Happy Lonely Birthday II

*clear throat*

Happy Birthday to Me~
Happy Birthday to Me~
Happy Birthday to sleepyhao~
Happy Birthday to Me~~

-The End-


Please visit this site again at the same time same date next year k?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Happy Lonely Birthday

*clear throat*

Happy Birthday to Me~
Happy Birthday to Me~
Happy Birthday to sleepyhao~
Happy Birthday to Me~~

-The End-

*back to work*

My Convocation

It has been a loooooong time since I last updated or even visited my own blog. I've found a house somewhere in Kelana Jaya, and I've underwent a one month training gave by my company. I've applied for Screamyx, just got it some time ago and the usual things you can expect from it - the instability. It gets DC like every 5 to 10 minutes, and I'm still waiting to get it fix.

Anyway, back to the topic. I'm officially graduated! I had my convocation like erm... 3 weeks ago, and here are the pictures.















It was very crowdy and I dragged whoever I saw into taking pictures that day. Although I missed out a lot of my friends too as they're busy with their family and own friends. Hopefully we'll meet again someday.

That's it for the good news. Now, for the bad news...

I got assigned to Penang for 6 months by my company for a project! Just when I've just settled down in my new place T______________________T

And that means that I've to abandon this blog again for dunno-how-long *sigh*

I Am Employed!

I am employed!

Erm... not really yet cos I haven't sign the offer letter. The location will be in KL so these few days I'll be busy searching for houses/room to rent. I'm going to report to my future company next Monday if everything goes well.

I might be taking a short break from updating this blog to busy with something else, and of course, I have to wait for Screamyx to be installed.

So, anyone from KL (if there's any lahh... lol)that's reading this blog, next time we can have a meetup or teh tarik session. Oh and btw, got photography session also have to find me... LOL

Hopefully this break is ASAP (as short as possible) and I'll update if I have time and I can access to internet connection.

Til then!

My Light Sensing Robot

Still remember the crazy robot I posted some times ago? To refresh your memory, this is how it's look like before I completed it:



After thousands of hours spent to build, construct, test and debug it, it finally turns into...

TADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA


Cute like me XD

Some views of it:





In case you're wondering what it can do, it's actually a light sensing robot. It follows the brightest light source it detected while scanning for obstacles that are blocking its way. The video below should explain how it really works :P



How is it? Hehe

On a totally unrelated side, I found this picture inside the same folder with my robot's photos. And I can't help not to post it, so...



Don't worry, she's fine (too bad... LOL). She's just playing with the wheelchair while visiting another friend in the hospital.

Got My Canon 450D Finally

Today is the day when a big hole will be burnt in our pockets.

After having our breakfast, we headed to Sg Wang, KL all the way from Melaka to get something that's luring us for the past weeks and months.


Kimfei, the driver, and...


Jian and Hanping

Four of us, the soon-to-be photographer.... wannabe... LOL!

When we reached Sg Wang around 11 something, the whole place is so quiet, not crowded like during weekends. I like.



Without wasting much time, we started going from shops to shops for price surveying. The price is almost the same, but the services from the shop varies. Some explain to us how the things work patiently; some just ignore us; and one even like quarreling with us (Kesian Han Ping, he's the one kena. Luckily I don't know how to speak fluent Cantonese! XD)

We tried a few models to "feel" the body before deciding. The one I aimed for the past weeks didn't disappoint me. It fits perfectly in my hand.



Fattien came around 1pm and we had lunch together while he shares his knowledges with us. He's a nice and friendly person.



After the lunch, Fattien had to go back to his work, leaving 4 of us to continue hunting for our babes. After some surveyings and discussion, we finally decided to get from the first shop we visited in Sg Wang. The shop lady smiled when she saw us. 4 dSLRs to be sold at the same time with cash, imagine that.



After some negotiating and cock talking in the shop, we paid the money, and walked out happily with 2 Canon 450D, 2 Canon 400D and empty pockets.

We had yumcha session in Old Town Coffeeshop together with Hung Wei who dropped by in Sg Wang for the fashion show at 8. So the 5 of us, sitting in the coffeeshop, drinking and chit chatting until the time when we should be going back... YEA RIGHT! Right after we sat down, all of us took out our dSLRs and started to play with it like thrilled kids. Of course, we learned something from Hung Wei who is glad to teach us.


Hung Wei with his Sony A100


Kimfei playing his Canon 450D


Hanping with his Canon 400D

Tarak Jian with his Canon 400D's pic... :P

I bought myself a Canon 450D with Canon 50mm f1.8 prime lens, which means I can only eat grass for the next few months T______T



Included in the package are: Camera Bag, 2GB SD card, Tripod, Canon Backpack, UV filter and screen protector.

Comparing the 450D and 400D side by side...

Front view:


Back view:


Top view:


And last but not least...

















WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

dSLR: Canon vs Sony, which to buy?

I bought my cam, A700, around a year ago. Within that period, I had used that cam for various occasions. With the knowledges on photography grows day by day, I've finally face some limitations from it. The ISO sucks a lot from 400 onwards, the shutter speed is too slow to freeze the motion, the grip is too small for me which decreases the stability... and because of that, I'm too lazy to bring out this "toy" as I can't get the shiok effect from it. Oh and by the way, I'm using Canon A700, not Sony A700 ^^"

And now, I'm thinking for an upgrade; an upgrade to the world of dSLRs. I did a lot of homeworks and researches, looking for the best performance over values entry level dSLRs that are available in the current market. And here comes the headache part, after narrowing the choices of entry levels dSLRs, it leads me to a few options that I can choose from:

Sony A200: One of the best choices entry level dSLRs for budget buyer. With one of the main selling point which is built in Super Steady Shot (SSS), I mean, where on Earth that you can get a dSLRs with built in image stabilizer with the price of just RM1.7k with SAL17-50mm kitlens?

Sony A300/A350: Another Alpha series from Sony. Apart the features which is almost the same with A200, A300/A350 offers true lifeview and a tilt screen! A350 has been launched and available in the market while the date for A300 to be on sale is still uncertain. If I'm going to choose one of the two, most probably I'll go for A300 for its lower price and I don't think I need that much megapixels from A350. And the big question is, when will A300 be launched?

Canon 400D: An almost two years technology and it was always on my mind whenever entry level dSLR is mentioned. Cheaper accessories is one of the reason why I wanted to go for it. I think an additional battery grip is needed if I were to get it as most of the feedbacks from users I've read are small grip of the dSLR.

Canon 450D: I told you that 400D was always on my mind when it comes to entry level dSLR right? Well, it was always on my mind until... this 450D appears in the market! With the features and body build that is 10000 times better than the 400D (OK, I exaggerate too much on the 10000 times better part), the only set back for me is the price. If only it was launched six months ago so the price would not be that high as now *sigh*



You must be wondering why don't I just go for 450D? Well, I've mentioned bout the best performance over values thing right? I want to get something that's worth the money I spend on. Added that expensive/new != good. Those money doesn't come easily and it takes me some times to save them. VERY DIFFICULT TO SAVE THOSE MONEY YOU KNOW!!! That's why I'm still hesitating to decide on one of those. I don't want to regret after spending so much money on it.

In case you are wondering why Nikon is not inside my list, let me put it in this way, the D40, D40x, D50 and D60 do not attract me at all. If I'm to get a Nikon, I'll go for D80 but D80 is waaaaaaay out of my budget :( My initial budget is only around RM2k plus and the most money I can ooze out is 450D which is below Rm3k, and that already leave me stuck with what is included in the package for a few months or maybe years to come.

I really don't have any clues on which one to get when it comes to getting my first dSLR where all of them have their own pros and cons. And again, I have to emphasize that I'm looking for one that is worth every cents I've spent on it. Headache right?

Choosing a suitable dSLR is quite a tiring task which I'm totally clueless now, however I've created some useful *cough* tips after getting one though. And these might be the stuffs that I'll keep on reminding myself after I bought one to prevent from regrets. Here goes:

1. Keep your eyes wide open before choosing a suitable dSLR. After you bought it, close you eyes and don't look back so you won't regret.

2. Short term pain (in the pocket) is always better than long term pain (regret for the rest of your life), get the best that you can afford.

3. For those that still keep on hesitating after getting their own dSLR, has weak heart or can't accept criticism well, just stick and chat with your own brand community, as fanboys from other brands will start to argue and bash your puny lousy dSLR that is worth nothing more than a piece of shit which in the end will kill your confidence for the brand you go for and make you regret after the purchase. So stick to your own brand community as they'll praise your dSLR like it's a diamond that drop from Heaven, even if it isn't that great at all and can be easily pawned by competitor's product. At least it can boost your little ego and confidence, that's a good thing... right?

4. If the war between brands can't be stopped, you have to prepare the war by equipping yourself with your ultimate weapon (the dSLR), unlimited bullets (battery power) and magazines (memory spaces), together with FLASHbang that'll blind your enemy while making them inferior with your BIG and LOOONG bazooka (lens FTW!!!). Remember to bring along a combat knife or a parang and no, it has nothing to do with any of the dSLR and the accessories, just in case his dSLR pawns yours (blame yourself for not being rich :P), you can always the knife and... leave a few scratches on your enemy's lens and camera body, that will make him/her cry. What? You think that I'm going to tell you to stab them? I'm not that violent wan... hehehe

Enough of the craps, for those that is new to dSLR and want to get a suitable dSLR, besides doing tonnes of research and homework, it is advised to try out the dSLRs and see which one of them that you are comfortable with. FYI, that's the most advise given for those that are clueless, undecided and full of hesistations (like me) I've read.

And of course, if you like to leave some comments regarding this article, especially shedding some light for me to walk the right path, you are welcomed to do so! However, please keep in mind that flaming or bashing without supported facts will not be tolerated and will be deleted immediately. Fanboyism is allowed (there must be some reasons why you want to support the particular brand and I'd like to hear it) but please don't make it to the extend that you start to bash other brands.

Please let me know if you know any shops in KL that offers the best deal for the four models I mentioned, especially 450D. Thanks!

On a rational thought, don't judge a dSLR by its brand.

Side note: I guess this is the longest post I've written in my blog so far, and even myself is amazed :P Going to get busy for midterm exam and FYP report :(

Updated: Bought a Canon 450D in the end after trying out the DSLRs in the shop. More pictures taken with this DSLR can be viewed in my posts starting from 28th April 2008 onward.

I Saved A Turtle Today

There's no need for me to emphasize how critically endangered turtle is. For the past few days, few popular bloggers had already tell the tale of the extinction that the turtle is going to face (More on here and here).



What you can do to help is to:
SMS WWF <space> your full name <space> Email and send to 39398. Each SMS donates RM3. Or go to wwf.org.my website to donate.

If the RM3 means a lot to you, then
1. Chat just 5 minutes less on the phone with your loved ones, they won't leave you just because you talk a little bit lesser to them on just one call;
2. Save up the 30-filled-with-craps-most-of-the-time SMS, use IM instead;
3. Stop MMS'ing Edison scandal pictures/videos with your friends, use bluetooth instead.

and you might save a turtle's life, how cool is that?



Well, I've done my part. How bout you?

Side note: A helpless financial problem facing student is looking for some fund for his graduation trip. What you can do to help him is to email me: DONATE <space>Your name (optional, I won't care either if you put it anyway) <space> amount. I'll send you my bank account.

PS: Just kidding on the side note part :P

Good bye relaxation

Jian told me that I was on magazine cover, which of course I don't believe. So off I went to the nearest magazine stand to look for the magazine in doubt. And gosh he was right, I really do appear on a magazine cover!



It's a relief that the magazine is not National Geographic featuring some Monkey Business thou.

Soon, I'll be haunted with tonnes of assignments, not forgetting my Final Year Project, followed by exams. The good old days is coming to an end soon.







This will going to be the worst and busiest semester ever. I'm gonna miss the happy moments :(

The Spartan In The Plane

Shoutout
Happy Chinese New Year!
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I'm back to Kuching, again, for the Chinese New Year. As usual, Air Asia is my only choice for its cheaper price than MAS but it turned out that the journey from KL to Kuching was not a pleasant one. Let me show you why:

























Other than that, this is the first time I faced "airsick". The shaky flight was/might be caused by:
1. Bad weather
2. Lousy pilots
3. Faulty plane!

My flight was delayed from 7.40pm to 9.30pm and I reached LCCT at 2.30pm due to the time booked with the taxi before I got the SMS from Air Asia telling me that my flight has been delayed. Furthermore, my flight was delayed again due to repairs on the aircraft.

During the flight, loud sounds was coming out underneath my feet and the unstable flight make the condition worse. It was like shaking you inside a bottle of bees.

Upon landing in the Kuching International Airport safely (thank god), I walked out from the plane, went down the staircase and saw one of the pilot holding a torch light checking the belly of the plane!

It's lucky that nothing happens during the flight. Phewwww....

Back To West Malaysia

Shout out
I just realized my photos size are large, hence the slow loading time. Sorry :P
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Reached KL this afternoon, ready for a new and last, hopefully, semester to begin.

Time flies so quickly. 3 months ago, I was preparing for my industrial training, buying all the clothes needed, reporting in to the company...

I was assigned to the electrical department, unfortunately electrical things are alien to me since I am from electronics background. I started to learn from the technicians, who are very generous and helpful. As days went by, my knowledges on electrical stuffs grew from 0 to... 0.5. Seriously, I still have not much idea on almost all the things they did during my training... bwahahahahahaha...

Anyway, I will stay in KL for a few days, doing my shopping for my Chinese New Year clothing most probably before going back to Melaka to... continue... my... FYP *sob*

And damn, I haven't finish my Industrial Training report and its presentation slide T____T

Weight-lift Skating

Shout out
My last day of industrial training! Yay!!
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This is what happens when I was left in the workshop without any technicians and wasn't assigned with any job. By the way, don't try this at home, I'm a trained and professional errr... weight-lift skater *cough*



I don't know where all the technicians went out to do their own job, leaving me behind with boredom. Thus, I end up doing silly stuffs to kill my time :P

The Fresh Air from Mother Nature

My cousin had just opened a canteen at one of the Polytechnic school in Matang, Kuching. It takes almost one hour of driving to reach there from Kuching city. Together with my family, we went to have a look at his new canteen.

Upon arriving, we was told that there is a small path across the road that lead to a stream in the middle of the jungle. It has been a long time I stepped in the icy cold water that flows down from the top of the mountain. Without hesitation, off I went, walking along the small path.

It doesn't took me long to get to the river eventhough I had to go up and down a few slippery slopes. It's ashame that I did not bring any extra clothes nor my camera. I could only dip my leg until the water reaches my knee level and start snapping some pictures with my phone.

Here're a few photos I managed to snap, enjoy :)





















The fresh air, the cool water, the music from the insect, the chirping birds.... I love Mother Nature! I might think twice if you ask me to go out shopping with you, but the story will be a little bit different if you ask me to go out to the nature for some outdoor activities :P