Ziang's rssSingapore
Some useful iPhone apps
21/09/08 14:43
TRYING desperately
not to jailbreak my phone for the moment, I must say that it is
only a bit of a nuisance that some mundane stuff that I wish had
been implemented can’t been done.
With that saying, since I’ve been holding off from getting it for a year plus, waiting for the official launch because of lawful reasons, I guess it’s pretty straightforward to remain true to Apple.
Ok, I know this sounds crap, since I’ve jailbroke my iPod. Ha.
Anyways, there’s 2 nifty apps that locals/ Singaporeans would find useful:
1. Fstream:
For listening to radio on the go. The lack of radio has been solved! (though 98.7fm does have problems sometimes)
2. Local Picks by trip advisor
Tracks your position and introduces food to you =D
With that saying, since I’ve been holding off from getting it for a year plus, waiting for the official launch because of lawful reasons, I guess it’s pretty straightforward to remain true to Apple.
Ok, I know this sounds crap, since I’ve jailbroke my iPod. Ha.
Anyways, there’s 2 nifty apps that locals/ Singaporeans would find useful:
1. Fstream:
For listening to radio on the go. The lack of radio has been solved! (though 98.7fm does have problems sometimes)
2. Local Picks by trip advisor
Tracks your position and introduces food to you =D
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albert . melissa
10/07/08 20:08
THEY always say fate
comes at the strangest of moments. I guess sometimes it really does
Albert and Melissa didn’t really hit off 10 years ago. I can still remember that there was once Melissa had a problem during one of the orientation game (pardon me, I might be wrong!), and Albert pops up to solve her problem, like Prince Charming saving a damsel in distress. After the ups and downs throughout the long path of courtship, they finally decided to settle down, happily ever after.
Pardon the fairytale mood, but yah, do enjoy the slideshow!
*click to view. do wait a while to load
Albert and Melissa didn’t really hit off 10 years ago. I can still remember that there was once Melissa had a problem during one of the orientation game (pardon me, I might be wrong!), and Albert pops up to solve her problem, like Prince Charming saving a damsel in distress. After the ups and downs throughout the long path of courtship, they finally decided to settle down, happily ever after.
Pardon the fairytale mood, but yah, do enjoy the slideshow!
*click to view. do wait a while to load
Flea mart @ Red Dot
07/07/08 10:09
DROP by Red Dot over
the weekend, and finally caught a glimpse of the flea mart over
there. It’s something new, apart from the normal stalls, with
performances, exhibitions (the polaroids), and even portrait
sessions going on.
Some pictures
cheering the performer
We’ll draw your...
Uncanny resemblance
Some pictures
cheering the performer
We’ll draw your...
Uncanny resemblance
Polaroids
06/07/08 03:25
ONCE upon a time, polaroids were a marvel of the time, bringing instant photography to its heyday. With advance in digital technology, though more steps are taken, we can at least see what we want to print on the go.
No wonder they have to go. We’d miss you...time for you to stay permanently in the museums
Bored?
04/07/08 17:03
Desolation
02/07/08 17:18
REALLY love this picture that Paul shot. We were loitering around the neighbourhood when he found and shot this gem, and send it to me for post process. Simple but meaningful picture - when you’re old, you won’t want to be forsaken or abandoned, alone sitting under the void deck waiting for judgment day.
From the hope and light of yester years till the bleakness and darkness that awaits...scary :p
Going home
02/07/08 01:00
Rescuing yourself
01/07/08 23:00
CRY I might have, if I did not buy this card. 2x it comes to my rescue, it does.
I owe Sandisk a favor, so shall help to advertise. The first is the ease of purchasing. The careless me forgot to bring a damn CF card, and thank god the airport is selling. I would have brought the camera for nothing.
Today, it saved me again - the recovery application that came along with it works wonder! Well worth the price of the card, in my opinion. Accidentally deleted the photos while watching TV, I was panicking till I recalled that the box contained a recovery disk - and it came with both PC and Mac version!
Very nifty, and very timely
you could WIN MORE THAN ONCE on this ticket!
30/06/08 14:32
Singapore Toy and Comic Convention
29/06/08 01:02
NEXT time, I’d ask
permission from the people I shoot.
Sigh. Clearly forgotten that the aim of the dumb competition is to gather free pictures for advertising, and I forgot to ask for model release. Submitted just one entry for the theme “not just child’s play”
Obviously I like the second one better, but heck la, no permission, ha. It’s just an excuse for a practice session anyway
Back to the conference, it was really crowded! Tonnes of people, cosplay, storm troopers, manga stalls, etc were there. More than just an eye opener, I guess this year Singapore’s really going all out to try to make it an “artsy” year, with SDF, this, Art festival, magic shows, etc..it’s even worse than the IT show! Comics and manga fans should not miss this, toy collectors too!
p.s. a couple of friends decided to fly aeroplane for dinner, and I got a bit offended as I was literally “thrown away”, oh well...
Sigh. Clearly forgotten that the aim of the dumb competition is to gather free pictures for advertising, and I forgot to ask for model release. Submitted just one entry for the theme “not just child’s play”
Obviously I like the second one better, but heck la, no permission, ha. It’s just an excuse for a practice session anyway
Back to the conference, it was really crowded! Tonnes of people, cosplay, storm troopers, manga stalls, etc were there. More than just an eye opener, I guess this year Singapore’s really going all out to try to make it an “artsy” year, with SDF, this, Art festival, magic shows, etc..it’s even worse than the IT show! Comics and manga fans should not miss this, toy collectors too!
p.s. a couple of friends decided to fly aeroplane for dinner, and I got a bit offended as I was literally “thrown away”, oh well...
Flowers and a little tissue
23/06/08 13:57
WHEN the going gets tough, the tough gets going.
It can be really tough on a couple - tears and stress, lack of rest - for the wedding. Well, just grit your teeth and finish what you’ve planned meticulously for the last couple of months or even years. After all, it’s just the beginning - there’s happily ever after waiting ahead
Mingwei and Huixin
20/06/08 13:25
GUESS weddings can be
tiring for all parties - be it the couple or the family. What’s
important is that you have your loved ones beside you supporting
you when it matters
Some pictures to share:
The sisters preparing the trials
The bride and the groom
Crushing the balloon
Counting the red packets
Eating the wasabi cane
Tying the hair pin
Walking to new home
Walking down the aisle
Consoling the tearing bride
Singing to the bride
Some pictures to share:
The sisters preparing the trials
The bride and the groom
Crushing the balloon
Counting the red packets
Eating the wasabi cane
Tying the hair pin
Walking to new home
Walking down the aisle
Consoling the tearing bride
Singing to the bride
Would you avoid this?
17/06/08 15:56
NAMES are there for a
purpose. There are good names and bad names according to all forms
of studies. We have seen a classic case of BATMAN BIN
SUPARMAN, which is a good laugh probably, though I’m not
making a joke out of him.
I think the following is a bad name though, and I must clarify first - I’m not anti-christian.
You can take it to mean “everyone lose building”, or “everyone lose loh”.
Both don’t sound nice to me for sure
I think the following is a bad name though, and I must clarify first - I’m not anti-christian.
You can take it to mean “everyone lose building”, or “everyone lose loh”.
Both don’t sound nice to me for sure
Customs - or are they?
16/06/08 16:48
IT has been taken for
granted that the culture of humuliating a groom during a wedding is
a must. Having witnessing a few, and reading through some comments,
I can’t help but wonder: is it really a custom for the groom to be
put through those?
From what I can remember, the custom should be the mei-po going to the bride’s home and take her to the groom’s home, before which she had to carry the bride with her hands, kick the gates 3 times, and then into the home to kowtow to heaven-earth, parents and to one another.
When/where does the humiliation start off from?
While going through tabulations and trials to test your undying love for the woman of your life, must it be at the expense of an exhausted groom, all sweaty and tired from the weather? Must it eventually lead to horrible concoctions of wasabi+chilli+ any other thing you can think of which might result in a serious case of diarrhoea?
Must it even be the groom wearing brassieres and parading like he’s a mad guy?
While punishments can be meted, isn’t there other ways to mete out reasonable punishments? After all, the party of sisters are not the one that’s going to marry the groom. Enjoying at the expense of the poor groom?
More often than not, the sisters do not think on behalf of the groom and bride, and really think they’re running the show. It’s almost to the extend of a frag hazing (a form of initiation to university or organization where you’re humiliated or beaten up), which is banned in many countries.
If you’re the bride to be, doesn’t it hurt to see your hubby all sweaty, exhausted and tortured by consuming concoctions which you never dare to try?
It was interesting to see some comments in the forum:
After the brothers and groom whip out their platinum cards, the girls immediately open the gates.
A huge red packet was all that was needed to escape the horrible tests
Does it mean with money, the sisters can be bought, and any humiliation can be avoided?
I beg to differ of course.
Attaching a post by from a photog’s blog whom I felt touched by the woman he love:
Alyce and I are busy editing our client's works today while we stumbled upon a poor groom that was 'tortured' during the gate crashing session with extremely spicy chili chicken wings and other stuff they were forced to eat. She commented dear, If we have a gate crushing session during our wedding, I would make you eat bird nest, abalone rather than all the horrible stuff. I want you to remember how good I treated you so that you will take care of me forever!
Wow! Glad I marry the right woman!
Love you sweetie!
I guess this don’t happen frequent, do they?
From what I can remember, the custom should be the mei-po going to the bride’s home and take her to the groom’s home, before which she had to carry the bride with her hands, kick the gates 3 times, and then into the home to kowtow to heaven-earth, parents and to one another.
When/where does the humiliation start off from?
While going through tabulations and trials to test your undying love for the woman of your life, must it be at the expense of an exhausted groom, all sweaty and tired from the weather? Must it eventually lead to horrible concoctions of wasabi+chilli+ any other thing you can think of which might result in a serious case of diarrhoea?
Must it even be the groom wearing brassieres and parading like he’s a mad guy?
While punishments can be meted, isn’t there other ways to mete out reasonable punishments? After all, the party of sisters are not the one that’s going to marry the groom. Enjoying at the expense of the poor groom?
More often than not, the sisters do not think on behalf of the groom and bride, and really think they’re running the show. It’s almost to the extend of a frag hazing (a form of initiation to university or organization where you’re humiliated or beaten up), which is banned in many countries.
If you’re the bride to be, doesn’t it hurt to see your hubby all sweaty, exhausted and tortured by consuming concoctions which you never dare to try?
It was interesting to see some comments in the forum:
After the brothers and groom whip out their platinum cards, the girls immediately open the gates.
A huge red packet was all that was needed to escape the horrible tests
Does it mean with money, the sisters can be bought, and any humiliation can be avoided?
I beg to differ of course.
Attaching a post by from a photog’s blog whom I felt touched by the woman he love:
Alyce and I are busy editing our client's works today while we stumbled upon a poor groom that was 'tortured' during the gate crashing session with extremely spicy chili chicken wings and other stuff they were forced to eat. She commented dear, If we have a gate crushing session during our wedding, I would make you eat bird nest, abalone rather than all the horrible stuff. I want you to remember how good I treated you so that you will take care of me forever!
Wow! Glad I marry the right woman!
Love you sweetie!
I guess this don’t happen frequent, do they?
Dim sum at Yam Palace
15/06/08 17:23
REGARDLESS of whether
today has been commercialized, Father’s Day is a day where you’ve
got to celebrate for your dad...if you did for your mum.
Else he’d be jealous
Jokes aside, the food at Yam Palace is definitely worth a try. Like what my cousin mentioned, you can’t compare eating dim sum at Ipoh or Hong Kong - rather, is it up to your expectation. Those places have set too high a standard sometimes.
Ha. I guess though Yam Palace didn’t really excite, at least it didn’t disappoint my parents.
Some pictures...I’m actually salivating when I’m processing them ha.
Almond mango prawn balls
Fried seaweed Beancurd Prawn roll
Glutinous Chicken Rice
Oatmeal Green trea pumpkin balls
Yam Lychee Balls
The after-math
Else he’d be jealous
Jokes aside, the food at Yam Palace is definitely worth a try. Like what my cousin mentioned, you can’t compare eating dim sum at Ipoh or Hong Kong - rather, is it up to your expectation. Those places have set too high a standard sometimes.
Ha. I guess though Yam Palace didn’t really excite, at least it didn’t disappoint my parents.
Some pictures...I’m actually salivating when I’m processing them ha.
Almond mango prawn balls
Fried seaweed Beancurd Prawn roll
Glutinous Chicken Rice
Oatmeal Green trea pumpkin balls
Yam Lychee Balls
The after-math
Groom's nightmare
12/06/08 15:01
CHANCING upon an
entry at a local forum, I saw his angst being voiced out directed
to a wedding photographer wannabe who managed to flunk his most
important day.
The wannabe’s single statement sums up nicely about his knowledge on shooting:
“What is raw?”
And he is using a DSLR with kit lens. Not wanting to discredit any kit lens, a photographer’s vision is the most important when it comes to catching pictures.
But you really ought to know if you’re paid, you’re expected to deliver - and being inexperienced is not an excuse if it is the most important day of the bride and bridegroom’s life.
Flipping through several portfolios, I was a big disgusted by some supposedly “wedding photographer” who’s charging exorbitant rates and can only deliver a so-so standard - not that I am any better.
The point is - I don’t think I’m up to the mark yet, and I’m willing to learn, not to commit.
A guest from a previous wedding can sum this up as well:
“EH, camera-man...help us shoot”
Brutally honest, somehow people don’t acknowledge you as a photographer, but rather as a camera-man - a bit insulting, but I guess fits really well if you’re only shooting by snapping away happily without feeling any remorse for wasting the precious day away. You don’t call yourself a photographer if all you can do is to snap.
Sigh. What’s up with the world nowadays?
The wannabe’s single statement sums up nicely about his knowledge on shooting:
“What is raw?”
And he is using a DSLR with kit lens. Not wanting to discredit any kit lens, a photographer’s vision is the most important when it comes to catching pictures.
But you really ought to know if you’re paid, you’re expected to deliver - and being inexperienced is not an excuse if it is the most important day of the bride and bridegroom’s life.
Flipping through several portfolios, I was a big disgusted by some supposedly “wedding photographer” who’s charging exorbitant rates and can only deliver a so-so standard - not that I am any better.
The point is - I don’t think I’m up to the mark yet, and I’m willing to learn, not to commit.
A guest from a previous wedding can sum this up as well:
“EH, camera-man...help us shoot”
Brutally honest, somehow people don’t acknowledge you as a photographer, but rather as a camera-man - a bit insulting, but I guess fits really well if you’re only shooting by snapping away happily without feeling any remorse for wasting the precious day away. You don’t call yourself a photographer if all you can do is to snap.
Sigh. What’s up with the world nowadays?
Dumb Singtel move
10/06/08 17:32
THEY really had to ridicule themselves, no? First, you’re supposed to fill in your details to reserve the iPhone, then you can only reserve at Hello! store itself.
Plus no encryption for the data, means all your personal data might be stolen.
Oh my goodness. Riding the wind of popularity, albeit ridiculously.
Anyways, the address is http://home.singtel.com/iphone/
iPhone 3G - when will it be released in Singapore
10/06/08 10:24
I guess everyone who’s interested in the iPhone should have know of the announcement. The question is, when?
Among the 22 countries to be released on July 11th, Singapore isn’t in one of them. A simple guess will be the problem of clearance for wireless products. Normally, any new wireless products would require a period of between 1-2 months (not 2-3 weeks) for the agency to play around with the gadget so as to confirm it’s not interfering with the wireless structure already in place in SIngapore.
That puts the iPhone to be released in August - September period this year. Well folks, you’ve got time to save up
Some of the features:
1. 3G
No front camera means no 3G conferencing though, I guess the speed is for enterprise means - receive and send emails with big attachments.
2. Enterprise usage
It means nothing if your IT support doesn’t allow push mail capabilities. Of course, there are ways to do it...circumventing the safety means...
3. Camera
Still 2 megapixel. Well, more than enough for most, I guess
4. GPS assistance
Guess you won’t be lost already
5. No tactile feedback
Big words, I know, it simply means you won’t feel any depress when you type on the screen - one of the major complaints for people who’re used to sms with buttons. It also means you can’t be blind to use this phone.
6.The rest remains the same
Just new design, thinner, and cheaper!
Sounds like a blatent advertisement for iPhone. Any case, the most expensive costline is USD$199 - coverting to slightly lesser than SGD$300. It won’t be long before you see everyone carrying one!
That’s it. The long wait awaits, hope it arrives earlier than August - September!
Adrian and Shing Hsiu
05/06/08 00:26
My first...
29/05/08 20:15
WEDDING.
Period.
Duh. Ha. Not me lah. I was helping out with 2 professionals who shot at a private function room.
It was everything they show on TV. And more, of course.
The anxiousness of the bride who couldn't sleep the night before, the groom who half panicked that the ring bearers might not be able to find the place, the very cute flower kids who bore the bouquets and walked in front of the brides, the tears from the parents, the laughters and emotions of everyone...
I could go on and on, but I guess a picture speaks a thousand words. Not mine, but from the professionals that day.
Shot by Amos from Reflections, posted at his site
Duh. Ha. Not me lah. I was helping out with 2 professionals who shot at a private function room.
It was everything they show on TV. And more, of course.
The anxiousness of the bride who couldn't sleep the night before, the groom who half panicked that the ring bearers might not be able to find the place, the very cute flower kids who bore the bouquets and walked in front of the brides, the tears from the parents, the laughters and emotions of everyone...
I could go on and on, but I guess a picture speaks a thousand words. Not mine, but from the professionals that day.
Shot by Amos from Reflections, posted at his site
Absurd Claims
28/05/08 12:11
IT must be a joke to
do this.
Just yesterday, news of this company called Vuestar Technologies Pte Ltd began sending letters claiming that companies infringe on its patents, and had been doing it for the past week. For what, you might ask?
It's a simple act of hyperlinking with images, to a page with contact information. Patent the idea to create hyperlinks, which is as simple as writing a line of code? Does that mean that anyone can own the idea of hyperlinking to anything?
Whilst they own this patent, this was a blatant act of money grubbing rather than acting for the sake of protecting their IP. I don't see how they are doing this to, quoting from Wikipedia:
1. Provide incentive for R&D
2. Provide disclosure for the greater good for the public
3. A means to protect productization cost
Ignoring the above, why are they only doing it now? After so many years, in Singapore, where technology is not at its latest development? I smelt a rat - can they actually apply for the patent to be valid worldwide? I doubt so. What happens even if they're able to claim that the companies infringe on their rights? Apply for an injunction?
One can simply create a flash website without hyperlinks using images.
After all, nowadays, how many people are actually hyperlinking? It's not even proprietary, it's elementary.
The weird things people do to earn money. Oh my.
Just yesterday, news of this company called Vuestar Technologies Pte Ltd began sending letters claiming that companies infringe on its patents, and had been doing it for the past week. For what, you might ask?
It's a simple act of hyperlinking with images, to a page with contact information. Patent the idea to create hyperlinks, which is as simple as writing a line of code? Does that mean that anyone can own the idea of hyperlinking to anything?
Whilst they own this patent, this was a blatant act of money grubbing rather than acting for the sake of protecting their IP. I don't see how they are doing this to, quoting from Wikipedia:
1. Provide incentive for R&D
2. Provide disclosure for the greater good for the public
3. A means to protect productization cost
Ignoring the above, why are they only doing it now? After so many years, in Singapore, where technology is not at its latest development? I smelt a rat - can they actually apply for the patent to be valid worldwide? I doubt so. What happens even if they're able to claim that the companies infringe on their rights? Apply for an injunction?
One can simply create a flash website without hyperlinks using images.
After all, nowadays, how many people are actually hyperlinking? It's not even proprietary, it's elementary.
The weird things people do to earn money. Oh my.
One overpowered lion
19/05/08 21:19
DOING the customary thanks (thanks for the tickets!), I guess tonight there'd be quite a couple of posts on it. Well...go watch it!
The fact that it's really much more action packed, tighter storyline, better acting all adds up. I just revisited part one the day before - it really sucked compared to this. I think the best part about this sequel is that the kids are more mature, and are acting better than part one. Coupled with the fact that the kids have to fend for themselves this time round in front of the huge army - unlike part one - the whole pace is set faster.
Some might argue that the tone is darker, well, so are more movies nowadays. Okay, I shall not spoil too much in this posting, but the title is still enough of a spoiler. Well if you want to catch the trailer, feel free to click on the right hand side of this page - there is a direct link to it
For once, we probably can't complain about the lack of good movies - Iron Man is still showing, Prince Caspian, Indiana Jones...the list can go on and on. If you ever think you're too stressed ( I have many friends in the same boat), just head for cinema, and get yourself the tickets to catch a movie or two.
Chill!
very dry throat . very wet nose
16/05/08 15:16
Prince Caspian - ready for action!
14/05/08 22:00
AS the title speaks for itself, the Chronicles of Narnia is back....almost. A few fortnights more and the show will be up.
I guess the best reason to watch it is that I've always been a sucker for movies falling into the fantasy genre, and the fact that, this is Narnia, ha!
The first movie was a bit dull, almost story telling, and a bit unbelievable - kids who's able to command the army? The acting was ok, nothing fantastic.
The sequel, however, seems totally to the contrary - lots of action and fighting.
For keen viewers, click on the link to have a first look!
http://www.fighttosavenarnia.com.sg/
And so it rains...
14/05/08 12:34
Never go against...
14/05/08 01:00
...YOUR stomach, for
that matter. Even if you're going on a shoot.
No prizes won for guessing where this is, the answer is pretty obvious.
I have my sensei to blame. Even though I'm not as frequent as I wish I could for training, the craving for salmon sashimi didn't die down.
Simple dinner set to cap off the meal, don't ask me for the exact name! I forgot!
No prizes won for guessing where this is, the answer is pretty obvious.
I have my sensei to blame. Even though I'm not as frequent as I wish I could for training, the craving for salmon sashimi didn't die down.
Simple dinner set to cap off the meal, don't ask me for the exact name! I forgot!
Colors
13/05/08 02:28
IT'S amazing how
colors change the mood of pictures.
Went for a fun shot with Paul, and his friend Faye, trying to learn how to shoot in manual. The shoot was was quite bad, though there were still some shots that I still like.
What's interesting is that during post processing, I accidentally hit the slider towards one extreme, finding that the accidental change suits the mood really welI...
Just to share 2 of them
This picture of Paul just cracks me up everytime I see it. Must be the hands! Yucks!
Went for a fun shot with Paul, and his friend Faye, trying to learn how to shoot in manual. The shoot was was quite bad, though there were still some shots that I still like.
What's interesting is that during post processing, I accidentally hit the slider towards one extreme, finding that the accidental change suits the mood really welI...
Just to share 2 of them
This picture of Paul just cracks me up everytime I see it. Must be the hands! Yucks!
Attack of the Chinchilla
10/05/08 23:41
Nike+ sportband review part 1
09/05/08 13:13
PROBABLY I'm the
first in Singapore to give a review of this. Don't really see many
people doing it.
Well, the watch is slick, but I guess it's probably more catered for runners with Nike+ shoes. I used to own a Nike+ iPod gadget which records my run, which yields very satisfactory results. How about this?
It suck. Big time.
I guess with improvements in technology, the sensor is supposed to be better? I'm using a small pouch attached to my shoe to hold the sensor, which works previously. For now, the inaccuracy is:
Jogging:
Actual distance: 1km Recorded distance: 0.66km
Walking:
Actual distance: 1.5km Recorded distance: 0.56km
There is a shortfall for jogging, but at least it was consistent shortfall. The walking part is atrocious. And I swear my pace is consistent! It doesn't show in the recording though. To be fair, I guess I'd need to keep the sensor tightened somehow so that there's no space for it to bounce around.
Back to reality, feeling feverish for today. Must have been the irregular weather. I can count myself lucky to be in Singapore though, instead of in Myanmar. My heart goes out to the casualties, and hope the junta gives in and allow countries to send assistance asap.
That's all for now
Well, the watch is slick, but I guess it's probably more catered for runners with Nike+ shoes. I used to own a Nike+ iPod gadget which records my run, which yields very satisfactory results. How about this?
It suck. Big time.
I guess with improvements in technology, the sensor is supposed to be better? I'm using a small pouch attached to my shoe to hold the sensor, which works previously. For now, the inaccuracy is:
Jogging:
Actual distance: 1km Recorded distance: 0.66km
Walking:
Actual distance: 1.5km Recorded distance: 0.56km
There is a shortfall for jogging, but at least it was consistent shortfall. The walking part is atrocious. And I swear my pace is consistent! It doesn't show in the recording though. To be fair, I guess I'd need to keep the sensor tightened somehow so that there's no space for it to bounce around.
Back to reality, feeling feverish for today. Must have been the irregular weather. I can count myself lucky to be in Singapore though, instead of in Myanmar. My heart goes out to the casualties, and hope the junta gives in and allow countries to send assistance asap.
That's all for now
New lens
04/05/08 22:28
THIS time round, I'm
really using a new lens - not referring to my specs.
Decided to change one of my existing lens for a prime, and it didn't fail my expectations. As what primes do, you get sharper and brighter pictures as compared to using other lens.
The lens was given a trial after hanging out in Novus, in National Museum. Ignoring the huge red naked statue, it was the second time I visited the cosy nice bar - with nice ambience, and of course the company.
Paul is my girlfriend's colleague back in her ex company. He shared with us his extraordinary experience of battling cancer, to win it and how it change his view of life. Credit to him, I do honestly believe that one's perception of life changes after any traumatic experience.
I know mine did, hence this is how I turn out today, ha!
Btw, the vignetting is intentional, and I quite like what the lens can provide. After a stop down, of course, not wanting to shoot wide open.
AND no! I'm no gay
Decided to change one of my existing lens for a prime, and it didn't fail my expectations. As what primes do, you get sharper and brighter pictures as compared to using other lens.
The lens was given a trial after hanging out in Novus, in National Museum. Ignoring the huge red naked statue, it was the second time I visited the cosy nice bar - with nice ambience, and of course the company.
Paul is my girlfriend's colleague back in her ex company. He shared with us his extraordinary experience of battling cancer, to win it and how it change his view of life. Credit to him, I do honestly believe that one's perception of life changes after any traumatic experience.
I know mine did, hence this is how I turn out today, ha!
Btw, the vignetting is intentional, and I quite like what the lens can provide. After a stop down, of course, not wanting to shoot wide open.
AND no! I'm no gay
Using Nikon
02/05/08 23:56
NOPES, I've not changed ship and moved to Nikon, as the title suggest.
I always thought Nikon makes good lenses. Expensive somehow, but quality lenses. Many photographers can attest to that, which is why most people are swearing either by Canon or Nikon. For the mainstream that is. But I never thought they would provide spectacle lenses, which is actually a cheaper form of glass than professional camera lenses.
Not until I had my specs made that I know I could be more wrong in this.
The first week of wearing the specs is ok. I guess things look sharp - not like other brand of lenses aren't. Maybe the colors are better - don't ask me!
Nonetheless, the brand itself is a selling point - I'm sure most folks would choose Nikon lenses as compared to some other lesser known brands such as Hoya. A strong brand provides a certain promise to its loyal customers - in terms of durability, performance etc. This is a perfect marriage of convenience - since spectacle lenses are effectively optics, marrying to a brand known for its lenses is certainly a match made in heaven - sure win formula. By providing a differentiator, a brand is able to compete with others other than price - a boring yet the whole truth to why companies are building brands.
What about me, one might ask? A Canon user who use Nikon brands? Isn't that blasphemy?
Well, I guess I believe more in trusting what works best, than following a brand mindlessly.
I even have a Nikon NC filter to my Canon lens
I'm sure it is a fix
30/04/08 00:51
I was flipping
through a magazine which I've bought over the weekend, and suddenly
it occur to me I must shoot this.
This is the second time since I've received this. Not wanting to say this is a hoax, but isn't this a bit old time to use the sweepstake draw to tempt people into subscribing? Especially if I can be so lucky to receive it 2 times (though the first was a couple of years back, and they chased me for payment which I refused to pay).
And I thought this only happens overseas - referring to the ticket for 10000 pounds. I don't really qualify - I think they ignored the fact that the magazine has readers all over the world - thought I got 3 stars on the first ticket and 3 pounds on the second.
I don't think I'd send in the ticket. Then again, maybe I might choose to take part in Reader's Digest - I might just get lucky
This is the second time since I've received this. Not wanting to say this is a hoax, but isn't this a bit old time to use the sweepstake draw to tempt people into subscribing? Especially if I can be so lucky to receive it 2 times (though the first was a couple of years back, and they chased me for payment which I refused to pay).
And I thought this only happens overseas - referring to the ticket for 10000 pounds. I don't really qualify - I think they ignored the fact that the magazine has readers all over the world - thought I got 3 stars on the first ticket and 3 pounds on the second.
I don't think I'd send in the ticket. Then again, maybe I might choose to take part in Reader's Digest - I might just get lucky
Should I...?
29/04/08 14:03
回到地球表面' 08
27/04/08 13:03
AS per the title
goes, this post is to show some of the pictures taken during the
concert by MayDay, or 五月天. The night was spoilt again
by the organizers who have no knowledge of professional cameras,
judging only by the length of your lens.
DUH. Sometimes it's quite demeaning when the lack of knowledge is translated into pure ignorance on their part. Especially when they ask me to change to another lens of smaller length - I only had to remove the lens hood to make it shorter, ha!
Anyways, without further ado, the pictures. All low res, of course
DUH. Sometimes it's quite demeaning when the lack of knowledge is translated into pure ignorance on their part. Especially when they ask me to change to another lens of smaller length - I only had to remove the lens hood to make it shorter, ha!
Anyways, without further ado, the pictures. All low res, of course
Interesting != Controversial
14/04/08 23:31
THE recent rants by
Miss Cheng, aka Wendy or Xiaxue, on her preference for a faked
Apple iPhone has been overwhelming, to say the least. Whilst the
power of blogging is not to be underestimated, blatent attempts to
drive readership by dabbling with controversial topics is quite
sad.
For a while, I thought there's not much difference between a blog and a tabloid.
Not that there should be much difference, of course. To some, they might just want to rant (like me), to others, maybe they want to earn some money by ranting.
Of course, everyone wouldn't mind an extra few dollars if they're not Bill Gates or Warren Buffet.
With engadget and other blogging Mac platforms picking up this "interesting" post, she declares another war on Mac users. With her one sided perception that Mac users think that they're higher class blah blah, she irks the blogosphere by showing her contempt for Mac fanatics.
I wouldn't say I know much more than her, of course. After all, knowledge is subjective. Who is to judge who knows more? Not me of course.
At the end of the day, my best shot is that not all interesting topics are controversial, and not all controversial stuff are interesting. Of course, to be a little defensive, not all Mac users are fanatics, or even think highly of themselves.
Please correct your thoughts a little, girl
I do agree with her postings that it is bias, and more of a joke, but do spare some thoughts for the boat you sank with your bamboo stick, ok?
For a while, I thought there's not much difference between a blog and a tabloid.
Not that there should be much difference, of course. To some, they might just want to rant (like me), to others, maybe they want to earn some money by ranting.
Of course, everyone wouldn't mind an extra few dollars if they're not Bill Gates or Warren Buffet.
With engadget and other blogging Mac platforms picking up this "interesting" post, she declares another war on Mac users. With her one sided perception that Mac users think that they're higher class blah blah, she irks the blogosphere by showing her contempt for Mac fanatics.
I wouldn't say I know much more than her, of course. After all, knowledge is subjective. Who is to judge who knows more? Not me of course.
At the end of the day, my best shot is that not all interesting topics are controversial, and not all controversial stuff are interesting. Of course, to be a little defensive, not all Mac users are fanatics, or even think highly of themselves.
Please correct your thoughts a little, girl
I do agree with her postings that it is bias, and more of a joke, but do spare some thoughts for the boat you sank with your bamboo stick, ok?
Inflation != Extortion
13/04/08 17:18
IT wasn't the most pleasant of sight to behold in your local supermarket. With all the talk about inflation, everything seems to cost more. A packet of KL milk cost $2.90 now, as compared to last time lowly $2++
Sigh.
It didn't stop there. Munching on apples is becoming a fast habit for me, and the sight of the rotting apples disgust me. Why on earth would NTUC Fairprice charge groceries at that kind of pricing, and offers rotten apples?
I bet they think with all the inflation talk, people would rather risk getting cheaper and lower quality stuff.
This kind of thinking sucks big time. They need to readjust their strategy, less this picture goes flooding around our local forums. Seriously, with the readjustment of our currency, inflating prices ought to be brought to a halt. That's what we learn from Economics, isn't it?
Don't dream about it. My best guess is that price can only go higher. After all, it affects most households with scant knowledge about monetary policies to battle inflation. The merchandisers would probably try to squeeze the poor folks out of their income, even though the government is trying their best.
Empty talk, I know, but I bet this must be true of the typical scenario that is happening now. Next time, after you buy your meal, do take note whether you are buying "normal" stuff to eat, ok?
Be careful of the rotten stuff!
Sex in the city...in Singapore
08/04/08 23:10
IT is hardly a surprise that people support piracy, and many a time they land in trouble doing that. Now lives are claimed.
"What!" One might claim. Well...one should never support the use of fake drugs. I wouldn't blame the people of the past who's uneducated to people in traditional medicine, but now? Just trying to save some money to have more sex? It's dumb, totally so. Without getting the right prescription, they're really saving money at the expense of their lives.
One life's been claimed by Power 1 Walnut. Now fake Cialis has landed another person in coma too. What's next? Fake Viagra leading to erectile dysfunction? There really should be a limit to how men are controlled by their bottoms, and not think straight. Sigh. I hate to admit I'm a guy too...
I think the folks who research on sex in our garden city must have gotten their statistics wrong. They forgot to do research on the number of visits to our favorite red light district, and the immense potential that sex industry has.
Even when it comes to such stupid things like fake drugs. Arrgh!
Are you really satisfied?
08/04/08 12:27
THE Straits Times published an article today on customer satisfaction index. The service provided by the various sectors, as well as the formula for calculating it which was imported (bought) from the States, placed it at around 70%.
I guess this is a fair level, but is it indicative of most of our voice here?
The study is done according to feedback given from customers, focus groups and such. However, most of us experience bad service from time to time. This, is definitely not shown in the study. Comparing apples to oranges is hardly a fair option to begin with:
For example, for other countries, we're given the liberty to tip for good services, instead of the compulsory service charge. How about lack of service? Who do we claim the charges back?
Many a while, we often experience sales representatives who suck up to people who dress and act rich, or are foreigners. Without naming the shop, it actually has the audacity to claim that it won a best service award for the year!
The criterias must have sucked badly.
Nonetheless, many would think these are but one off instances of bad service and not reflective of the 70% good service rendered. Not for me though. Honestly, if the study were to show a lack of service, I would gladly agree.
How about you?
Doing the wrong things, for the wrong reason
01/04/08 00:08
Photo credited to Straits Times
THIS should appear old to you, as the articles were featured a week ago. Well, there were many comments about the transition of SIA's agency from Batey to TBWA\, and those are already old news, forgive the pun.
While many people expected a new agency to inject zest and life to an established brand, sometimes, it appears that the top management themselves need some injection of new blood. SIA used to be the pride of Singapore, with the famous sarong kabaya as famous as our Singapore girl. Some might say that the girl might appear too subservient for their liking, well, I don't go into personal attacks like this
.So what did went wrong? I guess its a cumulation of several factors, most notably people's pride getting into them. Disciplinary problem start from the very top. If you have pilots with porn caught in your laptops and getting fined, that's hardly good news for your company. Looking upwards in the hierarchy, the decision to go purely business and above for some flights went off really bad, as Singaporeans can't even get to travel in their pride. Attempts to mask it up were credited to creating a premium experience, and a quality brand.
Can you imagine feeling proud of something which you can't even call your own? I would say it's really a blatant monetary move to ostracize the poorer folks, and to earn more dollars from the rich.
The decision to change agency and flexing your arm around the new agency is even worse. News travel fast that TBWA\ got their warning letters by SIA barely months into their newly formed relationship. Advertisements that came out of agencies were okay, nothing to shout about.
Why change then?
The worst part of it is having the airbus grounded. Not once, not twice. 3 times. What's the big deal about having it first, if the company has 3 groundings 3 months into operations?
What can save SIA's fate from plummeting into mediocrity? I guess somewhere out there, the bosses must stop counting his dollars and start thinking about public opinions. Anything worse can result into the same fiasco as Terminal 5, Heathrow Airport. Systems gone down, lack of manpower, tonnes of luggage to be sorted out...
They don't even dare to show theirs ads now, after this disaster.
Okay, I'm exaggerating. An airline is nowhere as big as an airport disaster. Well, you do get the idea, don't you? Is it all about the money on hand, or salvaging one's relationships with customers?
My imperial guards
30/03/08 23:29
RECENTLY I've noticed
a friend's friend who got disillusioned by his lack of improvement
and nasty comments made by a mere acquaintance.
And we always heard the phrase it's not the camera, it's the photographer that matters.
Bullshit.
Both are as important la. Without the camera, you can only do a Cyclops and print in your mind.
Duh.
Oh well. First stage of suicide is always denial. We can't afford that! Chill and find out what leads to the comments. Maybe you do need some improvements. Shoot more and find out for yourself what's wrong dude
That aside, I caught the sleeping guards today. My girlfriend was asking me what's so interesting about shooting them. I guess I kind of like 2 heads on a shoulder? Sleeping imperial guards always make a good pictures? The symmetry of things? The best of both worlds?
Psst. That's me and my gf on the reflections
And we always heard the phrase it's not the camera, it's the photographer that matters.
Bullshit.
Both are as important la. Without the camera, you can only do a Cyclops and print in your mind.
Duh.
Oh well. First stage of suicide is always denial. We can't afford that! Chill and find out what leads to the comments. Maybe you do need some improvements. Shoot more and find out for yourself what's wrong dude
That aside, I caught the sleeping guards today. My girlfriend was asking me what's so interesting about shooting them. I guess I kind of like 2 heads on a shoulder? Sleeping imperial guards always make a good pictures? The symmetry of things? The best of both worlds?
Psst. That's me and my gf on the reflections
Taking things for granted?
29/03/08 20:16
WELCOME to the dark side, Google!
Scary, isn't it? This screenshot is not kidding you. Google is also doing its part for Earth, showing a darkened version of its famous main page. As I made the compulsory move for the whole house to be darkened for the next hour, lots of complaints and growlings were heard.
"Who cares!" "Wait my eyes spoil how!" "WTF!" were just some of the milder comments as I quenched all of them with a iron fist.
Sad to say, most of us really do take things for granted. Switching off the lights for an hour seem to be dooms day to most, who are so used to doing everything in a brightly lit world. It's not that hard to try to do our part, though little, by just switching off the lights for this one hour.
We can choose to make a stand, can't we?
The clock strikes on. Tick, tock, tick, tock.....
P.S. I'm running on battery life typing this. Trying to save electricity. Thanks Apple for creating keyboard back lights for MacBook Pro!
Mid youth crisis
29/03/08 13:16
WHILE everyone else
know of mid life crisis, is there anyone who even thought of mid
youth stuff?
Youth is an encompassing age group, I recall Andy Lau getting his best youth awards some years back when he's nearing 40! Of course, I'm nowhere there - probably not even half there yet.
The news struck a cord with me. The Bong family who crashed in the North South Highway, very pitiful. Watching and reading the news, an overwhelming urge to find out what happen to Jolene suddenly gushed over me.
Not that I'm remotely connected or related to them.
It was a miracle that she survived, with her family gone in this tragedy. It's hard not to feel anything for them, though I wonder how many people actually brushed it off as just another accident off the Straits. A funny thought went through my mind - if no one cares for her, I'm going to take care of her.
Of course, she still has her relatives. And I'm a bit tight fending for myself.
With both my parents off to Malaysia for Qing Ming (a festival to remember your passed away relatives), I can't help but worry for their safety. It was in stark contrast over what would have happened ten or twenty years ago, where we would be carefree and worry about nothing.
I guess we do have worries as we grow up. How I miss childhood.
Jolene's back in Singapore under the care of her relatives. While she might not know me (since she's still very young), I really do hope things to get much better for her.
God bless.
Youth is an encompassing age group, I recall Andy Lau getting his best youth awards some years back when he's nearing 40! Of course, I'm nowhere there - probably not even half there yet.
The news struck a cord with me. The Bong family who crashed in the North South Highway, very pitiful. Watching and reading the news, an overwhelming urge to find out what happen to Jolene suddenly gushed over me.
Not that I'm remotely connected or related to them.
It was a miracle that she survived, with her family gone in this tragedy. It's hard not to feel anything for them, though I wonder how many people actually brushed it off as just another accident off the Straits. A funny thought went through my mind - if no one cares for her, I'm going to take care of her.
Of course, she still has her relatives. And I'm a bit tight fending for myself.
With both my parents off to Malaysia for Qing Ming (a festival to remember your passed away relatives), I can't help but worry for their safety. It was in stark contrast over what would have happened ten or twenty years ago, where we would be carefree and worry about nothing.
I guess we do have worries as we grow up. How I miss childhood.
Jolene's back in Singapore under the care of her relatives. While she might not know me (since she's still very young), I really do hope things to get much better for her.
God bless.
The evening sky
27/03/08 21:21
