K's Learning Diary

Some PC games these days require DirectX 12 to run correctly. It is another reason that I upgraded my PC to Windows 10. Unfortunately, Windows 7 and 8.1 only include DirectX 11.  To see which version of DirectX you have in Windows 10. Press  Windows key + R . And type  dxdiag . The tool should tell you which version you have.   ********* Do you use wifi in public places or travel abroad often? Do you worry about cyber security? Get added security with a reliable VPN.   Get a reliable VPN  today for less than £3/$5 a month. 

Day 29: It's comfortably warm this week. I am grateful for the nice sunny weather. I hope to make the most of it before it gets cold again!  #GratitudeDiary #GratitudeChallenge ********* Monday.com  is a powerful and versatile platform that can help you work smarter and improve productivity. You can sign up for a  free trial  or request a demo to find out more. #mondaydotcom #ERP #productivity #automate #processes

As I mentioned before, I was having some issues with my Windows 8.1 computer, so I looked into upgrading to Windows 10. Microsoft offered free upgrades from Windows 8.1 to 10 a while back, and I was pleased to discover this is still available if you have a genuine Windows 8.1 license. This also applies to Windows 7, so let me know if it works for you too! It's a smart strategy by Microsoft - improving user experience while reducing the need to support older Windows versions over time. So far I'm very happy with how Windows 10 is running on my machine. The upgrade process took me just a couple of hours and happened automatically. Just choose "Upgrade this PC" during setup. Hopefully it goes just as smoothly for you like it did for me! Download the upgrade tool here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 There are more detailed instructions here, which is what I used: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/you-can-still-upgrade-to-windows-

Bluetooth speakers provide convenient portable sound, with quality improving nowadays. However, connection issues remain a common headache for users. I tried pairing my Bluetooth speaker to my Windows 8.1 computer, but could not get it working despite trying suggested fixes. Windows 8.1 had shaky Bluetooth connectivity in my experience, frequently crashing. So I upgraded to Windows 10, hoping its Bluetooth would prove more stable (see my previous post for how to still get the free upgrade). Windows 10 Bluetooth was more functional, but still struggled to connect with the speaker after detecting it. After some trial and error, here are the steps that finally allowed pairing: In Device Manager, uninstall the main Bluetooth device and Intel wireless Bluetooth device, removing their drivers. Restart the computer. Download updated Intel Wireless Bluetooth drivers: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000005489/wireless/intel-wireless-products.html After installing, the B

It's been two weeks since I had the new cavity filling done at the dentist. Lately, it has been very sensitive, with pain lasting several minutes once triggered by a hot or cold drink—any of you who have had a toothache before can appreciate it. Let's hope I won't need another visit to the dentist. Update: Sensitivity finally went away four weeks after the cavity filling. I can't tell you how glad I am not to feel any more pain from it. Update: It turned out that the pain went away because the nerve had died! I ended up needing an expensive root canal. If you are in pain, immediately book an emergency session with your dentist. Before you have a filling done, it is recommended that you have your routine appointment with the hygienist beforehand, to avoid any complications from any dental procedures.    Day 27: We learn to appreciate good health when we are ill. When enduring pain, we are reminded of the many others who may also be in pain. Imagining that my suffe

Gratitude Diary Day 25:  Living in the 21st century is a true blessing. We have access to a wealth of knowledge accumulated by our ancestors and have witnessed the rapid transformation of society by technology. The thought of living to old age and witnessing the changes this world will undergo is both exciting and daunting. It's difficult to predict what the future may hold, but one thing is certain: it will be vastly different from the world we grew up in. Let us take a moment to express gratitude for the opportunity to witness these monumental changes. #GratitudeChallenge #GratitudeDiary Are you curious about all the hype about AI? Want to write reports and emails more effectively?  Try Jasper writing assistant today for free .

Day 24: I am grateful to have the time to pursue my hobbies and develop more skills in-between workdays. I plan to use my time wisely and continue to learn wherever possible. #GratitudeDiary #GratitudeChallenge ********* Monday.com  is a powerful and versatile platform that can help you work smarter and improve productivity. You can sign up for a  free trial  or request a demo to find out more. #mondaydotcom #ERP #productivity #automate #processes

Doing this gratitude challenge has opened my eyes to blessings in even mundane moments. On slower days, I dig deeper to find something to appreciate. Today I'm grateful for the trust others place in me. My manager empowers me with responsibilities and chances to use my skills. I'm thankful for my colleague's faith in me. And for friendships built on mutual confidence. This trust is a gift not to be taken lightly. I aim to return that faith by believing the best in people too. When we see each other's potential, we all rise higher. Each day, I'll find something to be grateful for - whether big or small. Even in the ordinary lies much to cherish. #Gratitude Challenge #Gratitude Diary ********* Monday.com  is a powerful and versatile platform that can help you work smarter and improve productivity. You can sign up for a  free trial  or request a demo to find out more. #mondaydotcom #ERP #productivity #automate #processes

Day 22: Today I'm grateful for the scientific advancements that allowed effective vaccines to be rapidly developed amidst the pandemic. Just decades ago, we'd be defenseless against this virus. Yet now, thanks to human ingenuity and determination, we can fight back. The news that 1/3 of the UK is already vaccinated lifts my spirits. There is light at the end of the tunnel. While progress can feel slow, we've come incredibly far in a short time. Every percentage point climb in vaccinations means lives saved and a return to normalcy. The generosity of researchers working tirelessly inspires awe and hope. Though the road is long, we walk it together, uplifted by the spirit of collaboration. Even in the quiet moments, there are breakthroughs happening that will change the course of history. #GratitudeDiary #GratitudeChallenge Life before the pandemic. ********* Do you use wifi in public places or travel abroad often? Do you worry about cyber security? Get added security with a

Day 21: I want to thank a friend for thinking of me today and recommending a film they thought I would enjoy. And it was spectacular!  #GratitudeDiary #GratitudeChallenge 2023 update: Which film was this? 🤔 ********* Monday.com  is a powerful and versatile platform that can help you work smarter and improve productivity. You can sign up for a  free trial  or request a demo to find out more. #mondaydotcom #ERP #productivity #automate #processes : 

Gratitude Diary Day 20:  I am endlessly grateful to the delivery services and their drivers for revolutionizing our shopping experiences. A paradigm shift has occurred compared to just a few years ago. Admittedly, re-imagining the high streets presents us with challenges, but in the long term, businesses that adapt will survive and provide even more efficient and convenient services. We may even see a reduction of traffic in town centres and an increase in green spaces, which would be a significant advantage. #GratitudeDiary #GratitudeChallenge ********* Monday.com  is a powerful and versatile platform that can help you work smarter and improve productivity. You can sign up for a  free trial  or request a demo to find out more. #mondaydotcom #ERP #productivity #automate #processes

Day 19: During turbulent times, I'm deeply grateful to have work I find meaningful. Though my job isn't glamorous, using my skills to help others is a privilege. I appreciate the bond with my coworkers, which brightens each day. Many have tragically lost livelihoods amidst the pandemic, and struggle profoundly. My heart goes out to them. I'm reminded not to take my employment for granted when so many face uncertainty. Yet I'm hopeful that better days are coming, where everyone who wishes to work can do so again. Until then, I'll honor those enduring hardship by making the most of each working moment. Simple joys, like sharing a laugh with colleagues, are to be cherished. My work provides connection and purpose during isolated days. For this gift, I'm sincerely thankful. #GratituteChallenge #GratitudeDiary ********* Monday.com  is a powerful and versatile platform that can help you work smarter and improve productivity. You can sign up for a  free tri

The captivating documentary created by Yes Theory sheds light on an often-neglected travel destination in traditional mainstream media- northern Iraq. It's abundantly clear that the content creators put their heart and soul into producing exceptional content by paying close attention to the minutest of details- from the vibrant hues, crisp audio quality, thought-provoking narrative, to the flawless story execution. Given the accessibility of professional editing software, filming equipment, and drones, we are witnessing a surge in high-quality content production from independent content creators. The sheer beauty and excitement of Kurdistan and Northern Iraq portrayed in the documentary are simply breathtaking. I recommend this film to anyone who is looking for a travel program that is slightly off the beaten path. In the documentary, the locals of northern Iraq spoke about the trauma of war and the hardships their country and community had endured with remarkable composure. Despit

On this special day, I want to express my utmost gratitude to my mother for her unwavering love and countless sacrifices that she has made for me throughout my life.  To all the incredible mothers out there, I want to wish a very happy Mother's Day. Your boundless love and tireless efforts never go unnoticed and are celebrated today and always. Thank you for all that you do and the impact you make in our lives. #GratitudeDiary #GratitudeChallenge #MothersDay Are you curious about all the hype about AI? Want to write reports and emails more effectively?  Try Jasper writing assistant today for free .

Day 17: I am grateful for the abundance of food we enjoy and the variety I can conveniently choose from our local supermarkets. I plan to waste as little food as possible and be more mindful of what I buy.  #GratitudeDiary #GratitudeChallenge ********* Do you use wifi in public places or travel abroad often? Do you worry about cyber security? Get added security with a reliable VPN.   Get a reliable VPN  today for less than £3/$5 a month. 

Even in today's digital age, Lego is still as popular as ever around the world, and most people will have some memory of Lego either from their childhood or from raising their children. Talking to a friend recently, I noticed that our memories of Lego were surprisingly different. My friend remembered the characters and the stories they made whilst playing Lego. On the other hand, I never saw any characters whilst playing Lego at school, only lots of building blocks for grand weapons, tools, structures, and buildings. To what extent has this affected our later life? I am naturally more introverted and enjoy building things and science/engineering. Would I have been more outgoing and preferred busy social environments had my Lego sets been more character and story-centred when I was little?  #lego #childhood #memories Day 15: I am grateful for all the great memory of receiving presents from family members when I was little. Some are particularly meaningful, which I can still remem

I finally got my dental appointment, decided not to wait for NHS dental services to resume and went private. Dentistry is possibly a more lucrative industry than accountancy in the UK. The hourly return is phenomenal for 40 minutes of work to repair teeth plus initial consultation, which earns roughly £400. I was fortunate to have been able to afford private dental treatment. However, the case remains that many British families out there would not be able to set aside several hundred pounds per family member to maintain their teeth, which has a massive impact on their general health. Understandably, NHS England wants to be more cautious during the Covid pandemic and limit access to dental care to urgent cases only. But you could only get appointments quickly in many dental practices if you pay privately, even for non-urgent treatments such as seeing the hygienist. If care can be provided to private patients safely, the same should be possible for NHS patients (perhaps at a small additi

It has been quite a busy day. Today I've learnt how to record video gameplay, edit and upload it online. Most of the tools are now freely available, and it's a pretty mature ecosystem.  Creating and sharing content is satisfying, just like this diary blog. I enjoy sharing my thoughts and ideas with the few readers who read them. It also motivates me to learn new things and have a centralised place to record my learning.  As for the dragon, well, wait until you've tried it. It's a lot of fun.  #dragon #HeroesoftheStorm Gratitude Diary continued : Day 13: I am grateful to the people that make open-source software available so that creators and innovators have the tools they need to create even more possibilities.  #GratitudeDiary #GratitudeChallenge ********* Do you use wifi in public places or travel abroad often? Do you worry about cyber security? Get added security with a reliable VPN.   Get a reliable VPN  today for less than £3/$5 a month. 

I finally got a refund for a cruise trip I booked about two years ago. The chances weren't looking good. I was concerned they might still go ahead with the trip against public health guidelines. Glad they made the right decision. The Mediterranean trip will have to wait till another time. I will not be comfortable travelling abroad this year. Even with the UK vaccine and better immunity, we can still carry the virus to others, or worse, interact with it often enough to allow it to adapt quicker than it would otherwise. It would then be back to lockdown until the new vaccine can be produced. That isn't a sensible long-term solution to me.  The solution is preventing external cases from entering the country, i.e. using effective quarantine. That means a range of designated hotel options for foreign visitors, strict police-enforced track and trace, and heavy penalties for violations for British people returning and quarantining at home. The quarantine allows the time it takes for

I have been eating mostly a vegetarian diet since lockdown started last year. Making sure that I still consume enough oil and plenty of protein from different sources. To my surprise, my weight has reduced by 6kg without me putting in much effort in the past few months. I wasn't expecting that food alone would make such a big difference. My slightly coldish house might have also contributed to this, the body must be constantly using up energy to keep warm. Day11: I am grateful for the nice food that I get to cook and enjoy (may take several attempts to get it right but there is something nice about that process). And for all the recipes around the world that seems to offer endless possibilities.  #GratitudeDiary #GratitudeChallenge ********* Do you use wifi in public places or travel abroad often? Do you worry about cyber security? Get added security with a reliable VPN.   Get a reliable VPN  today for less than £3/$5 a month. 

Ordered a lot of DIY tools today. Quite a few jobs have to be done around the house. Re-insulating the windows, repairing a wall with plaster and filler, and replacing the kitchen floor. Have been deferring and saving up the energy to finally do them. It is disruptive and can be messy in the time being but I am sure it will be satisfying when they are done, especially the insulating jobs which are also good for the environment.  Day10: I am grateful to have the resources to improve my living environment. And of course a big thank you to all YouTube DIY videos making it so easy to learn how to do the different jobs.  #GratitudeDiary #GratitudeChallenge #DIY ********* Do you use wifi in public places or travel abroad often? Do you worry about cyber security? Get added security with a reliable VPN.   Get a reliable VPN  today for less than £3/$5 a month. 

This week, I needed a check-up and had to visit a private dentist. I called several dentists, only to discover that none of them were offering NHS treatments at the moment. It's disheartening to know that NHS treatments are not being provided by many dentists at this time. I believe that the availability of public health treatments should not be limited in any way. #NHS  Gratitude Diary Day 9:  I'm immensely grateful to be living in a country where essential healthcare services are provided to all citizens by the state. Despite the lack of availability of dentists at times, it remains a relief to know that most health services are covered and accessible to everyone. If not for this provision, it would be extremely costly and unaffordable for many individuals to receive healthcare. #GratitudeChallenge #GratitudeDiary Are you curious about all the hype about AI? Want to write reports and emails more effectively?  Try Jasper writing assistant today for free .

A fun paradox, if you have the stomach for it I recently watched a movie that, like Midnight Diner, left me pondering on some interesting themes. The movie has a clever plot that challenges traditional science fiction and scientists alike, by dealing with the effects of time travel paradoxes. For some, meeting oneself in the past can be a mindbending enough concept, but encountering multiple versions of oneself in an intertwined and non-linear order can be a bit overwhelming. Personally, I found the film quite enjoyable. The story was well-crafted with unexpected plot twists that made it fun to watch as an audience. Although it might not appeal to all sci-fi fans or scientists, I found it to be an entertaining and thought-provoking movie. The concept of 'I'- the self The concept of self is truly intriguing. Who are we, really? Do we have a solid, unchanging definition of ourselves? As human beings, we are constantly evolving and changing, even at the cellular level. We are neve

Japanese drama I recently discovered Midnight Diner on Netflix, a Japanese drama with good reviews in Asia and several seasons available. Although I initially disregarded it for its plain and slow-paced appearance compared to other shows, I eventually found that viewing it requires the right reflective and calm mindset, much like sipping a good cup of Japanese tea. #MidnightDiner     Human stories Human stories form the core of this drama, with each episode featuring a different person's story and a moral waiting to be uncovered. I find the setting particularly fascinating as it features people with different aspirations, social norms, and other cultural aspects that create uniqueness and intrigue. The foreign backdrop further emphasizes characters' emotions, eliminating distractions and arguably makes this drama more engaging. It is remarkable to see how similar human emotions recur in different times and spaces without exception. Core values After watching several episodes, I