kilheeny.com - posts

Blogging Mishap

noreply@blogger.com (Azel Kilheeny) — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 14:05:00 -0500

I needed a template for my blog that fit the perfect look and feel. I had browse the net to find those ready-made template don't really match my needs until I've found .
I've been experimenting the tips and tricks from the Tips for New Bloggers and updated my blog. This was how my blog initially looked like.

I've been working on it for some time until one day, so silly of me I've deleted the whole blog and I don't know why! I was so frustrated since I didn't have a back-up (it is very crucial to back up, believe me!). I've decided to re-do it back from scratch. I started the process all over again and practically used all the tips and tricks in the Tips for New Bloggers blog to re-built back my blog template for almost 24 hours straight. I've enjoyed experimenting to customize my blog to what it is now and still refer to it when ever I needed to. I've even offered a friend to customize his blog just for sake of learning on for free. Below is the pimped-out version as we say it.

The art of learning for me is to just do it in the first place, without the will you will never know what you can achieve until you tried. Make it or break it, well that's a different story.

technorati tags: Tech Blogging
del.icio.us tags: Tech Blogging

A Startling Discovery

noreply@blogger.com (Azel Kilheeny) — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 13:01:00 -0500

I would say that I felt so privileged to be one of those lucky people to house a home overlooking the KLCC Twin Towers and its surrounding concrete jungle. I was a few meters away from the front door when a distant colour spurge distracted my driving. I pulled over immediately when I realized it was actually fireworks on the horizon.

It was 11:20pm on a regular Friday night, and fireworks?! Obviously I was not aware of it. I wondered in amazement as I video recorded it. It was still aesthetically pleasing and definitely enjoyable from the distant that I was. I am sure that I will learn more about it in the news tomorrow.

technorati tags: Life Experiences
del.icio.us tags: Life Experiences

A Walk Through The Past

noreply@blogger.com (Azel Kilheeny) — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 12:28:00 -0500

I must confess it has been more than a decade that I have set my feet to this place. I have driven pass by it many times yet the thought of visiting has never came across before this. The last I remember being to this place when I was around 10 or 11 years old perhaps. Making this trip is revisiting history as well. Being in the spirits of the 50th National's Merdeka celebration, nothing felt worth going but to the Muzium Negara for a chance to commemorate the heritages that have been passed through generations. I vaguely remember it since the last time I’ve closed those history books for good during school.

As we arrive, first in sight were the historical locomotives. I was hoping to get closer look but it was barricaded and placed in high rise blocks. We then walk further to the displays of classic transportation. I just love the look of the Red Fire Engine, a classic. I bet it has served well during it heydays and it was the best display from the rest. We moved on to the main entrance and paid the fee. We walk in to the cultural area where it showcases our mixed race cultures and traditional marital ceremonies. After the end our walk in that area , we walk up to the upper level on the left and it hosted more detailed displays of our cultures including those of the natives “orang asli”. I am happy to see few tourists look very interested to look into the details as I walk by. Apart from the two areas that I have visited, I liked the last area the most. It brings you back from the early days of invasions of the Portuguese, Dutch, English so forth to the modern days prior and after independence with eye catching artifacts. We ended our trip by heading to the traditional Malay house located beside the Muzium Negara building.

It has been a good educational trip and was glad to make it but more effort needs to take place to encourage more visits. For me, the next visit probably will not be so soon.

technorati tags: Life Going Places Muzium Negara Trips National Muzeum Experiences del.icio.us tags: Life Going Places Muzium Negara Trips National Muzeum Experiences

In The Heat Of The Night

noreply@blogger.com (Azel Kilheeny) — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 07:06:00 -0500

It started two months back when an ex-colleague of mine initiated a reunion for those people who has left Shangri-La and moved on with their lifes else where. We've planned to have an outing together once each month to catch up and share current perhaps updates on previous gossips.

For September, we had our mind on a pool BBQ where we all will chip in the cost and prepare it ourselves. It was to be hosted at one of our colleagues place in Jalan Ara, Bangsar.

It was just made for a simple beef and chicken BBQ with fries and mix vegetables on the side with ice cream for desert. We had hoped for a better turn out from the invitations this time but only the six of us ended up finishing all of it. We did not let it marred the occasion at all. We enjoyed cracking over stupid jokes and laugh as loud. Obviously not to forget gossiping the whole night about this and that. Being around them really brings back the good old memories when we've work together, laugh and scream at each other. It has been an enjoyable night all round and looking forward for the next occasion where many variety of deliciousness will be available during Ramadhan.

Oh yeah... I had volunteered myself to be the BBQ guy over the previous hosting experience and now my shoulders sores by the excessive fanning. I did practically cooked everything and well burnt some too only for the first batch. It has been a while since I let myself sweat in heat. I am just happy that people really enjoyed the fruits of my labour.

technorati tags: Life Experiences Barbeque del.icio.us tags: Life Experiences Barbeque

Aroused By The Glitters Of The Night

noreply@blogger.com (Azel Kilheeny) — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 14:56:00 -0500

Menara Tinjau Hulu Langat is the place to be for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. You will be fascinated by the panoramic view especially at night, breathtaking and complimented with the cozy breeze ideal for romantic or special occasions.

This is not my first visit to the place but it has been a while. First thing you have bear in mind being there is parking. A handful to overcome if you arrive at the wrong time! Words of advice:

Drive compact car, space tends to be limited at times. Forget about convoying, car pool and squeeze like sardine cans! You have better chance riding motorcycle.
There will never be a best time to go, especially at night and weekends. Come at your own risk and good luck!

Next is making the trip. Google Search "Menara Tinjau Hulu Langat" and read more about the place from other bloggers. Most of them have done a good job documenting their own experiences including pictures, address and maps. In a way, support their works!

On the other hand, once you are there you will forget what you have to anticipate. It is a nice place to clear off your mind and let it wonder about. Besides there are three choice of restaurants up there you can choose. Order your favorite drink, a meal or snack and enjoy stimulating conversations overlooking the beautiful sceneries.

technorati tags: Life Going Places Look Out Point Bukit Lanjan del.icio.us tags: Life Going Places Look Out Point Bukit Lanjan

Free Web And Mobile Messenger

noreply@blogger.com (Azel Kilheeny) — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 07:29:00 -0500

(image source: ebuddy.com)

Ebuddy.com offers free web and mobile based instant messaging (IM) services that let's you be connected with your online buddies almost everywhere and anytime either at home, school, work or while traveling.

(image source: ebuddy.com)

It's web version supports popular IM services by MSN, Yahoo, AIM, Google and MySpace. It requires no downloads, no installation of software or upgrades, no registration and it's FREE! You can now connect to multiple IM services simultaneously by logging on to the eBuddy Beta sign in.

When connected it will load itself in a pop-up window. The interfaces have been redesigned to resemble similar to the desktop experience. On the top bar you can add contact, create new group list and add conference chat. The buddy list is organized according to your desktop messenger. Icon of the respective IM services will appear beside of the buddy chat id when connected simultaneously.

For the mobile version, you can login to eBuddy with your mobile phone web browser that supports xHTML and WAP 2.0. It offers basic chat functions and it works with most mobile phone, PDA, Sony PSP and Nintendo DS. You can also login multiple IM services by login in the eBuddy Beta sign in.

Overall, eBuddy offers true mobility for those who requires to be constantly connected. For mobile users, please ensure you are aware of your mobile's network providers data services charges or subscribe to their unlimited data usage packages.

technorati tags: Tech Mobile Internet ebuddy handphone smartphone del.icio.us tags: Tech Mobile Internet ebuddy handphone smartphone

Madkast Share Button Widget

noreply@blogger.com (Azel Kilheeny) — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 11:09:00 -0500

I have just added the Madkast Share widget to my blog. It's the green color button just below the blog post title. It is similar to the Share This button you can find in Wordpress templates.

It is certainly a nifty widget to have for us using Blogger. It offers one-click installation that is quick and simple. It will add-on a page element with the javascript and you can relocated it anywhere in your template. This widget certainly create an ease of function to share our posts by e-mail, text message or bookmarking services.

Recommend it to all and you can add this feature by clicking the share button in this blog or go to Madkast.

technorati tags: Tech Internet Blogging Widgets Share Madkast del.icio.us tags: Tech Internet Blogging Widgets Share Madkast

MyBlogLog Now Is Part Of Yahoo!

noreply@blogger.com (Azel Kilheeny) — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 17:44:00 -0500

I had login to MyBlogLog to adjust my widget settings and discovered that it has now been acquired by Yahoo! as part of it's services. Before I am able to proceed to the home page, I had to process merging to my yahoo! profiles and reselect my avatar which was linked to my yahoo! avatars. The rest remains the same upon completion.

technorati tags: Tech Internet Blogging Community Network del.icio.us tags: Tech Internet Blogging Community Network

Let This Picture Do The Talking

noreply@blogger.com (Azel Kilheeny) — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 12:24:00 -0500

Let's take your photo's captions to the next level and in style! I've bump into this while browsing today. Get ready your clicking finger. If you are interested to find out how to get it, read on. It's called Bubblesnaps! It's allows you to create pop-up dialogs on your own photos and have it send to your friends by email or add it to your website. Creating a bubblesnap is easy. You can create instantly on the website. It's free to register and you will be able to add up to 18 photos or edit features.

First step of using this free service is to upload your photos from your computer or select one of your public photos from flickr. When choosing flickr you just need to enter your username to display your photos and select.

Second step is to add the bubble dialog. You can choose between speak or think and edit your own text. You also have the choice to move, resize and where you like the bubble placed.

Last step by clicking the Finish button, you will be able to review the bubblesnap you have created. In the review screen, you have an option to:

Print or edit.
Add a title to the Bubblesnap.
4 theme to choose for special occasions (no theme, birthday, luurve, the morning after)
Send by email with accompanying messages (optional)
Allow viewers of your Bubblesnap to save or use your image to reply or create their own Bubblesnap or not.
Choose to embed or javascript for use in website or blogs like:

Friendster, Myspace, Hi5 and Blogger

And you are practically done! My only concern is the storage facility of 18 photos. It may not be able to have it permanently featured in my blog. I hoped more storage will be added in the future. Hope you have fun experiencing it as I do. Cheers!

Link : Bubblesnaps

technorati tags: Tech Internet Photos Photo Tips Bubblesnap del.icio.us tags: Tech Internet Photos Photo Tips Bubblesnap

How I Add Text or Image Watermarks To Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Azel Kilheeny) — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 11:28:00 -0500

I needed to add text and image onto batch of photos that I am uploading. Usually I will edit it manually using photoshop but for more than 5 pictures, there should be a better way.

I am sharing my way to add transparent text or image watermarks to photos using FastStone Image Viewer. With this software, you can convert batch or selective images with advance options to resize, crop, rotate and more including the watermarks features.

First thing to do is : Download here: FastStone Image Viewer - Free!

After installation, in the image viewer screen:

select Tools > Batch Convert

In advance options screen - Select Watermark

Here you can add your watermark image. In addition you can:

Select position to locate the watermark on the photo
Add shadow, background, round corners or transparency
Go to > Text Column to add text captions
Go to > Resize Column to auto resize the photo

Click OK to finalize your watermark features. Select the output format and the output folder. Click on Start to activate the conversion. Here is how you post-photo will look like:

To have this feature will add copyright to your photos that you are uploading to your image hosting website or blogs. You will never know what will happen to your photos as it is open to be copied everywhere and anytime in this blogosphere. There more features available in the FastStone Image Viewer and recommend to all to try it out.

Link: Homepage , Download

technorati tags: Image Viewer Media Photo Tips Photos Watermarks Tech Software del.icio.us tags: Image Viewer Media Photo Tips Photos Watermarks Tech Software

Discovering Non Human Behaviours

noreply@blogger.com (Azel Kilheeny) — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0500

Ok, the title may not appear to be as what you like it to be. If you are expecting some Extra Terrestrial post well then it's too bad. It's about my recent trip to the National Zoo. Yeah I know it's not a popular discovery topic but what the heck. I guess it was a calling after hearing about the visit Malaysia advertisement aired over the radios all the time.

So here I am making my confession. I’ve lived in Kuala Lumpur all my life and it’s a shame I have not been to most of the places even not knowing how to get there. Now I pledge to take the time to make these trips if not to all at least to most locations. It maybe a bit touristy but it will be part of my lifetime resolution. First Kuala Lumpur, next Malaysia then The Rest of the World, oh what a dreamer! Let’s continue...

I had made this trip on last Sunday, 23 September 2007 arrived almost 4pm. It started to rain when I reached there but it's did not deter me from continuing. So we went in purchase the RM15 entrance fee and handed with the bar code band to wrap around our wrist. As we are on the way in, we noticed from far this Chinese auntie at the entrance waving at us. She greeted us nicely and holds our wrist to point the bar code to the scanner. She then offered us the site map. As we bid goodbye to the nice auntie, the zoo train cum tour buggy arrived. We decided not to hop in and walk instead. As the zoo train pass by us, we were a little bit uncertain to start off our own tour. The map looks makes it look a long tour around the zoo. We decided on the left side where it points to the mammals’ area.

It was still raining. As we walk quarterly wet, we arrived at arch of the mammals’ area to snap my first photo of the tour. We move on after a few more shots and found ourselves waving at the giraffes trying to them to come nearer to us. The giraffes only gave us a glance as they are busy grazing their meals. Well, no chances to be up-close with the giraffes for now so we went on observe the groups of birds roaming the lake. They make funny sounds and movements like some kind of mating rituals. We stayed there for a while until we move on with the tour the rest of the mammal’s kingdom including the walk-in birdcage. It is interesting to know that most of the animals were sponsors by big local companies that have animals as the company’s logo like the Sumatran tigers was sponsored by Maybank and the camels by AMBank. During our walks we thought the rain got heavier, but it was the wild monkeys on the tree above us shake the branches. We did not expect to get fooled by the monkeys! We move on to the reptiles and the aquariums. Everything seems to be dark and gloomy everywhere. Overall, the best walk we had was the Savannah where it was this huge acre of land but sadly no animals there where it suppose to be probably taking shades else where due to the rain.

Maybe it’s the fasting month, not many activities are able to be held as the zoo closed early by 6pm when it was suppose to stay open until 10pm during weekend nights. Although we felt the trip somehow felt incomplete, we had our fun and laughs touring the zoo.

technorati tags: Animals Going Places Life Zoo del.icio.us tags: Animals Going Places Life Zoo

Bloggers Unite - Stop The Abuse

noreply@blogger.com (Azel Kilheeny) — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 02:41:00 -0500

Today 27 September 2007 marks the day for all bloggers to unite and blog for a cause. BlogCatalog has launched a worldwide campaign against abuse covering many related topics mainly:

Child Abuse
Animal Abuse
Domestic Abuse
Sexual Abuse

Be a part of the campaign and join BlogCatalog's blogging for hope mission by showing your support. Blog about it and post your links to:

Abuse cases is at it's alarming state and affects globally. BlogCatalog has taken up a noble role to highlight it's hope to alert the world. Prior to this, my knowledge on this issues seems to lack only to bear witness what's in the news on TV and newspapers. What will be my part if I were to comprehend it personally? Where do I go or what should I do?

Report to the nearest Police station immediately.
If injuries occurs, One Stop Crisis Center (Pusat Khidmat Bersepadu) services are available in all state hospitals in Malaysia.
Report to Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat to gain Perintah Perlindungan Interim (IPO : Interim Protection Ordinance) or Perintah Perlindungan (PO : Protection Ordinance)

USEFUL CONTACTS:
JABATAN KEBAJIKAN MASYARAKAT, Tingkat 19-24, Menara Tun Ismail Mohamed Ali, Jalan Raja Laut, 50562 Kuala Lumpur
TEL. : 603-2697 1090, FAKS : 603-2693 4270, 603-2694 9395 TELEDERA : 1-800-88-3040 (Tol Free), 603-2616 5961 INFORAKYAT : 010-2000900

Women's Aid Organisation Pertubuhan Pertolongan Wanita P.O. Box 493 Jalan Sultan 46760 Petaling Jaya Selangor Darul Ehsan Malaysia. Tel. +60 3 7956 3488 Fax. +60 3 7956 3237 Email:mailto:wao@po.jaring.my

Pertubuhan Pertolongan Wanita (WAO)	03-7956 3488
Pusat Krisis Wanita ( WCC, Penang)	04-228 0342
All Women Action Society of Malaysia (AWAM)	03-7957 0224
TELEDERA	1-800-883040
BEFRIENDERS	03-7956 8144
P.S. The Children	03-74931303
Bukit Aman General Line	03-2262 6222
University Hospital	03-7956 4422
General Hospital	03-2692 1044

USEFUL LINKS:

FAQ on on Domestic Violence and Child Abuse and One-Stop Crisis Centre FAQ Kebajikan Sosial dan Masyarakat

technorati tags: BlogCatalog Bloggers Unite Campaign Info Life Stop The Abuse Thoughts del.icio.us tags: BlogCatalog Bloggers Unite Campaign Info Life Stop The Abuse Thoughts

Going Pink For October

noreply@blogger.com (Azel Kilheeny) — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 11:37:00 -0500

In lieu of my support towards Breast Canser Awareness, my blog will featured partially in pink for the whole month of October 2007. It maybe not as much, just to share what I have learned from few of the sites that helped me create awareness and understanding. To my friends, hope you will share the same and join this noble cause.

Related links:

Pink For October Official Site

Radiologi Malaysia

Breast Canser Site

Breast Canser Online

technorati tags: Barah Payudara Breast Canser Campaign Life del.icio.us tags: Barah Payudara Breast Canser Campaign Life

My Own Custom Domain with Blogspot and Google Apps

noreply@blogger.com (Azel Kilheeny) — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 07:34:00 -0500

It has been long overdue but I should officially announce that my blog is now http://www.kilheeny.com/. I have started my blog with Blogspot for over a month now and I have decided to dotcomize my blog. I have read that registering your own domain will have its advantages especially when you plan to monetize your blog. I know it’s a given but why not enjoy the perks while you are at it. It’s all about your own choices and options right?

I have chose Blogspot as my blog publishing platform for its recognitions. Besides offering useful tools and great features to publish your own blog, there are numerous resources from season bloggers sharing their expertise in personalizing Blogspot blogs. In fact I have spent time working on my template ever since and rather then restart I should to continue learning. Not only I have gained extensive knowledge and experience from it but I thoroughly enjoyed all the work and play in the process.

Now back to the topic in mind, I find the transition of switching was made simple, easy and smooth. Blogspot not only offers to host all my contents as before but have it displayed with my own domain. I only need to get the domain name and I don't have to pay extra for hosting service. It’s good enough for me at that time at least I know have a year long to experience.

Registering my own domain

Once I have come up with my unique domain name, I proceed to login to my Dashboard and go to Settings > Publishing. Here I will find that my blog by default published by Blogspot. I clicked the Custom Domain link for the option to buy a domain. I checked the domain name that I had chose was available and register it with .com, instead of .net, .org, .info or .biz as other option. Registering the domain was made through a Google partner and cost USD$10 for one year. I will also get Google Apps as part of registration. Besides that, it was comforting to know that my original Blogspot address will also be automatically redirected to my new domain. I have made the purchase with Google Checkout costing me exactly MYR$34.88 and the domain was successfully registered with Enom.com as the domain registrar.

It took 4 days for my domain name to be activated. Prior to that, notice of transition kept appearing each time I updated my blog. It indicated that my blog was in transition of switching. My blog remains as the original Blogspot address although I notice all my contents have been converted to my new domain/post title. The links however does not work when I tried to copy and paste the new domain/post directly. I have to update the URL/post back to my original Blogspot address. At least it is safe to know that my blogs not lost and links or bookmarks to my blog still work.

It comes with Google Apps

Another good deal is Google Apps. I am familiar with Google applications like Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Talk and Google Docs. Now I will able to use it with my own custom domain.

I have to login to Google Apps with my username @ my domain to access the control panel for my services settings. In the dashboard screen itself, it offers quick and user friendly features for editing. You have a total of 7 services at your disposal, mainly:

Start Page

Personalize iGoogle Features
Allows users to access Google services and other information from a single place.
Allow users can customize the header, footer, color scheme and content.
Edit URL from start.domain.com to anything.domain.com

Chat

Personalize GTalk Features
Chatting outside the domain (within the Google network)
Chat with other Google Apps and Gmail users (Google network)
Options available to chat with people using other messaging services.

Docs

Personalize Google Docs Features
Sharing options
Edit URL from docs.domain.com to anything.domain.com

Personalize Gmail Features 2GB Inbox
Email forwarding and mailing list
Edit URL from mail.domain.com to anything.domain.com

Calendar

Personalize Google Calendar Features
Sharing options
Edit URL from calendar.domain.com to anything.domain.com

Web Page

Personalize Google Page Creator Features
Alternative Webpage
Edit URL from blog.domain.com to anything.domain.com

Primary Domain

Personalize account information
Advance DNS Settings and add domain aliases

In addition, you can create up to 200 users’ accounts to access the same features within the domain. This means you can share it with your family and friends. Now I am relief that everything is all set for me so I can focus on other things and hope I have made a good investment for now. Or does someone has not told me something that I did not know?

technorati tags: Blogging Domain Internet Tech del.icio.us tags: Blogging Domain Internet Tech

Mobilizing My Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Azel Kilheeny) — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 02:34:00 -0500

I often access my web accounts with my mobile phone and most of it offers mobile optimized websites. Realizing the slow page upload and memory clog to have my blog viewed in full web/html, I had looked into ways to optimized it as mobile-friendly too. It's another option to share my blog for mobile users while on the fly.

Few publishing tools and optimizers are available to feature these services. It is mostly free and does not require technical knowledge to publish mobile version of your website or blog. However I find most of these services does not suit my needs in exception of feedm8.com.

Feedm8.com Features Feedm8 offers free sign up and easy set up by just adding your Feed or URL. It offer good features and fully customizable. First off, it offers short WAP URL as http://feedm8.com/yourchoice. It is simple and easy to remember. You can add your own logo, header title, the colors of the background, text, highlights or choose predefined templates as you may like. It allows you to show images as thumbnails or text links in your mobile feed. You can also configure the amount of post and length of the feed to be displayed. Here is the preview of the set-up dashboard and mobile preview.

I prefer to have only my contents/posts to be displayed therefore this feature is more ideal to me besides it also offer full web view as well.

Feedm8.com also offers an opportunity to monetize your mobile blog through its affiliate program. When a publisher who signed up for FeedM8 through your referral link earns their first $20 from advertisers, you will be credited with $10 in your account. As a bonus, if the same publishers earns over $100 within 180 days of sign-up, you will be credited with an additional $50! It's a good deal and if you signed up through me I will share the 180 days bonus credit with you 50/50! Let me know when you sign up by e-mail or comment and I will keep track of it. Click here to register Take your blog mobile and earn more.

Now you can preview my mobile blog at http://feedm8.com/kilheeny on your mobile browser to see it in action live! It's definitely a good way for your readers to catch up with your blog just with their mobile! By the way, here are some links of other options that is available to mobilizing your blog which I have studied on prior but I guess I will stick with feedm8.com.

technorati tags: Blogging Feedm8 Internet Mobile Money Matters Tech del.icio.us tags: Blogging Feedm8 Internet Mobile Money Matters Tech