4VxdEPEJ8ELkZrhpVQtV8Ua5Zbx9VvAWp6cEwY-XZS6CNH-939J_eHk30bsfNgxScQ04S-I5DfBbJfEc/s320/2011.jpg" width="320" /></div><br />
It was awfully quiet in this blog for a good 8 months! Imagine, the last post I made was April 16 and I only made 4 posts for the whole year!<br />
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First and foremost, I must admit that for these past months, I have been experiencing what I call the "blogging block" for anything related to project management, photography and technology. I find it difficult to even complete a single paragraph in my planned posts. As a result, I have these numerous drafts queued in Blogger. On the other hand, even with this "block" still hanging heavily in my head, I write this short note to everybody.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A Happy New Year To All!</span></b><br />
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May this be a year of more health, prosperity, success, happiness and most especially blog posts! Cheers!Din Corderohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13922019574245043433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236982510177327721.post-61874580780282727162010-04-16T23:51:00.004+08:002010-06-18T10:30:58.719+08:00ProjectManager.com: Tips for Running Project Meetings<div><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKglucJaryS0DZpAQakHUxuxMYom20q4wpbqR6D4accdw2AGGF398l5kPT0Ee83GnzOhd8lIeDTNTDHZkE0EQJqJj812tVII8jFM4f-vSgULODmkq8ygxKTXnKOwYJ_Dm1WlfvbPGssI/s400/ProjectManager.com.jpg" /></div><b>Author:</b> Jason Westland<br />
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Do you repeatedly have to attend Proposal Meetings? If you must, in that case skim through these suggested methods to find out how to implement them easily and without difficulty.<br />
<br />
<b>Guide for Initializing Proposal Meetings</b><br />
<br />
Everybody hates meetings that take so long. So your work is to make it precised, highly motivated and to add a substance. If you organize this, then you'll increase group motivation and spirits. The following are 5 guides to help you...<br />
<br />
<b>Tip 1: Prepare carefully</b><br />
To ensure you obtain the most out of your meetings, you should arrange them carefully. Ahead of every gathering, put in writing 3 goals that you need from the convention. The following are several examples:<br />
<ul><li>I need the group to perceive we're on schedule.</li>
<li>I need several challenges or hindrances to be discussed.</li>
<li>I need them to feel significant and encouraged.</li>
</ul>Next you should discover how you're going to accomplish your objective. The subsequent number of tips will assist you with this.<br />
<br />
<b>Tip 2: Start and end carefully</b><br />
Like in theatre, people largely recall the introduction and the end part the most. So start and end your talks mindfully. Once you initiate the discussion, impart to them what the target of the gathering is, what you need to make out of it and the reason it's focal. This gets their thoughts and prepares the field. As you end the discussion, ask them what has been agreed / achieved in the gathering and the next methods moving forward.<br />
<br />
<b>Tip 3: Structure the discussion</b><br />
You should be in complete control of the conference at all times, to make sure that:<br />
<ul><li>The business meeting follows the schedule</li>
<li>You don't get stumped on a single concern</li>
<li>An individual doesn't take control it</li>
<li>Each one has their voice</li>
</ul>Begin by standing or sitting in a noticeable place in the area. Increase your voice a little to make presence. Take part frequently once participants discuss too long. Be respectful but firm. Structure the business meeting as a coach would direct a soccer team - by constantly monitoring, listening and guiding the group. If feasible, assign someone else to write the minutes. This gives you the time necessary to structure the discussion so that the schedule and your 3 goals are met.<br />
<br />
<b>Tip 4: Park it and proceed</b><br />
Often in meetings, a single subject matter can take the big part of the engagement schedule. If the subject is not associated to your definite discussion objective, then inform the group to park it and proceed. Take note the subject on a whiteboard or paper and attend to it with the appropriate group members independently after the gathering. This keeps your meetings brief and structured.<br />
<br />
<b>Tip 5: Keep it results oriented</b><br />
Projects are all about getting the job completed. So ensure that where viable, all argument results in an action to be fulfilled. Concentrating on the proceedings that are necessary, is a significant way of reducing the time of meetings.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Jason Westland has been in the project management industry for the past 16 years.</b><br />
<b>Find out about his new </b><a href="http://www.projectmanager.com/"><b>project management software</b></a><b> here.</b>Din Corderohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13922019574245043433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236982510177327721.post-49820420597245524942010-04-16T23:24:00.005+08:002010-04-16T23:32:44.260+08:00ProjectManager.com<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjbN0oq9PI11QqE_fP1xs2doc7UwbUVxV7d2DStpqUt0KqtbPdg4heKSOet0x5ez9all81CYBwnpIar9R2a7fAGD3oPkYi2Hd69xzsHsP7Hv2QZ_FAxeSrouVkHhNINDurcFqUn2_Y0Y/s1600/ProjectManager.jpg"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjbN0oq9PI11QqE_fP1xs2doc7UwbUVxV7d2DStpqUt0KqtbPdg4heKSOet0x5ez9all81CYBwnpIar9R2a7fAGD3oPkYi2Hd69xzsHsP7Hv2QZ_FAxeSrouVkHhNINDurcFqUn2_Y0Y/s400/ProjectManager.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Screenshot of the ProjectManager.com website.</span><br />
<br />
About one week ago, I was surprised in receiving an email from ProjectManager.com. I felt honored since they told me they were impressed with my <a href="http://bedraggledmind.blogspot.com/2009/08/time-management-tools-for-busy-managers.html">Time Management Tools for Busy Managers</a> article. As a result, they would like to send me articles from ProjectManager.com's and are requesting to have them published in my blog. Of course I replied yes, yes, yes!<br />
<br />
In this regard, I am dedicating Friday as my ProjectManager.com day. I will be posting articles that I receive from ProjectManager.com on this day and today is the start of this momentous event.<br />
</br>Din Corderohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13922019574245043433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236982510177327721.post-39509999419416594472010-03-05T11:13:00.002+08:002010-03-07T00:16:01.560+08:00Canon 70-200mm F4L Coffee Mug<div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzq_E1rgoWedIDyASEDzmRtbWcEbCpL9xauib1VUJWHPmuy3P0bQFKczXIsr6LE3BTi9yrZB1hoSWKnFZZpxvGLnTLnmV1raR50icmCqUOS0UipRXbbJUZgcHJdJyRhZygdkdGiGMUTc/s1600-h/Canon+70-200+F4L+mug.jpg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzq_E1rgoWedIDyASEDzmRtbWcEbCpL9xauib1VUJWHPmuy3P0bQFKczXIsr6LE3BTi9yrZB1hoSWKnFZZpxvGLnTLnmV1raR50icmCqUOS0UipRXbbJUZgcHJdJyRhZygdkdGiGMUTc/s400/Canon+70-200+F4L+mug.jpg" width="351" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image from </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.pdnpulse.com/">PDNPulse</a></span><br />
<br />
What is more awesome that owning a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_L_lens">Canon L lens</a>? Drinking from it! Kudos to Canon for making us fanboys drool all over again this awesome giveaway. They previously brought out the <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/27/canon-eos-5d-mark-ii-flash-drive-just-21-1mp-shy-of-awesomeness/">Canon EOS 5D Mark II flash drive</a> and now this! It will even be more shocking if this mug is also "stabilized."<br />
<br />
Here's the <a href="http://www.pdnpulse.com/2010/03/swag-alert-canon-white-lens-coffee-mug-.html">PDNPulse</a> article for more information.<br />
</br>Din Corderohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13922019574245043433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236982510177327721.post-21247019537936410992010-02-28T20:31:00.001+08:002010-03-07T00:17:35.191+08:00New Year, New Focus, New Projects<img alt="cartoon from www.weblogcartoons.com" src="http://www.weblogcartoons.com/cartoons/o-window.gif" /><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Cartoon by <a href="http://www.cartoonchurch.com/blog/">Dave Walker</a>. Find more cartoons you can freely re-use on your blog at <a href="http://www.weblogcartoons.com/">We Blog Cartoons</a>.</span><br />
<br />
It took me a long time staring at the window and waiting for something before being able to post this, a new posting after three months and my first for the new year, 2010.<br />
<br />
Why the hiatus? Admittedly, a question had been plaguing my mind for several months now. How can I make this blog unique and stand out amidst the more than 130 million plus blogs (<a href="http://thefuturebuzz.com/2009/01/12/social-media-web-20-internet-numbers-stats/">as of January 2009</a>) out there? Because of this question, I suffered from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Analysis_paralysis">paralysis by analysis</a> in my quest to find the answers.<br />
<br />
After reading through several blogs about blogging, I came across two articles from <a href="http://www.problogger.net/">Problogger</a> which inspired me and helped me unstuck myself from this rut.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.problogger.net/archives/2009/09/24/confessions-of-a-blogger-slide-deck/">Principles of Successful Blogging – Confessions of a ProBlogger</a><br />
<a href="http://www.problogger.net/archives/2010/02/27/what-are-you-taking-for-granted-that-might-be-useful-to-others/">What Are You Taking For Granted That Might Be Useful to Others?</a><br />
<br />
As a result, even if I still do not have a clear answer to my question above, I thought it would be better if I'll be moving along and continue my blogging activities, moving rather than standing idly waiting for rhyme and reason. As <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khalil_Gibran">Kahlil Gibran</a> aptly said, <i>"A little knowledge that acts is worth infinitely more than much knowledge that is idle."</i><br />
<br />
What are my plans then for this year? Well for starters, I have been toying around the idea of my own version of lists and I already have a couple in mind. In addition to this, I am preparing to take the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Management_Professional">PMP</a> exam and I am planning to share tips, lessons learned and best practices that I will be amassing along the way.<br />
<br />
I am raring to blog this year and it is great to be back! =)<br />
</br>Din Corderohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13922019574245043433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236982510177327721.post-78586796335136070622009-11-29T14:59:00.002+08:002009-11-29T15:04:20.133+08:00Star Wars and Project ManagementI think the analogies between Star Wars and project management (PM) work are like the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fILdYrxnrf8">Energizer Bunny</a>. They go on and on and on. =)<br />
<br />
I found this <a href="http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/uncle-phil/project-management-is-like-star-wars-12226">article </a>that Phil Bennett wrote about the similarities between Star Wars and project management. His children, when they were still small, asked him what did he do at work. This could have been quite easy to answer if he was a policeman or a doctor or a fireman. Necessity was indeed the mother of invention or if might say, creativity, thus the Star Wars metaphor in describing PM work was born from Phil's head.<br />
<br />
I have listed below the salient points of the 3 Star Wars parallels that Phil wrote.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Context</span><br />
Hans Solo was frozen in Carbonite in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Empire_Strikes_Back">The Empire Strikes Back</a> and then Luke and friends came to save him in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars_Episode_VI:_Return_of_the_Jedi">Return of the Jedi</a>.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">PM Work Parallel</span><br />
To "unfreeze" and save a project from "enemies," a project manager uses status reports, letters of executive support and corporate goals.<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
Context</span><br />
"The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Force_%28Star_Wars%29">Force</a>" is one of the most ubiquitous concept in the Star Wars saga that it has become part of the pop culture, especially the phrase, "May the Force be with you."<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">PM Work Parallel</span><br />
To bend the will of the people around a project manager much like "The Force," he can use strategic plans and stakeholders' sign-offs and support.<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
Context</span><br />
The sequence of the Star Wars saga did not follow a linear path (from 4, 5, 6 first then moving to 1, 2, 3 later).<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">PM Work Parallel</span> Project always tend to move in a non-linear path even if the Gantt charts are all finished and the critical path has been identified. If I may add here, projects are also susceptible to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murphy%27s_law">Murphy's Law</a> laying waste to even the best laid and organized plans.Din Corderohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13922019574245043433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236982510177327721.post-87036359592051451232009-11-29T14:49:00.002+08:002010-06-18T10:30:06.102+08:00C3PO and Job HuntingI got this from <a href="http://www.codesqueeze.com/">{codesqueeze}</a> using my preferred RSS reader, <a href="http://www.google.com/reader/">Google Reader</a>.<br />
<br />
This is another lessons learned derived from the Star Wars saga. Remember the scene in Stars War IV (A New Hope) when Uncle Owen was looking for a droid and he chanced upon C3PO. Here is a transcript of their conversation.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Uncle Owen:</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> You, I suppose you're programmed for etiquette and protocol.</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">C-3PO:</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Protocol? Why, it's my primary function, sir. I am well-versed in all the customs</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Uncle Owen:</span> I have no need for a protocol droid.</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">C-3PO:</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Of course you haven't, sir. Not in an environment such as this. That is why I have been programmed in</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Uncle Owen:</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> What I really need is a droid who understands the binary language of moisture vaporators.</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">C-3PO:</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Vaporators? Sir, my first job was programing binary load lifters very similar to your vaporators in most respects.</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Uncle Owen:</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Can you speak Bocce?</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">C-3PO:</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Of course I can, sir. It's like a second language to me. I'm a-</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Uncle Owen:</span> Yeah, alright. Shut up. I'll take this one.</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">C-3PO:</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Shutting up, sir.</span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.codesqueeze.com/about/">Max Pool</a> surmised that <a href="http://www.codesqueeze.com/what-c-3po-can-teach-you-about-job-security/">3 simple rules</a> regarding job hunting or even job security could be learned from this conversation. From these 3 rules, quoting him, "It is always better to gain new experience and skills; however, do not worry about lacking the knowledge of everything the universe has to offer. Proving that you know how to learn, unlearn, and relearn is the greatest thing you can offer an employer."Din Corderohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13922019574245043433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236982510177327721.post-57325539577665980902009-11-28T11:54:00.004+08:002010-06-18T10:28:59.188+08:008 Management Lessons from Star Wars Episode III<div><a href="http://hedbonstudios.deviantart.com/art/Chibi-Darth-Vader-59330292"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5yhYtoC2n74TtJ9qQepuYI7FTbM8r6MGSVMI9NbsCy6uoOdXNRChyIeftDlOUaIwNOHHnmzhm1TfEtzZdNFuLCDxTnvelxi6cHIWr6ZLHwTHsY7Cw_cSfEL6Dyu-kaZlbEhoy3ppL_A/s320/Chibi_Darth_Vader.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image drawn by <a href="http://hedbonstudios.deviantart.com/art/Chibi-Darth-Vader-59330292">hedbonstudios</a></span><br />
<br />
While cleaning my hard drive today, I found this old PDF file I downloaded I think about 2 years ago. It was written by Vincent Chia circa 2005 and it was about the 8 management lessons that could be derived from Star Wars III: The Revenge of the Sith. Reading through it again, I couldn't help but smile, being a huge Star Wars fan myself, and nod my head in agreement to some of the lessons most especially that of Talent Management (Lesson 2), Performance Management (Lesson 3), Group Think (Lesson 5) and Succession Planning (Lesson 7).<br />
<br />
--------------------<br />
<br />
Management Lessons from Star Wars Episode III<br />
(Friday, 27 May 2005) - Written by Vincent Chia<br />
<br />
It is a widely acknowledged fact that George Lucas decided to release Episodes 4, 5 and 6 first ahead of Episodes 1, 2 and 3 because the latter episodes were more focused on action and less heavy on social and political messages. Do not get me wrong, I really enjoyed Episode 3. There was just the right balance of action, social and political messages as well as the right dose of tragedy. But if you look closely, you can also pick up some Management Lessons too. Here they<br />
are in rough chronological order.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">LESSON 1</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Context</span><br />
Chancellor Palpatine has taken control of the Republic Senate, rising to power as Chancellor through a series of political plotting as well as charismatic speeches. He subsequently assumes full control of the Senate by asking them to grant him emergency powers during the Clone Wars. Eventually he dissolves the Republic and turns it into an Imperial Empire. Democracy has failed because of the bureaucratic processes that the Senate has been caught up with. And this has enabled Palpatine to exploit it through his political plotting.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Management Theory</span><br />
A Bureaucracy derives its authority from Rational Authority rather than Charismatic Authority. Thus, in making decisions, there should be laws and precedents to aid the decision process rather than be swayed by emotions. And while a Bureaucracy should follow rules, the rules should be part of its process rather than the be all and end all. When a Bureaucracy gets too caught up with its rules and forgets its function, then it has strayed from the ideals of Weberian Bureaucracy.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Lesson</span><br />
A Bureaucracy begins to fail and break down when rational decision making is not practiced. This is further accentuated by its obsession and eventual engulfment in its rules and processes instead.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">LESSON 2</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Context</span><br />
Anakin Skywalker is clearly a talented Jedi whose metaclorian count is higher than that of even Master Yoda himself. Still, it is not clear how Anakin is being managed as a Talent. But it is clear that the Jedi establishment will not bend one bit in its handling of Anakin. The suggestion is that he has been treated just like any other Jedi would be, even though he was the "Chosen One". He was even refused admission to the Jedi order in Episode I. Eventually Anakin betrays the Jedi and is turns over to the Dark Side of the Sith.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Management Theory</span><br />
Talent Management is a fine process. The difficulty is usually in convincing an organization that the people they are nurturing are really the talents they seek. However when this is established beyond doubt, then these Talents need to be managed in a way for them to best benefit the company. Usually they require special nurturing that is beyond the bureaucratic setup of the organization. This is because if they do not receive this special nurturing, it is likely that they will seek greener pastures where they will receive this special nurturing.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Lesson</span><br />
To bring out the best in your Talents, they need to be specially managed and nurtured, and not left to the established rules and processes of the organization.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">LESSON 3</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Context</span><br />
Anakin Skywalker is appointed to the Jedi Council but not promoted to the rank of Master. All members of the Jedi Council hold the rank of Master. And the speculative reason for this is because he is too young. In truth, even his own master Obi-Wan Kenobi has realized that Anakin is more powerful a Jedi than himself, having saved his life on nine occasions. The frustration experienced by Anakin eventually plays a part in his growing distrust and impatience with the Jedi Council.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Management Theory</span><br />
When doing performance measurement and performance appraisal, it is important to have Key Performance Indicators. And these KPIs have to be clearly communicated to the people being evaluated. Without this, performance measurement becomes unclear and this promotion and promotion prospects become hazy. This haziness gives rise to frustration and distrust.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Lesson</span><br />
Promotion criteria and KPIs for performance evaluation should be clearly and transparently communicated to the people being evaluated.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">LESSON 4</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Context</span><br />
Anakin Skywalker’s appointment to the Jedi Council was courtesy of Chancellor Palpatine. The Jedi Council make use of this closeness between Anakin and Palpatine to get Anakin to spy on Palpatine. However they do not trust Anakin fully with his mission and also limit his involvement in other future missions. This lack of trust culminates when Anakin tells Master Windu that Chancellor Palpatine is the Sith Lord. Windu clearly still refuses to trust Anakin and does not bring him along to deal with Palpatine.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Management Theory</span><br />
The degree of trust between superior and subordinate is a case of whether you believe in Theory X or Theory Y management. There is no trust in the Theory X management style practiced by Master Windu and the Jedi Council. And clearly we see that this does not make for effective man-management as eventually Anakin, seduced by the dark side of the force intervenes and betrays Master Windu.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Lesson</span><br />
A Theory Y management where a degree of trust exists between superior and subordinate is clearly a more effective management style than Theory X management, especially in times of crisis.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">LESSON 5</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Context</span><br />
The Jedi Council is made up of a bunch of Master Jedis who have been on it since Episode 1. While most of the decisions are made by consensus, there does not appear to be much dissent or disagreement within the council members. So really whether or not the Council meets, the conclusion is likely to be the same. There are no devil’s advocates to question the wisdom of the Council.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Management Theory</span><br />
While it is good to have consensus as a basis for decision making, it is important to have a fair bit of dissension and disagreement in the decision making body. This strengthens the quality of the decision that is made. And more importantly it prevents this phenomenon called "Group Think." Group Think is when a group of people have worked together so long that they begin to talk and think like each other. This may be good for corporate culture but it is not good for a decision making body which needs diversity of opinion to arrive at an optimal decision.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Lesson</span><br />
Some dissension and disagreement is important in a decision making body or process, as it prevents "Group Think".<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">LESSON 6</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Context</span><br />
Led by Count Dooku, the Separatist movement starts to amass firepower to establish a military threat to the Galactic Republic. The Jedi Knights who are the traditional peacekeepers of the galaxy start to take on the role of Generals to lead the Republic’s Clone Army against the Separatist. Eventually they find themselves spread too thinly and in a role that is not suited for their training. It is indeed tragic that most of the Jedi get gunned down by the Clone Army, while leading from the front. Only Master Yoda who has directed his Clone Army like a General survived.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Management Theory</span><br />
Every company and every person has a core competence. If that company or person engages in their core competence then they will reap the maximum benefit from their time and effort. Conversely if they engage in activities outside their core competence then they will not be optimizing their return on their time and effort. Furthermore, they may even experience a negative return.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Lesson </span><br />
Always stick to your core competence.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">LESSON 7</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Context</span><br />
As the Separatist start to open more fronts of conflicts across the Galactic Republic, the Jedis find themselves spread thinner and thinner. Eventually there are insufficient Master Jedis to handle the various conflicts as Master Windu is left alone to confront Chancellor Palpatine on Coruscant. This lack of numbers is an important factor leading to the demise of the Jedi.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Management Theory</span><br />
Succession Planning is something that current management always delay. Perhaps it is with fear that grooming the next generation of management to take their place would result in their own demise. However a more enlightened management will treat this as a chance to find themselves in a more elevated role or realize that having more capable managers will allow the company to expand in size.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Lesson</span><br />
If you as current management fail to embrace succession planning, you will eventually find yourself continually shorthanded and overwhelmed with issues.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">LESSON 8</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Context</span><br />
Nearing the end of the dual between Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi on Mustafar, Anakin is on a raft in pool of lava and Obi-Wan is on the banks, uphill to Anakin. Obi-Wan tells Anakin that he has the higher ground and so he is clearly at an advantage as compared to Anakin. Anakin chooses to disregard this established wisdom and choose to believe in his personal powers instead. He executes a jump onto Obi-Wan and gets his legs and hands sliced off by Obi-Wan.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Management Theory</span><br />
There are certain established wisdom in the field of business and finance. This includes Economics, Finance and Management Theories. Often these theories are pretty robust in their basis as they have been worked on and developed by some of the best human minds for the last hundred years. So it is usually not wise for people choose to depend on personal heuristics or personal judgement over these established wisdom. Put another way, there is real value in the<br />
established wisdom that has been accumulated in the form of Economics, Finance and Management Theories in the field of business and finance.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Lesson </span><br />
It is wiser to depend on Theory than to depend on your personal heuristics and judgement.Din Corderohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13922019574245043433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236982510177327721.post-79976367820669593982009-10-22T13:50:00.001+08:002010-06-18T10:28:45.331+08:00As One Door Closes, Another Window Opens<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299792313049916786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrMWIEbxdFjvOjAQUz3WuwmDzeS5ci5XpmH_dxVVdqpXAoARv8AQwDxHqevn8kuBpdEchCY_GSy5r72EJfGAPDkLFJtjR08A9DWmghDiyQ2Hr2caXkqTs2aZaK6xrTIkmOe-yshkhrHI/s400/job_opportunities.png" style="height: 320px; width: 312px;" /><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image from Microsoft Office Clipart</span></span><br />
<br />
This might sound ironic but when I read in the white paper, <a href="http://nabaza.tradepub.com/free/w_tale15/">Talent Management in a Down Economy</a> from Taleo about job creation during a recession, it actually made sense. According to the article, it is a misconception that hiring stops during a recession. In fact, hiring continues and job opportunities are still available!<br />
<br />
As a point in case, data derived from the <a href="http://www.bls.gov/">US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</a> showed that in the 2nd quarter of 2001 when the the dot com bubble burst, 1.2 million jobs were lost. On the other hand, in the same period, 7.6 million jobs were created.<br />
<br />
History is repeating itself again and the same case will be applied to the current global recession. Old jobs will be lost but, new ones will be created. These jobs are the by-products of new opportunities as businesses look for new markets to grow into, new products to develop and new services to offer. Likewise, new jobs will also be created when businesses go back to their roots and focus on core products and services. Recessions always provide that impetus for businesses to improve the overall strength of its current workforce by making it lean and efficient and at the same time infuse it with new, skilled talent.<br />
<br />
I saw this trend starting here in the Philippines albeit the massive layoffs happening in several companies. As an example, one multinational company which shed numerous jobs in its financial department is currently expanding its support operations.<br />
<br />
What is the lesson learned here then? <span style="font-weight: bold;">Do not stagnate in your current job!</span> Always look for learning opportunities in potential growth areas. This will give you the leverage to capitalize and grab potential job opportunities most especially during recessions. This will also help <a href="http://positivesharing.com/2006/09/how-to-lose-your-fear-of-being-fired/">conquer that fear of being fired</a>.<br />
<br />
From my standpoint, the opportunities right now are in service management, business intelligence and process improvement frameworks (ISO, CMMI, Six Sigma). These 3 focus on the identification and implementation of opportunities in reducing costs without sacrificing quality while increasing productivity, 3 critical factors needed right now in this challenged business climate.Din Corderohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13922019574245043433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236982510177327721.post-14742411316781763382009-10-22T13:44:00.001+08:002010-06-18T10:28:32.102+08:00Firing a Bad HireI found this <a href="http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/tech-manager/?p=677">great article</a> in <a href="http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/">TechRepublic's Blog</a> regarding a first hand account from Benny Sisko on how he fired a bad hire. He listed 6 lessons learned on how to avoid having a bad hire and I interjected my ideas in some of the lessons.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Perform a two-part interview.</span><br />
Interviews are best done more than once with two or more pairs of eyes and ears in each sessions. Each interviewer is coming to the session with his/her own biases and expectations and this ensures that all questions are covered with the applicant. If not all, at least the most critical ones. Some may consider this as a waste of time but compare it with the lost time in productivity and morale impact later on due to a bad hire, the extra time and effort is well worth it.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Test the candidate.</span><br />
Match the technical tests as close as possible to your technical requirements. If the position requires web development using HTML, JavaScript and CSS, give the applicant a test on how to develop a sample website using these 3 technologies. This will give you a pretty good idea on the skill level of the applicant without asking too many questions. In fact you can even go deeper afterward and conduct a code analysis to further probe on the logic and rationale behind his coding practices and framework.<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
3. Get more references and then get more references.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">4. If he does slip by, coach, coach, coach.</span><br />
Actually, even if the new hire is not slipping, it is worth it to have monthly or even bimonthly sessions to be more proactive if he/she is already encountering difficulties or only seeing potential problems in the horizon. These sessions will also serve as excellent feedback mechanism to level any expectations or misconceptions regarding assigned responsibilities.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Listen to the team.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">6. Take the probationary period seriously and make it known that I intend to do so.</span>Din Corderohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13922019574245043433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236982510177327721.post-66929081614969866252009-10-22T13:36:00.002+08:002010-06-18T10:28:18.242+08:00Firing: The Bad and The Ugly<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295638354156713666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6d8GnWNUqB9gA0WiQikNvruIGoFizAmB6q8GPMk5QGuG_EcMjHSnSkcajSiIbONAUMFFML0YK2FWTTv9FBRSiWK-W4TI8eBoX_ruNmSpW55UcSmajH3sPY5Wp6XjEJWpSXQqGZB6PKNw/s320/fired.png" style="height: 312px; width: 320px;" /><br />
<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Image from Microsoft Office Clipart</span></span><br />
<br />
Firing is one of the sordid tasks that all managers must face and handle sooner or later. I had my own share in the past and these all evoked unpleasant memories. However which way you sugarcoat a termination, it would always be received negatively albeit temporarily. Unfortunately this will become more of the norm within this year rather than an exception because of the global financial crunch. Not a day goes by that I see news about a company reducing 10% of its workforce here or a company laying off off 3,000 employees there.<br />
<br />
The Philippines is not spared even with the expanding offshoring / outsourcing opportunities coming in. I read in the news about <a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/infotech/view/20090116-183804/Accenture-RP-lays-off-500-workers">Accenture Philippines which laid off 500 employees</a> as part of a redundancy program. There was also the news about the <a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/infotech/view/20090123-185155/Intel-total-shutdown-of-RP-operations">"total shutdown" of Intel Philippines' operation</a> affecting almost 2,000 employees.<br />
<br />
In this regard, if you are faced with this dire situation, this might help you ease the tension and stress. I found this <a href="http://www.slackermanager.com/2009/01/how-to-fire-someone.html">great post</a> from <a href="http://www.slackermanager.com/">Slacker Manager</a> about a <a href="http://www.usnews.com/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2009/1/19/how-to-fire-someone.html">US News blog article</a> that Alison Green wrote on how to fire someone. I very much agree with point #6 (Know you’re going to be emotionally drained afterwards) and what Slacker Manager added as point #7 (Don’t take it personally).<br />
<br />
Firing always makes me "psychologically" sick. This is the reason why I always schedule this kind of meeting on a Friday so I have a chance to "recuperate" over the weekend. Likewise, whatever is said during the meeting, don't take it personally. Be like a Teflon-coated pan to ensure that nothing sticks to you since all the negative words that will be hurled at you are just the consequence of the outburst of emotions.Din Corderohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13922019574245043433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236982510177327721.post-67985343564029352752009-10-22T13:32:00.001+08:002010-06-18T10:28:06.855+08:00Hiring: Interview Questions<img alt="Interview" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294134336464071106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkN5Qc3IwZ9BFv-dOAoNHXiMQvGswFNQs0BC6j6I04KumtS8lGo12gC6Gfknz5dc72YlyOPwXFA65irFjTbB3Pv_B0cuebOGNr3LmF7rptqdZ4OSN84a-mW5bmzYl07C5p0L7ECUoVe4/s320/interview.png" style="height: 190px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt;" /><br />
<span style="font-size: 78%; font-style: italic;">Image from Microsoft Office Clipart</span><br />
<br />
The hiring process is littered with "dead bodies." I considered myself having a high "batting average" in getting great hires but unfortunately I also have my own share of wrong decisions.<br />
<br />
From my perspective, hiring is a probabilities game. In order to increase the probability of getting great hires, I need to expand and refine the various tools and techniques I am using in the hiring process. The first one I would like to share here are the questions I use during the interview process.<br />
<br />
Interview applicants are always showing their best feet forward during the interview process. As a result, it is my responsibility to ask the right questions in order to peel through these layers and probe deeper to reveal their true personalities and tendencies. I know volumes of books have already been written regarding this topic so I will not be focusing on them anymore.<br />
<br />
My focus will be on the list of questions that I amassed through the years. I got these questions from a speed-dating website. It will come as a surprise to some but for me it made a whole lot of sense. In speed dating, a couple is only given 5 minutes to ask questions and assess if there is a fit or "click" between the two of them. As a result, these questions are quite pointed and the answers provided to them can serve as a foundation to deeper, probing questions.<br />
<br />
Listed below is a sample of these questions and a small description about their rationale in a job interview situation.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Pursuit for Skills and Knowledge</span><br />
I would like to know if the applicant is motivated in expanding his skills and knowledge outside that of the domain knowledge he is getting from work. This is usually reflected on the activities he is doing during his sparetime and the kind of books he is reading.<br />
<ul><li>When you have spare time, what do you do for fun?</li>
<li>What do you do during weekends?</li>
<li>What's the latest book you have read?</li>
<li>What's the latest technical book you have read?</li>
</ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Attitudes and Values</span><br />
I would like to know the priorities in life of the applicant, what drives or motivates him to work, who drives and motivates him, who influenced him to be him now.<br />
<ul><li>What do you cherish the most in life?<br />
</li>
<li>What person has most influenced you in your life and why?<br />
</li>
<li>What attitude do you have right now you want to change?<br />
</li>
<li>How do you think you are viewed by others?</li>
</ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Education</span><br />
I usually hire fresh graduates. As a result, I would like to know how did they perform in college since this could be a reflection on what would be their performance at work.<br />
<ul><li>Why did you decide to take up {course}?</li>
<li>Tell us a little about how well you did in school.<br />
</li>
<li>Tell us a little about your extracurricular activities.<br />
</li>
<li>What were your best and worst subjects (favorite and least favorite)?</li>
<li>Did you have a job while in college? If yes, can you describe the job and your responsibilities.<br />
</li>
</ul>Din Corderohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13922019574245043433noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236982510177327721.post-88607220192508728992009-10-05T02:03:00.000+08:002012-02-13T09:51:09.091+08:00Loco Roco 2: Berries Location in Tropuca and Chapo-Wahr StagesIn the first Loco Roco, collecting all 20 berries was, from my standpoint, just bragging rights to friends. This is drastically changed in Loco Roco 2 where getting all the berries in one stage means unlocking a short movie about a character in the Loco Roco world. A great reinforcement indeed! <br />
<br />
Unfortunately, knowing the location of the berries is the easy part. Actually, for 1,000 pickories, a Mui Mui will help you find 1 berry. The problem though is getting all 20 berries has proven to be quite a challenging endeavor most especially in the 2nd and 3rd stages.<br />
<br />
What I'll do here is to help you out on the easy part. I'll post the location of all berries in the various stages. Getting all 20 will be up to you.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">TROPUCA STAGES</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgPjy_bXCPpaiImP16yCqXaelrDAGyONs__00iyaOsUPO13Je7e96DNL-EvHDmB_D3l9SF-CGUfpn1dwxI85FLNdE5n-Fy-O-ljGFhC7yGQF0oN0B8uOyI7ocJToGdTIcNF0iOTEX68I/s1600-h/Tropuca_Stage.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302250452212047378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgPjy_bXCPpaiImP16yCqXaelrDAGyONs__00iyaOsUPO13Je7e96DNL-EvHDmB_D3l9SF-CGUfpn1dwxI85FLNdE5n-Fy-O-ljGFhC7yGQF0oN0B8uOyI7ocJToGdTIcNF0iOTEX68I/s400/Tropuca_Stage.bmp" style="cursor: pointer; height: 227px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Tropuca Stage 1</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtPVu33l_Bg4HneXyTrsFc6fQjwOgLMOhqXbr7ajVbD39-ZbRy-R11TinCwogtm_n6UzkmjU294A1ILhFAad46CYNStzw2dWS_xDOTCrJq5tVNfMIW7sLUQVpb4pDFJ-flLb7H-1IVAM/s1600-h/Tropuca_Stage_01.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302250925781651810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtPVu33l_Bg4HneXyTrsFc6fQjwOgLMOhqXbr7ajVbD39-ZbRy-R11TinCwogtm_n6UzkmjU294A1ILhFAad46CYNStzw2dWS_xDOTCrJq5tVNfMIW7sLUQVpb4pDFJ-flLb7H-1IVAM/s400/Tropuca_Stage_01.bmp" style="cursor: pointer; height: 227px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 10px; font-style: italic;">Click image to enlarge</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Tropuca Stage 2</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6xpM4n8OQ7jOA000Wb2VS74X9e81qJypMsHGVWLLOzyiRaSZ6PAvlTnOV2QsVXfXjkbcgGiqJQEQWfwzR3WYdZ6cMjWMH__yuFre32RtQtAY_KZy6__vKMjPAq6lPMh1AbpNBG6_MBw/s1600-h/Tropuca_Stage_02.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302251337546028578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6xpM4n8OQ7jOA000Wb2VS74X9e81qJypMsHGVWLLOzyiRaSZ6PAvlTnOV2QsVXfXjkbcgGiqJQEQWfwzR3WYdZ6cMjWMH__yuFre32RtQtAY_KZy6__vKMjPAq6lPMh1AbpNBG6_MBw/s400/Tropuca_Stage_02.bmp" style="cursor: pointer; height: 227px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 10px; font-style: italic;">Click image to enlarge</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">CHAPO-WAHR STAGES</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBc0gUDJkXPtmPIGfuHAyvodVWLkdsWDL-0Z6wjE3zVpe95dcECJ3cZCNGdLyk9pej8c-Hp877mxEA_8jSdFfdnRWT-cWB-26TQ7Gwb8qtB6IbkyI5qYWVQ8eU4x1SYpeOx1JxFc1ruG4/s1600-h/Chapo_Wahr_Stage.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302252455527125826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBc0gUDJkXPtmPIGfuHAyvodVWLkdsWDL-0Z6wjE3zVpe95dcECJ3cZCNGdLyk9pej8c-Hp877mxEA_8jSdFfdnRWT-cWB-26TQ7Gwb8qtB6IbkyI5qYWVQ8eU4x1SYpeOx1JxFc1ruG4/s400/Chapo_Wahr_Stage.bmp" style="cursor: pointer; height: 227px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Chapo-Wahr Stage 1</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQA9r2s6xXbNFDcKN6Ks7fdy2rTT0I6RRrzL41FgoF3oVrPaTX9Ng2MUTtJf7j62sIb6NGtoJcBxQJc0SI0uzRprv8KKpHa2xgVsOE8DIZ9UZQn6k3d8K0rhyAnneoUSHv-vpguzZCiWg/s1600-h/Chapo_Wahr_Stage_01.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302252776878531154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQA9r2s6xXbNFDcKN6Ks7fdy2rTT0I6RRrzL41FgoF3oVrPaTX9Ng2MUTtJf7j62sIb6NGtoJcBxQJc0SI0uzRprv8KKpHa2xgVsOE8DIZ9UZQn6k3d8K0rhyAnneoUSHv-vpguzZCiWg/s400/Chapo_Wahr_Stage_01.bmp" style="cursor: pointer; height: 227px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 10px; font-style: italic;">Click image to enlarge</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Chapo-Wahr Stage 2</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmG0F2oRHc2QkpYDd7x46QsnVt58FmChUvj8C9cuuNcekEj7LKpIxTTQ_3HnpQBo6IDHWQewrb1_nuIX2f0Z-IBD570emATcE1D8LQAs291xyMnwm5VlE3y_D4XCybL9qf8RNNt7cu7A/s1600-h/Chapo_Wahr_Stage_02.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302253002615508610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmG0F2oRHc2QkpYDd7x46QsnVt58FmChUvj8C9cuuNcekEj7LKpIxTTQ_3HnpQBo6IDHWQewrb1_nuIX2f0Z-IBD570emATcE1D8LQAs291xyMnwm5VlE3y_D4XCybL9qf8RNNt7cu7A/s400/Chapo_Wahr_Stage_02.bmp" style="cursor: pointer; height: 227px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 10px; font-style: italic;">Click image to enlarge</span>Din Corderohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13922019574245043433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1236982510177327721.post-3532639960229551382009-10-05T01:59:00.000+08:002012-02-13T09:50:55.178+08:00Loco Roco 2: Throne of Mui Mui King<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJyTplpGK1G1sCficoZFgQJQqafbLmhZVM0aVIWTRO6m3Q26OE54CAPAO32qniiVUYSKRf_zP-JTt_jroqkCW4ij8o4nLqPJxha4H9o_8w6H_628-fsgQHgQR8jQTCYsBuklNdZ8Dt-Y/s1600-h/Mui+Mui+King.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299662764678272162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJyTplpGK1G1sCficoZFgQJQqafbLmhZVM0aVIWTRO6m3Q26OE54CAPAO32qniiVUYSKRf_zP-JTt_jroqkCW4ij8o4nLqPJxha4H9o_8w6H_628-fsgQHgQR8jQTCYsBuklNdZ8Dt-Y/s400/Mui+Mui+King.png" style="cursor: pointer; height: 227px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<br />
This is the location in the Mui Mui House where you will unlock the Throne of the Mui Mui King. It is located on the topmost portion of the house. In order to build it, you need the following parts:<br />
<br />
1 Gorjan Stone<br />
4 Great Horn<br />
2 Pupi Weed<br />
1000 Pickories<br />
<br />
You can get the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Gorjan Stone </span>either from the Loco Race mini-game after playing it for about 20 times and winning 1st place or from the underground digger that appears when you quit or load a stage (the mine should be yellow / gold in color). You can get the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Great Horn</span> from the Mui Mui Crane mini-game. As for the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Pupi Weed</span>, unfortunately I could not recall where I got it and searching Google was not helpful. I will update this post once I get more information.<br />
<br />
Once you built the Throne, the Mui Mui King would immediately appear sitting on it. All the while I thought something would happen, a new stage or mini-game would be unlocked or a new part in the Mui Mui House would appear. Guess what? Nothing! He is the King and nothing happened?! <br />
<br />
Likewise, you may be wondering is he doing something special in the Mui Mui house? From what I am seeing, none! He just sits on the throne waving at the other Mui Muis. I think that is the reason why he is a bit soggy in the mid-section.Din Corderohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13922019574245043433noreply@blogger.com0