No training next year

So at the evaluation time I found out that the company has cut our training budget. Thanks a lot, this place does not show that the employees are worth the educations. I am wondering if we still need to do Ethics or Sexual Harassment types of training next year? This is like cutting our benefits. So happy to hear at all.

iPhone Apps Development

I upgraded the OSX to 10.5.8 with some tweaks to fix the OS and installed iPhone SDK 3.1.2 with Xcode 3.1.4 to it. Developed my first HelloWorld app with the iPhone developer document and now I am on my way to develop my own apps. With SDK, there are Xcode and iPhone Simulator, they are pretty slick. I like it a lot.

Touch Screen for Dell mini 9

I installed Mac OS X Leopard on a Dell mini 9 a while back. Everything on it is functioning. Today I installed a touch screen on it. I think this is so cool since 9 inch netbook is so tiny a touch screen actually makes it easier to operate.

The touch screen has drivers for Windows, Linux, even OS X. You can get the Touch Screen Kit from http://www.mydigitaldiscount.com/, they carry models for Acer, Dell, HP, etc.. you name it. I got my SSD from them too.

Next, I might even turn my Dell D630 14.1" into a touch screen, I don't know, maybe.

Passed 1Z0-233

I passed 1Z0-233 exam today, added Oracle 11i Applications Database Administrator Certified Professional to my credentials. The exam is not hard, just have to read 2 documents to get the job done.

Oracle Applications - Financials

Or so called E-Business Suite, or even ERP. I started reading documentations about Oracle Applications. Moving forward to be a consultant on this topic in the future, targeting Oracle Financials.

I found this site, very helpful: http://onlineappsdba.com/

Visited my school - UIS

I was down in Springfield, IL on Monday June 29, 2009. Took my PMP exam in the morning and passed by 11:30AM, made an appointment a week before to meet with my professor at UIS. So I called him up and told him the good news and met with him.

He showed me around the campus, the whole school has changed. New buildings around the old buildings. Visited his computer labs and classrooms. Also saw a lot of freshmen having orientations at the level above the cafeteria, reminded me of my first year. Honestly I missed the school, I spent 2 good years studying there.

I had lunch with my professor and we talked about my achievements and progresses of my career. We also shared opinions on some political topics. He did not change at all, I still have some trouble catching his Louisiana accent. But I enjoyed the visit very much, I should have brought a camera, though. As we walked out the building before saying bye to each other, a wind came by and I felt it. It's like the wind is saying Hi to me too.

Here is the link to UIS: http://www.uis.edu/maps/

My wife made a funny

I saw Micro Center having a Apple Mac mini on sale for $349, the lowest price ever. So I told my wife I am going out to get one (in the rain). She paused for a second and said "ok". And then asked "So what are you gonna do with it? Put Windows on it?" I was speechless, wondering if I was too predictable.