2023

December 8, 2023
5 min read

Traveling to Auckland

I was on business trip in New Zealand for two weeks. Nestled between two harbors, Auckland is a vibrant, multicultural city waiting to be explored. Known as the "City of Sails" for its love of yachting, Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and an exciting blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. Here's some tips to making the most of your Auckland adventure.

Arrival and Getting Around

Auckland Airport is well-connected globally and serves as a gateway to the rest of New Zealand. Upon arrival, you'll find an array of transport options, including buses, taxis, and car rentals, to take you into the city center. I was taking an Uber to the city, and it could be a bit confusing to find your driver since there was no dedicated stand.

Must-Visit Attractions

Sky Tower: It is an experience that offers both awe-inspiring views and a taste of adventure. Standing tall at 328 meters, it's an iconic feature of the city's skyline and a must-visit attraction. As you ascend to the observation decks, you're greeted with breathtaking 360-degree panoramas of Auckland and its surrounding landscapes. The Sky Tower is not just for sightseeing; it's a hub of excitement for thrill-seekers. Activities like the SkyWalk and SkyJump provide unique, adrenaline-fueled experiences, allowing you to walk around the tower's pergola or leap off it in a controlled jump. Inside, the tower houses a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to the elegant revolving Orbit 360° Dining, offering delicious meals with a view. Visiting the Sky Tower, whether for its stunning vistas, its heart-pounding activities, or its delightful dining experiences, is a highlight for any traveler in Auckland, encapsulating both the beauty and the adventurous spirit of the city.

Wētā Workshop Unleashed: It offers a unique and thrilling experience, especially for fans of film and special effects. Located in the heart of Auckland, New Zealand, this interactive attraction takes you behind the scenes of movie magic, showcasing the incredible artistry and craftsmanship of the Wētā Workshop team. As you step inside, you're immediately transported into a world of creativity and imagination. The tour includes up-close views of intricate props, costumes, and creatures from famous films, along with live demonstrations of special effects and makeup techniques. You'll learn about the processes used to bring fantastical worlds to life on screen, making it a must-visit destination for movie enthusiasts and anyone curious about the magic of filmmaking. Whether you're a local or a traveler, a visit to Wētā Workshop Unleashed is an unforgettable journey into the captivating world of cinematic artistry.

Auckland Art Gallery: It is a visually enriching and culturally enlightening experience for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Located in the heart of Auckland's city center, the gallery is housed in a beautiful building that blends historical architecture with modern design. As the largest art institution in New Zealand, it boasts a vast collection of over 16,000 works, including national and international pieces that span from the 11th century to the present day. The gallery showcases a diverse array of exhibitions featuring historic, modern, and contemporary art, with a special emphasis on New Zealand and Pacific Island artists. Highlights include Maori and Pacific Island works, along with European painting and sculpture. The gallery also offers interactive and educational programs, making art accessible to all ages. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, artist talks, and workshops that enhance their understanding and appreciation of art. The Auckland Art Gallery is not just a place to view art; it's a dynamic cultural hub where art, history, and community converge, offering a unique and memorable experience in the heart of Auckland.

Auckland War Memorial Museum: It is a journey through the rich tapestry of New Zealand's history and natural heritage. Situated in the lush grounds of the Auckland Domain, the museum stands as a striking neoclassical building, commanding a view over the city and harbor. Inside, visitors are immersed in a world of Maori and Pacific Island cultural artifacts, natural history exhibits, and poignant memorials to New Zealand's military history. The museum's extensive collections include a magnificent assembly of Maori and Polynesian artifacts, including a beautifully carved meeting house and an impressive waka (canoe). Engaging exhibits take you from the volcanic origins of New Zealand's landscape through its unique flora and fauna, and into the stories of the people who have made these islands their home. Regular cultural performances, including the powerful Haka, add to the immersive experience. For history buffs, researchers, and families alike, the Auckland War Memorial Museum offers an enlightening and moving visit, deepening the understanding of New Zealand's past and present.

New Zealand Maritime Museum: It presents a fascinating journey through the maritime history of a country deeply connected to the sea. Located in the vibrant Viaduct Harbour of Auckland, the museum offers a rich tapestry of experiences for visitors of all ages. As you explore its extensive exhibits, you'll dive into the stories of New Zealand's maritime heritage, from the first Polynesian navigators and European settlers to modern-day yachting triumphs. The museum's interactive displays, historic vessels, and insightful guided tours bring to life the tales of ocean voyaging, coastal trade, and the country's unique relationship with the sea. Whether you're stepping aboard a historic sailing ship, learning about traditional Polynesian navigation, or discovering New Zealand's maritime involvement in major global events, the New Zealand Maritime Museum provides a captivating and educational experience. This visit is not only a treat for maritime enthusiasts but also an enlightening exploration for anyone interested in the cultural and historical fabric of New Zealand.

Conclusion

Auckland is more than a stopover; it's a destination brimming with opportunities for adventure, culture, and relaxation. Whether you're scaling the Sky Tower or learning about history in museum, Auckland promises an unforgettable journey.

December 8, 2023
in zh
2 min read

前往奧克蘭

我去了紐西蘭出差兩週。奧克蘭位於兩個港口之間，是一個充滿活力、多元文化的城市，等待著您去探索。奧克蘭因熱愛帆船被稱為"風帆城市"，是紐西蘭最大的城市，城市的繁華與自然美景的結合令人振奮。以下是一些在奧克蘭冒險的小貼士。

抵達和出行

奧克蘭機場與全球的主要機場都有良好的連接，是通往紐西蘭其他地方的門戶。抵達後，您會發現有許多交通選擇，包括巴士、的士和租車，可以把您帶到市中心。我乘坐Uber去市區，但由於沒有專門的候車區，可能會有點困難找到司機。

必訪景點

天空塔：它提供了令人敬畏的景觀和冒險之旅的體驗。高達328米的天空塔是城市天際線的標誌性特徵，是必訪的景點。當你乘坐電梯上至觀景台，你會被奧克蘭和其周邊風光的360度全景所震撼。天空塔不僅僅是觀光的地方，也是尋求刺激的人的熱門地點。如天空漫步和天空跳躍等活動為你提供獨特且刺激的體驗，讓你可以在塔的頂部周邊走動或是從高處跳下。塔內設有多種餐飲選擇，從休閒的咖啡館到優雅的旋轉餐廳Orbit 360° Dining，一邊享用美食，一邊視覺享受美麗的風景。無論是為了欣賞壯觀的視野、尋求刺激的活動，還是享受美食，訪問天空塔都是任何在奧克蘭的旅行者的亮點，集結了城市的美麗與冒險精神。

魏塔工作室解放：對於電影和特效愛好者來說，這是一種獨特且令人驚嘆的體驗。位於紐西蘭奧克蘭市中心的這個互動景點，讓你可以看到電影魔法的幕後，展示了魏塔工作室團隊令人難以置信的藝術技巧和工藝。當你踏入其中，瞬間就會被帶入一個創意和想像的世界。觀光旅程包括近距離欣賞著名影片中複雜的道具、服裝和生物，以及現場展示特效和化妝技巧。你將了解到把奇幻世界帶到銀幕的過程，使它成為電影愛好者和對電影魔法感到好奇的人必訪的目的地。無論你是本地人還是遊客，參觀魏塔工作室解放都是一次難忘的旅程，帶你進入電影藝術的迷人世界。

奧克蘭美術館：對於藝術愛好者和普通參觀者來說，這是一次視覺豐富和文化啟蒙的體驗。位於奧克蘭市中心的美術館，坐落在一棟融合了歷史建築和現代設計的美麗建築內。作為紐西蘭最大的藝術機構，該館擁有超過16000件作品的龐大收藏，包括從11世紀到現代的國內外畫作。美術館展示了多元化的展覽，包括歷史、現代和當代藝術，並特別強調紐西蘭和太平洋島嶼的藝術家。精選展品包括毛利和太平洋島嶼的作品，以及歐洲的繪畫和雕塑。美術館還提供互動和教育節目，使藝術對所有年齡的人都易於接觸。參觀者可以享受導覽，與藝術家對談，參加提高藝術理解和欣賞能力的工作坊。奧克蘭美術館不僅是一個看藝術的地方，也是藝術、歷史和社區交匯的文化中心，為您在奧克蘭市的心臟地帶提供獨特和難忘的體驗。

奧克蘭戰爭紀念博物館：這裡展現了紐西蘭豐富的歷史和自然遺產。博物館位於奧克蘭公園的鬱鬱蔥蔥的環境中，是一個英倫古典的建築，俯瞰著城市和港口的風景。進入博物館後，遊客會被帶入一個充滿毛利和太平洋島民文化遺物，自然歷史展示和對紐西蘭軍事歷史的感人紀念的世界。博物館的大量收藏包括一個集合了毛利和波利尼西亞遺物的宏偉回廊，裏面收藏著一個美麗的雕刻會議室和一個宏偉的瓦卡（獨木舟）。精彩的展覽帶您從紐西蘭獨特的火山地質，到其獨特的植物和動物，再到那些把這些島嶼當作家的人的故事。經常的文化表演，包括強烈震撼的Haka舞，增加了身臨其境的體驗。對於歷史迷、研究者和家庭來說，奧克蘭戰爭紀念博物館提供了一次啟發性的和動人的參觀，深化了對紐西蘭過去和現在的理解。

紐西蘭海事博物館：該館展現了一個與海洋深深相連的國家的寶貴海洋歷史。博物館位於奧克蘭充滿活力的碼頭港，為所有年齡的遊客提供了豐富的體驗。當你探索其廣泛的展品，你會深入了解紐西蘭的海洋文化遺產，從波利尼西亞的第一批航海者和歐洲移民，到現代的帆船巡航。博物館的交互式展示、歷史船隻和深入見解的導覽，讓海洋航行、沿岸貿易和國家與海洋的獨特關係的故事栩栩如生。無論你是走上一艘歷史古船，學習波利尼西亞的傳統導航知識，還是探索紐西蘭在重大全球事件中的海洋參與，紐西蘭海事博物館都提供了引人入勝和富有教育性的體驗。此行不僅是海事愛好者的視覺盛宴，也是任何對紐西蘭的文化和歷史結構感興趣的人的啟蒙探索。

結論

奧克蘭不僅僅是一個停留點；這是一個充滿冒險、文化和休息機會的目的地。無論你是攀登天空塔，還是在博物館中學習歷史，奧克蘭都會讓你的旅程難以忘懷。

November 7, 2023
3 min read

Infrastructure as Code - HashiCorp Terraform

In the rapidly evolving world of cloud computing, the need for scalable, repeatable, and manageable infrastructure deployment is more acute than ever. As organizations migrate from traditional data centers to cloud environments, they confront the complexity of deploying and managing infrastructure at scale. Enter HashiCorp Terraform, the open-source infrastructure as code (IaC) tool that is transforming how we think about provisioning and maintaining our IT landscapes.

What is Terraform?

Terraform is an IaC tool developed by HashiCorp, a company known for its forward-thinking suite of tools designed to support modern DevOps practices. It enables users to define both cloud and on-premises resources in human-readable configuration files that can be versioned, reused, and shared.

At its core, Terraform uses a declarative approach to infrastructure management. Instead of providing a set of instructions to get to a desired state, Terraform allows users to define the desired end state of the infrastructure, and the Terraform engine takes care of realizing that state. This method stands in contrast to imperative approaches, where the specific commands to achieve the end state must be scripted.

Key Features of Terraform

Infrastructure as Code: Terraform manages infrastructure with configuration files that describe the components needed. These files can be version controlled, providing a clear audit trail for changes.
Declarative Syntax: Terraform's simple and readable HCL (HashiCorp Configuration Language) or JSON syntax allows users to specify what the infrastructure should look like without needing to worry about the how.
Execution Plans: Terraform creates an execution plan which describes what it will do to reach the desired state, allowing users to review the proposed changes before they are applied.
Resource Graph: Terraform builds a graph of all your resources, and parallelizes the creation and modification of any non-dependent resources, thus optimizing infrastructure management.
Change Automation: This streamlines the modification and versioning of infrastructure, preventing drift and ensuring the reproducibility of environments.
Plugin-based Architecture: Terraform is extensible with providers that interface with different cloud services and custom in-house solutions, making it highly versatile.
Modules: Reusable components can be encapsulated in Terraform modules, which can be sourced from a public module registry, promoting best practices and code reuse.

Getting Started with Terraform

To get started with Terraform, one would typically follow these steps:

Install Terraform: Download and install the Terraform binary from the HashiCorp website or use a package manager.
Write Configuration: Define your infrastructure in a set of Terraform configuration files using HCL.
Initialize the Terraform Working Directory: Run terraform init in your project's directory to initialize Terraform with the required plugins and modules.
Plan Your Infrastructure: Execute terraform plan to see what Terraform will do before actually making any changes to your infrastructure.
Apply Configuration: Use terraform apply to execute the plan and create the infrastructure.
Iterate as Needed: As requirements change, modify the configuration files, and repeat the plan/apply cycle.

Use Cases for Terraform

Multi-Cloud Deployment: Terraform allows for consistent deployment to multiple cloud providers, avoiding vendor lock-in and enabling a multi-cloud strategy.
Self-Service Clusters: Organizations can set up templates that allow developers to spin up their own isolated infrastructure for testing and development.
Disposable Environments: With Terraform, it’s easy to create and destroy temporary environments for staging or experimentation, ensuring that resources are not wasted.
Software Defined Networking: It can define and provision complex networking topologies, simplifying network management.
Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD): Terraform can integrate with CI/CD pipelines to automate the deployment and update process.

Conclusion

HashiCorp Terraform is an indispensable tool for modern DevOps teams and cloud engineers. It simplifies the management of infrastructure, enables consistent deployment practices, and supports the complex needs of modern applications and workloads. By treating infrastructure as code, Terraform not only improves automation and collaboration but also helps prevent potential human errors that can lead to downtime or security vulnerabilities.

As cloud ecosystems continue to grow and diversify, Terraform's role as a linchpin in the IaC domain is likely to expand. Whether you are managing a multi-cloud environment, a large-scale on-premises data center, or a hybrid of both, Terraform can be the tool that brings order to chaos, turning your infrastructure management tasks into a more structured, reliable, and efficient process.

November 7, 2023
in zh
1 min read

基礎設施即代碼 - HashiCorp Terraform

在快速發展的雲計算世界中，對於可擴展，可重複，和可管理的基礎設施部署的需求比以往任何時候都更迫切。當組織從傳統數據中心遷移到雲環境時，他們面臨著在大規模下部署和管理基礎設施的複雜性。進入 HashiCorp Terraform，這是一種開源的基礎設施即代碼（IaC）工具，正在改變我們對設置和維護我們的IT環境的思考方式。

什麼是Terraform?

Terraform是由HashiCorp開發的IaC工具，HashiCorp是一家以其前瞻性的工具套件而聞名，旨在支持現代DevOps實踐。它使用戶能夠在人類可讀的配置文件中定義雲和本地資源，這些文件可以進行版本控制，重用，和分享。

在其核心，Terraform使用一種宣告式的基礎設施管理方法。用戶可以定義基礎設施的期望終態，而Terraform引擎負擔實現該狀態的任務。這種方法與命令式方法形成對比，後者需要劇本化具體命令以實現最終狀態。

Terraform的主要功能

基礎設施即代碼：Terraform使用描述所需組件的配置文件來管理基礎設施。這些文件可以進行版本控制，提供變更的清晰審計軌跡。
宣告式語法：Terraform的簡單易讀的HCL（HashiCorp配置語言）或JSON語法允許用戶指定基礎設施應該是什麼樣的，而無需擔心如何實現。
執行計劃：Terraform創建一個執行計劃，描述它將如何達到期望的狀態，允許用戶在應用變更之前先審查計劃。
資源圖：Terraform建立你所有資源的圖表，並同時創建和修改任何非依賴的資源，從而優化基礎設施管理。
變更自動化：這可以簡化基礎設施的修改和版本控制，防止漂移並確保環境的可重複性。
基於插件的架構：Terraform可以使用與不同雲服務和自定義內部解決方案接口的提供者進行擴展，使其具有高度靈活性。
模塊：可重用的組件可以在Terraform模塊中封裝，這些模塊可以從公共模塊註冊處獲得，促進最佳實踐和代碼重用。

開始使用Terraform

要開始使用Terraform，人們通常會按照以下步驟進行：

安裝Terraform：從HashiCorp網站下載並安裝Terraform二進制文件，或使用包管理器。
撰寫配置：使用HCL在一組Terraform配置文件中定義你的基礎設施。
初始化Terraform工作目錄：在你的項目目錄中運行terraform init以使用所需插件和模塊初始化Terraform。
計劃你的基礎設施：執行terraform plan以查看Terraform在實際對你的基礎設施進行任何更改之前會做什麼。
應用配置：使用terraform apply執行計劃並創建基礎設施。
根據需要進行迭代：隨著需求的變化，修改配置文件，並重複計劃/應用循環。

Terraform的使用案例

多雲部署：Terraform允許向多個雲提供者進行一致的部署，避免供應商鎖定並實現多雲策略。
自助集群：組織可以設置模板，允許開發人員為測試和開發創建他們自己的獨立基礎設施。
一次性環境：使用Terraform，可以輕鬆創建和銷毀臨時的舞台或實驗環境，確保資源不會被浪費。
軟件定義的網絡：它可以定義和提供複雜的網絡拓撲，簡化網絡管理。
持續集成/持續部署 (CI/CD)：Terraform可以與CI/CD管道集成，自動化部署和更新過程。

結論

HashiCorp Terraform是現代DevOps團隊和雲工程師的必備工具。它簡化了基礎設施的管理，實現了一致的部署實踐，並支持現代應用程序和工作負載的複雜需求。通過將基礎設施視為代碼，Terraform不僅改進了自動化和協作，而且還有助於防止可能導致停機或安全性問題的人為錯誤。

隨著雲生態系統的不斷增長和多樣化，Terraform在IaC領域中的釘子角色可能會擴大。無論你是在管理多雲環境，大規模的本地資料中心，還是兩者的混合，Terraform都可以成為將秩序帶給混亂的工具，將你的基礎設施管理任務變得更加結構化，可靠，和高效。

November 5, 2023
4 min read

Unlocking the Productivity Equation - A Holistic Approach to Getting More Done

Productivity isn't a one-size-fits-all formula. It's a personal equation that varies with each individual, shaped by different lifestyles, priorities, and goals. But at its core, being productive is really just about understanding the productivity equation and then figuring out which bits we need to optimize to apply to our own lives.

In this journey to enhance our productivity, we'll delve into a unique perspective that introduces the 'extra ingredient' often missing from conventional discussions. Think of productivity as a plane. To reach our destination efficiently, we need a skilled pilot (you), a well-maintained plane (your methods), and an insightful engineer (the continuous improvement of your systems). Let's begin by debunking some myths, understanding the underlying laws, harnessing the powers that drive us, and finally, mixing in the fun factor for a sustainable productivity journey.

The Productivity Equation

The productivity equation is not a mere formula; it's a dynamic framework that guides us in creating a balance between our work and our lives. It consists of inputs, processes, and outputs, with each component vital to the overall result. The extra 'ingredient' here is you—the Pilot, who steers the course, the Plane, which represents the tools and methods at your disposal, and the Engineer, who tweaks and improves the system for optimal performance.

Myths

When it comes to productivity, myths are the clouds that obscure our vision. The belief that we 'don't have enough time' is perhaps the most pervasive myth. Time is a finite resource, true, but it's more about how we manage it than how much of it we have. Similarly, waiting for motivation to strike is like waiting for the perfect weather—it's unpredictable and unreliable. Lastly, multitasking, often hailed as the hallmark of efficiency, is in reality a productivity pitfall. It's like a pilot attempting to fly multiple planes at once—an impossible and dangerous feat.

Laws

The laws of productivity are the principles that help us navigate through the air currents of work and life. Parkinson's Law suggests that "work expands to fill the time available for its completion," implying that setting tighter deadlines can propel us to complete tasks more efficiently. Then there's the Pareto Principle, which reminds us that 80% of results often come from 20% of the efforts. Identifying these critical tasks is like finding the jet streams that can speed us along. Finally, Newton's First Law of Motion can be translated to productivity: an object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion. Starting is often the hardest part, but once we do, maintaining productivity is easier.

Powers

Harnessing the powers within ourselves is about using the engine of habits to propel us forward. Habits are the autopilot of productivity, reducing the cognitive load required to make decisions. But there's also power in downtime—procrastination and relaxation are not the enemy if used wisely. They can be the necessary maintenance periods for our Plane, giving us the burst of energy needed for the next leg of the journey.

The Fun Factor

The final part is about incorporating the fun factor into our productivity equation. Enjoyment is not just a bonus; it's a fundamental component. Like an enthusiastic co-pilot, fun can help navigate the journey with less stress and more creativity. A mindset shift towards enjoying the process can lead to a remarkable increase in productivity. When we enjoy what we're doing, we're more likely to enter a state of flow, where work doesn't feel like work anymore. Besides, having a mental model to shorten the feedback cycle for long-term goals makes the process more fun. For example, think of going to the gym as a short-term scoring game against yourself instead of merely a long-term health benefit for your future self. Putting your money at stake also makes the mental game more enjoyable, like losing money if you fail to go to the gym once or twice.

In conclusion, productivity is not just about getting more done in less time; it's about optimizing how we approach our work and our lives. By understanding and applying the productivity equation—breaking myths, following laws, harnessing powers, and infusing fun—we can each find our unique formula for living a productive and fulfilling life. The sky is not the limit when you're the pilot in command of your productivity plane, with the right mindset and tools at your disposal.

November 5, 2023
in zh
1 min read

解鎖生產力方程式 - 全面性的方法以達到更多的工作完成

生產力不是一種萬能公式。這是一種個人方程式，隨著每個人的不同，由不同的生活方式、優先事項和目標形塑。但在其核心，提高生產力其實只是理解生產力方程式，然後找出我們需要優化以應用於我們自己生活的那些部分。

在提升我們生產力的旅程中，我們將提出一種獨特的觀點，介紹傳統討論中往往缺少的'額外成分'。將生產力想象為一架飛機。為了有效地達到我們的目的地，我們需要一位熟練的駕駛員（你）、一架保養良好的飛機（你的方法），以及一位有洞見的工程師（你的系統的持續改進）。讓我們首先揭穿一些神話，理解基礎法則，挖掘驅使我們的力量，最後，融入樂趣因素，以實現持續的生產力旅程。

生產力方程式

生產力方程式不僅僅是一種公式；它是一個動態的框架，指導我們在工作和生活中創建平衡。它包括輸入、過程和輸出，每個組件對整體結果都至關重要。這裡的額外'成分'是你——駕駛員，誰引導課程，代表你可使用的工具和方法的飛機，以及調整和改善系統以達到最佳性能的工程師。

神話

談到生產力，神話就是遮蔽我們視線的雲。我們'沒有足夠的時間'的信念可能是最普遍的神話。時間確實是一種有限的資源，但它更多的是關於我們如何管理它，而不是我們有多少。同樣，等待動力產生就像等待完美的天氣——它是不可預測和不可靠的。最後，多任務處理，經常被譽為效率的標誌，實際上是生產力的陷阱。這就像一個飛行員試圖同時駕駛多架飛機——一個不可能而且危險的壯舉。

法則

生產力的法律是幫助我們在工作和生活的氣流中導航的原則。帕金森定律認為"工作會擴展以填充完成它的時間"，這意味著設定緊湊的期限可以推動我們更有效地完成任務。然後是帕累托原則，它提醒我們，80%的結果通常來自20%的努力。找出這些關鍵任務就像找到可以加速我們的噴流。最後，牛頓第一運動定律可以翻譯為生產力：靜止的物體保持靜止，運動的物體保持運動。開始通常是最困難的部分，但一旦我們這樣做了，維持生產力就更容易了。

力量

挖掘我們內在的力量是關於使用習慣的引擎推動我們前進。習慣是生產力的自動駕駛，減少了做決定所需的認知負荷。但在閒散時間也有力量——如果明智地使用，拖延和放鬆並非敵人。他們可以是我們的飛機的必要保養期，為旅程的下一段提供我們所需的能量衝擊。

樂趣因素

最後一部分是把樂趣因素融入我們的生產力方程式。享受不僅僅是一種獎金；它是一個基本組件。像一位熱情的副駕駛，樂趣可以幫助航行，減少壓力，更多的創造力。享受過程的心態轉變可以導致生產力的顯著提升。當我們享受我們正在做的事情時，我們更有可能進入一種流暢的狀態，那裡的工作不再像工作。此外，為長期目標縮短反饋周期的心理模型使過程更加有趣。例如，將去健身室看作是與自己的短期得分遊戲，而不僅僅是對你未來的自我長期健康的利益。賭上你的錢也讓心理遊戲更加有趣，比如如果你未能去健身室一次或兩次就會輸錢。

總之，生產力不僅僅是關於在更少的時間內完成更多的工作；它關乎我們如何優化我們對待工作和生活的方式。通過理解並應用生產力方程式——揭穿神話，遵循法則，挖掘力量，並注入樂趣——我們每個人都可以找到自己的獨特公式，過上富有成效並充實的生活。當你是你的生產力飛機的指揮官，擁有正確的心態和工具，天空都不是極限。

November 4, 2023
4 min read

Discovering the Dynamic Cityscape of Kuala Lumpur

Last week, I was on a business trip. Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, is an urban tapestry woven with the threads of diverse cultures, futuristic skyscrapers, lush green parks, bustling markets, and gastronomic delights. It’s a place where a skyline punctuated by the iconic Petronas Twin Towers meets the tranquil whispers of nature in the city's outskirts. For those eager to delve into this cosmopolitan center, here's your travel guide to exploring the vibrancy of Kuala Lumpur.

When to Visit

Kuala Lumpur is graced with a tropical rainforest climate, which means it’s warm and humid year-round with frequent rain showers. The best time to visit is from May to July or December to February when the weather is relatively dry and suitable for outdoor activities. Be prepared, though, as even during these months, rain is often just around the corner.

Iconic Attractions

Petronas Twin Towers

Soaring into the sky, the Petronas Twin Towers were once the tallest buildings in the world and remain the tallest twin towers to this date. Visitors can walk the sky bridge that connects the two structures, offering panoramic views of the city.

KL Tower

Another highlight is the KL Tower, which features an observation deck and a revolving restaurant, providing a 360-degree view of the city while you dine.

Batu Caves

A short train ride from the city center will bring you to the Batu Caves, a series of limestone caves and temples that are among the most popular Hindu shrines outside India. The site is also home to the colossal gold-painted statue of Lord Murugan.

Thean Hou Temple

This six-tiered Buddhist temple is one of the largest in Southeast Asia and offers stunning views, especially during Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Cultural Explorations

Museums

Kuala Lumpur is steeped in history, with museums like the National Museum and the Islamic Arts Museum offering deep dives into the local heritage and Islamic culture.

Heritage Buildings

Don’t miss the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and the old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, both exemplary of the Moorish-style architecture from the British colonial era.

Shopping and Markets

Bukit Bintang

This is Kuala Lumpur’s premier shopping and entertainment district, packed with malls like Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and various eateries.

Central Market

A cultural landmark where you can find traditional handicrafts, arts, and souvenirs. Nearby is Petaling Street, a vibrant Chinatown brimming with stalls selling food, clothes, and novelty items.

Culinary Adventures

Malaysian cuisine is a delectable blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences. Don't leave without trying the local dishes:

Nasi lemak: The national dish, featuring rice cooked in coconut milk, served with a spicy sambal, fried crispy anchovies, toasted peanuts, and hard-boiled or fried egg.

Satay: Skewered and grilled meat served with a savory peanut sauce.
Durian: Known as the 'king of fruits', this is a must-try for the adventurous eater.

For an authentic dining experience, Jalan Alor is the go-to street food hotspot where the air is rich with the aromas of wok-fried noodles and barbecued meats.

Nature and Parks

KLCC Park

At the foot of the Petronas Towers, this well-manicured park features a jogging track, walking paths, and a children's playground.

Perdana Botanical Gardens

A sanctuary for nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil escape from the urban buzz.

Practical Tips

Transportation

Kuala Lumpur has a comprehensive public transportation system, including the LRT, MRT, monorail, and buses. For convenience, grab a touch 'n go card for seamless travel across these services.

Accommodation

There’s a range of options, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Many travelers opt to stay near Bukit Bintang or KLCC for their central locations.

Language

While Malay is the national language, English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, making communication generally easy for travelers.

Connectivity

Free Wi-Fi is available in many public areas, cafes, and malls. For better connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card.

Kuala Lumpur is more than just a stopover city; it's a melting pot of traditions, flavors, and architectural marvels waiting to be experienced. Whether you're there for a weekend getaway or a longer excursion, KL, as it's affectionately known, invites you to immerse yourself in its vibrant culture, historic roots, and the warmth of its people. Selamat datang – welcome to Kuala Lumpur!

November 4, 2023
in zh
2 min read

探索吉隆坡的動態城市風貌

上週，我出差至東南亞心臟地帶的馬來西亞首都吉隆坡，這裡可以說是一座由繁華都市、未來主義摩天大樓、綠意盎然的公園、繁忙市場和美食佳餚編織出來的城市織錦。這裡一方面是以雙子塔為代表的城市天際線，另一方面又是城市邊緣觸手可及的大自然靜謐。如果你想深入探索這個國際化大都市，以下是你的吉隆坡旅行指南。

何時前往

吉隆坡處於熱帶雨林氣候區，全年炎熱且潮濕，並時常降雨。最佳旅行季節是5到7月，或者12月到2月，此時氣候相對乾燥，適合戶外活動。不過，即使在這些月份，下一場大雨也總是伺機而動。

標誌性景點

雙子塔

雙子塔高聳入雲，曾是世界上最高的建築，至今仍是世界上最高的雙塔。遊客可以步行至連接兩座大樓的空中走廊，那裡可以俯瞰整個城市的全景。

吉隆坡塔

另一大亮點是吉隆坡塔，這座塔內設有觀景台和旋轉餐廳，可以邊用餐邊享受城市的360度全景。

黑風洞

從市中心坐短程火車就能抵達黑風洞，這裡有一系列的石灰岩洞穴和廟宇，是印度境外最受歡迎的印度教聖地。此地還有一座巨大的塗了金漆的慕魯干神像。

天后宮

這座六層佛教寺廟是東南亞最大的寺廟之一，尤其在農曆新年和中秋節期間，其美景更是醉人。

文化探索

博物館

吉隆坡的歷史深厚，如國家博物館和伊斯蘭藝術博物館等博物館都提供了深入了解當地文化遺產和伊斯蘭文化的機會。

歷史建築

絕對不要錯過蘇丹阿都薩馬德大廈和舊吉隆坡火車站，這兩座建築都是英國殖民時期摩爾風格建築的典範。

購物和市場

武吉免登

這是吉隆坡最主要的購物和娛樂區，滿佈了如柏威年廣場等大型購物中心和各種餐館。

中央市場

這是一個文化地標，你可以在這裡找到傳統工藝品、藝術品和紀念品。附近還有茨廠街，這是一條充滿活力的華人區，滿佈了售賣食品、服裝和小商品的攤位。

美食冒險

馬來西亞菜是馬來、華人和印度風味的美味融合。不要錯過試吃當地菜餚：

椰漿飯：這是一道國菜，由煮在椰漿中的飯、香辣醬、炸魷魚、炒花生和硬煮或煎蛋組成。

沙爹：這是串著並烤制的肉，配上美味的花生醬。
榴槤：這種被稱為「水果之王」的水果，必定是冒險者的試吃之選。

為了得到最地道的用餐體驗，可以去亞羅街——這裡的街頭小吃攤位鬧中取靜，讓人感受到令人著迷的炒麵和燒烤肉的香氣。

大自然和公園

吉隆坡城中城公園

在雙子塔的腳下，這座精心維護的公園擁有慢跑道、步行道和兒童遊樂場。

千喜植物園

對於愛好自然的人和那些希望從城市喧囂中找到寧靜的人來說，這裡是一處避風的港灣。

實用提示

交通工具

吉隆坡有一套完善的公共交通系統，包括輕軌、地鐵、單軌火車和公共汽車。為了方便，可以購買一張碰碰卡，來無縫地穿梭在各種交通服務之間。

住宿

從豪華酒店到經濟型旅館，吉隆坡的住宿選擇多樣化。許多旅行者選擇住在武吉免登或吉隆坡城中城，因為這些地方位處市中心。

語言

雖然馬來語是國家語言，但英語在旅遊區十分常用，使得遊客們通常能很容易地與當地人交流。

連接性

許多公共場所、咖啡館和購物中心都提供免費Wi-Fi。為了獲得更好的連接性，可以考慮購買一張當地的SIM卡。

吉隆坡不僅僅是一個過站的城市，還是一個待你體驗的傳統、風味和建築大觀的大熔爐。無論你是為了小長假還是更長時間的遠足，全世界總是熱切地呼喚你沉浸在它豐富的文化、歷史根基和人民的熱情中。Selamat datang——歡迎來到吉隆坡！

October 19, 2023
3 min read

The Consideration Guide of Buy vs Build Software

In today's digital age, businesses constantly face the dilemma of whether to purchase commercial off-the-shelf software (COTS) or invest in building custom solutions in-house. This decision, often termed as the "buy vs build" debate, carries significant implications for operational efficiency, cost management, and strategic growth. Let's delve into the key considerations that can guide this crucial decision.

1. Cost Implications

Buy: Purchasing software involves an initial cost or subscription fee. Additionally, there might be licensing fees for extra users or advanced features. Over time, costs can accrue from upgrades and maintenance.

Build: Building software in-house requires investment in development, including salaries and potential contractor fees. Infrastructure, developmental tools, and other licenses can add to the bill. Plus, don't forget the ongoing maintenance and upgrade expenses.

2. Time-to-Market

Buy: Ready-made solutions can be quickly deployed, offering immediate functionality. However, time may be spent on researching the best software, evaluating its fit, and training the staff.

Build: Custom development is time-consuming. From gathering requirements and designing to testing and deployment, the process can stretch over months or even years.

3. Customization and Adaptability

Buy: Off-the-shelf software may not cater precisely to your unique business processes or needs. You are limited to what the vendor offers.

Build: Custom-built solutions can be tailored to your exact specifications, ensuring alignment with business objectives and providing adaptability as needs change.

4. Scalability Concerns

Buy: The ability to scale depends on the software vendor. Growth may mean additional costs or even migrating to a new solution.

Build: Custom software can be designed with scalability in mind, allowing easy accommodation for future growth.

5. System Integration

Buy: Integration with your existing systems is crucial. Off-the-shelf software may pose challenges, depending on its compatibility and available APIs.

Build: Building in-house means you can design the software to seamlessly integrate with your current infrastructure.

6. Support and Maintenance

Buy: You're at the mercy of the vendor's support system. This might be limited or come with additional fees.

Build: An in-house team can provide immediate support, troubleshooting, and fixes, ensuring minimal downtime.

7. Control and Security

Buy: Your data and security protocols are in the vendor's hands. Their security measures might not align with your standards.

Build: Building software in-house gives you control over data handling and allows the implementation of bespoke security measures.

8. Long-term Viability

Buy: There's always a risk of the software becoming obsolete, or worse, the vendor shutting down. You're also dependent on them for updates.

Build: You control the software's lifecycle and can adapt to technological shifts at your own pace.

9. Intellectual Property & Competitive Edge

Buy: You don't own the intellectual property, and competitors might be using the same software.

Build: Owning the software can provide a competitive advantage, especially if it offers unique functionalities.

10. Skill Set and Resource Availability

Buy: No need for specialized skills in-house.

Build: Requires a team of skilled developers, project managers, and continuous training.

Wrapping Up

The "buy vs build" decision is multifaceted and depends on your business's unique needs, resources, and future plans. Sometimes, a hybrid approach, combining both purchased and custom-built software, offers the best of both worlds. Whatever you choose, ensure that it aligns with your long-term strategic vision and provides the flexibility to adapt to the ever-evolving digital landscape.

October 19, 2023
in zh
1 min read