There are always some more curious ones aren't there? The stuff below should hopefully satisfy your curiosity, but if not, shoot me an email using the 'talk to me' link below.
Who are you?
My name's Samuel Lai, born in August 1987. After completing my time in the purple blazer in 2005, I'm currently (technically) in the 2nd year of my Commerce/Mechatronics Engineering double degree at Monash University, Clayton.
Where do you live?
Unfortunately for you, I'm not a myspace slave (matter of fact I've never had one) and I don't fancy being stalked so I'm gonna keep this to myself. Your best chance is probably to genuinely gain my trust, pretend to be an extremely hot chick who just so happens to be into everything I'm into, or look through the white pages and go door-knocking. Victoria, Australia may be a good place to start.
What are you interested in?
Usual male-20-something interests aside, my main interest is in anything technology related, including broadly speaking, computers, music players, phones, the internet. So as much of a social no-no, I'll admit I am basically a nerd, but a cool, socialable one (and not the skinny, glasses, funny accent, socially awkward, pale, square-eyed type).
<nerd_stuff>
My focus has been on the .NET Framework. I've been developing stuff in Windows Forms, connecting to XML files, Access databases and SQL Server databases, as well as having dabbled with remoting and web services. This website marks my first foray into the ASP.NET world. I've also dabbled in Python recently, and keen to take that further too.
Lately, designing user interfaces and experiences has become an interest of mine as well, so I'm also hoping to explore WPF/Silverlight and Flash/Flex/AIR, which look like great tools for creating some apps with really nice user interfaces.
As you've probably guessed, I like having my hands in a lot of things and learning new stuff.
</nerd_stuff>
While I'm at it, here's my hopelessly underachieving Xbox Gamercard:
I'm more of a puzzle, mini-game, 'Monkey Island', 'Sam & Max' type person. I have no patience to learn and endure long games like Gears of War, or mindlessly race fast cars around similarly blurred tracks. Wish the 360 had more of my type of games...
What are your aspirations?
Alright, be prepared to laugh, although I know some of you who know me personally won't because they reckon I can pull it off, which is quite an honour (thanks guys).
I have no idea how I'm going to get there, but in the grand scheme of things, I'd love to be able to work for or if I'm awesome enough, start a company that's at the forefront of human interaction consumer electronics. So not so much trying to work out the next big technology after plasma and LCDs, but, going along with the TV idea, a possibility would be devising a new 'TV', with a new way for consumers to interact with and use it. Maybe the humble TV remote is on its way out, or a TV may not just be for entertainment...who knows? And will the internet finally be a integral part of the TV?
I reckon the future will call for computing power that's integrated into our physical, daily lives, always-accessible content, and an always-with-you concept. I'd love to be able to create the user-friendly hardware/software that drives consumer devices into the next generation - from mobile phones, alarm clocks, to transport ticketing systems (Melbourne needs a good one badly - hopefully the contracted guys will deliver), to consumer interaction panels, such as the i-hubs in the Melbourne CBD.
Check out ubiquitous computing in Wikipedia or Google, and if you want more, read Adam Greenfield's Everyware: The Dawning Age of Ubiquitous Computing - great book.
Do you currently have a job?
Yeh I do actually (shock horror to those that know me). I'm currently working a couple of days a week at a small company specialising in providing technical support and consultancy services to small/medium businesses. Basically we analyse their processes, account for their requirements, and turn all that into technological solutions to streamline their business. And of course, we help maintain it as well.
While I'm not working or socialising, I'm either pursuing a few goals of mine or working on a lot of projects I have started or have the intention of starting. Projects are my way of learning new things - learning things via boring tutorials or some boring, unrealistic scenario just doesn't work for me.
What's the purpose of this website?
Apart from being a platform for me to let off steam, whinge, complain, and generally be a nuisance on, it is basically a way for me to get myself noticed out there in the big, scary world. Kinda like a live rolling CV. And guessing from the fact that you're reading this, it looks like its working.
Let's talk, one-on-one.
Hold on there buddy, we're only talking right?
My email address is: sam@driveactivated.com, or you can use this contact form. Alternatively, you can find me on Facebook.
Feel free (unless you're a spammer, in which case, bugger off) to vent off, say hi, give constructive criticism, praise, suggestions, whatever.